Amanda Sinnett, 18, and Connecticut ended the 2026 U25 season with a career high Sunday at Thunderbird Show Park’s Harvest Celebration. The pair claimed victory and their first-ever Grand Prix title in the $15,000 U25 1.40m Grand Prix, protected by Western Pacific Emergency Response.
Just two pairs cracked the code to advance to the jump-off. First to return, Jessica Felcan, 24, and Karmina de Nyze Z set the standard, stopping the clock in 42.8 seconds with a single rail down. Sinnett and Connecticut delivered a double clear in 52.51 seconds to secure the win. Stella Chernoff, 21, and Lady Cassini 3 rounded out the podium with the fastest four-fault time of the day in the first round.
Sinnett and the 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding previously won a U25 1.40m class at the Canadian Premier in May and had a clear strategy on Sunday: avoid time faults.
“Honestly, I hadn’t jumped a U25 or a 1.40m since the first week of May, so my whole plan was to have a nice double clear,” Sinnett said. “I wanted to go out there and have fun.”
For Sinnett, who grew up riding pony hunters at tbird and watching the U25 division from the sidelines, the win carries special meaning.
“I always wanted to do the U25 classes. I never thought I could,” she said. “So just coming out here [is a big deal] and we all know each other by the end of the year. It builds a little community inside the sport. It’s fun watching everyone and their horses grow throughout the year.”
Even more meaningful is her U25 partner. Connecticut, a bay gelding affectionately known as “Kevin,” showed up at the right time for Sinnett.
“I’ve had him since November 2024. I actually quit jumping and then someone called me and said, ‘I have a horse, just take him,’” she recalled. “Connecticut took me around my first U25 classes last year and then my first national grand prix. He’s a super cool guy. I ride him bareback at home in my backyard. He’s the best, honestly. He’s perfect.”
While Sinnett claimed the Grand Prix victory, Chernoff was crowned the overall U25 Series champion with 11 top five finishes earned over the season aboard Lady Cassini 3 and Hippy Boy D Azur.
“With Lady, specifically, it has taken a bit for us to build our partnership and today, just feeling how confident she is, would definitely be a highlight for me,” Chernoff reflected on her U25 season.
“It is such an awesome division because you are competing against everyone your age, which is so nice, but it’s also super competitive. It’s a great stepping stone from the Junior/Amateurs into the FEI level and a great way to get to know new horses—and it’s also super fun!”
The U25 Series, protected by Western Pacific Emergency Response, showcases rising talent in show jumping at Thunderbird Show Park.
$15,000 U25 1.40m Grand Prix, protected by Western Pacific Emergency Response, Top 5
Rank / Horse / Rider / Nation / Owner / Faults-Time
1, Connecticut, Amanda Sinnett (CAN) Amanda Sinnett 0 / 0-52.51
2. Karmina de Nyze Z, Jessica Felcan (CAN) Jessica Felcan 0 / 4-42.8
3. Lady Cassini 3, Stella Chernoff (CAN) Stump Lake Ranch and Cattle Co LTD 4-71.71
4. Pericola Van de Looise Heide, Bryn Harvey (CAN) Bryn Harvey 4-80.45
5. Daiquiri, Iris Hickey (USA) Linda Rae Hickey 4-81.85
U25 Final Standings HERE.
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