Mill Spring, NC – November 1, 2026 – Continuing a time-honored tradition on the first Sunday in November, the National Horse Show welcomed North America’s top junior equitation riders to Tryon International for the prestigious 2026 NHS ASPCA Maclay National Championship, presented by Chansonette Farm. Established in 1933 by renowned horseman Alfred B. Maclay as the nation’s first major equitation final, the championship has become one of the most coveted titles in junior equestrian sport. This year’s competition served as the grand finale to two weeks of elite competition at the 143rd National Horse Show.
A total of 160 horse-and-rider combinations qualified for Sunday’s featured event, each eager to showcase their skills and compete for top honors. All 160 riders had the opportunity to navigate course designer Paul Jewell’s 15-obstacle first-round track. Of the 160 competitors, just seven broke into the 90s. Emi Richard topped the leaderboard following the first round with a score of 94.25, narrowly edging out Kaitlyn Linck, who earned a 94, and Baylee Rowan, who rounded out the top three with a 93.00.
