Devon, Pennsylvania – May 24, 2024 – Equitation competition at the 2024 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair came to a close on Friday, May 24th as junior riders vied for the last of three blue ribbons in the sections of the ASPCA Maclay. It was a close race between several riders as to who would claim the coveted R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship. 

ASPCA Maclay at Devon. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

The ASPCA Maclay started bright and early at 7:30 AM EST with 42 entries in Section A. Following one over fences round and a flat phase, it was Thursday’s Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search winner, Christian Dominguez who claimed his second victory at Devon. Dominguez, who trains with Jennifer Hannan also took a second-place finish in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase on Thursday. Dominguez rode his own Dutch Warmblood gelding Iwan (Quasimodo VD Molendreef X Katarma). 

Christian Dominguez and Iwan. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Section B was the next group of 42 entries to take to the Dixon Oval, and it was Olivia Sweetnam who finally chased down a blue ribbon of her own aboard Efendi. Sweetnam, who is trained by Emily Smith, was on the edge of the first-place podium on Wednesday, claiming a second-place finish in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, a third-place finish in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase, and a fourth-place finish in the ​​Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section C. 

Olivia Sweetnam and Efendi. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

In the final section of the ASPCA Maclay, JJ Torano emerged victorious aboard Favorite Edition Z. Torano is trained by John Brennan, and claimed a third-place finish in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase as well as a fourth-place finish in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search on Thursday. 

JJ Torano and Favorite Edition Z. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

It was Beacon Hill’s student, Reese Merna who ultimately claimed the coveted R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship. Merna took a podium position in every single equitation class, and heading into the final day of competition was locked in a four-way tie for the title. Her final performance in Friday’s ASPCA Maclay solidified her as the highest scoring equitation rider. 

Tune into her full interview with trainer, Stacia Klein Madden of Beacon Hill Show Stables

Reese Merna with Stacia Madden. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Taylor Cawley won the William Cooney Jr. Style & Sportsmanship Award

Taylor Cawley. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

Christian Dominguez was awarded the Hannah Micayla Serfass ‘Best Overall Performance Award’ in honor of the late Hannah Serfass. 

Christian Dominguez. Photo by Olivia Airhart, Mane Source Media for Phelps Media Group

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