Ellie Sadrian and JJ Torano Claim Junior Hunter Championships

Ellie Sadrian and JJ Torano Claim Junior Hunter Championships

Seventeen-year-old Ellie Sadrian was feeling like a bit of a bridesmaid, being named reserve champion three times this season and not yet securing a championship. That streak ended Sunday of WEF 4 as she was named champion of the Voltaire Design Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division aboard Wonderous.

“We imported him three years ago,” Sadrian, of Palm Beach, FL, said of her partnership with the 13-year-old Warmblood gelding. “He moved me up from the 3’3”. We had a successful indoors this year and he was perfect.”

Wonderous, or “Sugar,” as he’s known in the barn, has always given Sadrian a great deal of confidence, able to move up and keep staying strong through their years together.

“I’ve had him the longest out of all my horses so he’s what I know how to ride,” she explained regarding where the confidence comes from. “He’s a really good jumper, not the best mover but we did really well in the hack this week. He’s consistent.”

Sadiran piloted Wonderous to second place under saddle after winning twice over fences with a high score of 88 over two days.

As for goals for WEF, Sadrian shares similar goals to many other hunter riders across the showgrounds. “I want to do really well Week 6 and make it to the [WCHR Hunter Spectacular] night class,” she said. “I want to have a consistent year because this is my last junior year.”

Paige Walkenbach took home the reserve champion title in the Voltaire Design Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division riding her own San Pedro 15.

Unlike Sadrian and Sugar’s long-term relationship, JJ Torano, 14, of Wellington, FL, rode Filou’s Lady for the first time on Saturday. They then won their first tricolor together on Sunday. With the Rafferty Farm-owned entry, Torano earned top ribbons all weekend to be named champion in the T&R Development Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division.

“Yesterday was my first time ever sitting on her,” he said of his brand-new partnership with the 13-year-old Oldenburg mare. “I’d seen the horse a little bit; I have friends who have ridden her. The horse is with Boggs Hill the Goguens and they gave me the opportunity to ride it this week in the junior hunters.”

Torano’s method is simple: “I rode her yesterday, figured it out a little in the schooling area, and we went in the ring,” he said. “Very easy horse, very simple, easygoing. It was a good opportunity from the Goguens.”

The young superstar feels there are more opportunities to come aboard Filou’s lady, with his eye especially on WCHR week at Wellington International.

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