Olivia Sweetnam Captures WEF Equitation Championship, Presented by Arion Sellier
Rising equitation stars took to the International Arena at Wellington International on Thursday evening for the coveted WEF Equitation Championship, presented by Arion Sellier, during the KASK-sponsored Week 11 of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). As Wellington International gears up for Rolex Finale week of the winter season, kicking off on March 26, all eyes were on junior riders as 40 qualified rising stars took to the big ring.
The win was earned by 16-year-old Wellington-based Olivia Sweetnam, who opened competition with a high-score of 95 in the first round. She coupled it with a 91.5 in the second round aboard Efendi for owner Ashland Farms. Following in the footsteps of her sister’s 2024 runner-up finish, Baylee Rowan, 15, of Little Compton, RI, took second on Quantum, owned by Missy Clark. Adriana Forte of Water Mill, NY, rounded out the top three riding Heritage Farm’s Candescent.
“I am so proud of myself and my horse, and a bit relieved to be honest. I was very nervous going into this,” said Sweetnam, who is trained by Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms, and Danny Arendt of her family’s Sweet Oak Farm. “I’ve been working on staying focused during important finals and championships, and I hope I can produce more results similar to this.”
Andy Christiansen (USA) designed the equitation track, over which the top 12 were called back in reverse order for a second round. Four riders returned—without stirrups—for further testing: Sweetnam, Rowan, Forte and J.J. Torano, 14, of Wellington, FL, on Favorite Edition Z. Their test included showing off at a hand gallop, a trot fence, counter canter on both leads and halt after the last fence.
“I was nervous going into the final test because I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me,” said Sweetnam, who returned last in the test. “I’m not weak without stirrups, but I’m not the strongest either. I tried to focus on what was best for my horse and my plan and it all worked out.”
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Olivia Sweetnam Captures WEF Equitation Championship, Presented by Arion Sellier
