The Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals—East came to an exciting conclusion on Oct. 5 at the USET Foundation Headquarters as Geoffrey Hesslink was crowned champion.

Following the completion of Phase 3, Andre Dignelli trainees Hesslink, with Peacock Ridge LLC’s Canny Windsor Z, Lillie Keenan with Isabelle Caccamise’s Catwalk 19, and Caitlin Boyle with Chansonette Farm LLC’s Zentina B, joined Stacia Madden-trained Megan MacPhearson with Meridian Partners LLC’ Class Action atop the leaderboard.  The four were called back for the final phase where each rider completed an eight-obstacle course on their own horse, and then the three other riders’ horses.

Hesslink, of Shelburne, Vt., turned heads throughout the weekend with stylish performances in all phases to capture the attention of the judges and spectators. He earned the coveted Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals title after finishing Phase 4 on a total of 371, posting the highest totals of the afternoon on Catwalk 19 and Canny Windsor Z, 95 and 94, respectively, as well as earning a 92 on Class Action and 90 on Zentina B.

“He looked totally at ease; every round he just kept doing it and then with the change of horses he just kept nailing it,” said Jimmy Torano, who judged alongside Laura Kraut.

At 19, Hesslink has aged out of the junior division and came to Gladstone feeling he was ready to win his first national title.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” said Hesslink. “I didn’t expect it, and I am very excited and grateful. I was nervous because this is my only final, but I was confident because we were over-prepared for this event. I felt like I had a chance.”

Keenan, of New York, N.Y., earned the reserve champion title, finishing Phase 4 on a score of 366; earning an 87 on Catwalk 19, a 95 on Class Action, a 92 on Canny Windsor Z, and 92 on Zentina B.

Boyle, of Hampshire, Ill., who had the highest score of Phase 3—a 96—collected third place on a Phase 4 score of 364, riding to scores of 86, 97,90, and 91 on Catwalk 19, Class Action, Canny Windsor Z, and Zentina B, respectively.  MacPherson finished fourth on 337 after riding the four horses to scores of 75, 80, 88, and 94.

Daisy Farish, of Versailles, Ky., who led competition after the first two phases, finished in fifth place.

The Grappa Trophy was awarded to Boyle’s ride, Zentina B, as the best horse of the competition.

Look for an in-depth article about Hesslink’s big win in the Oct. 20 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse print magazine.