SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026

Mill Spring, NC – October 26, 2026 – Competition at the 143rd National Horse Show began before sunrise in Tryon International's indoor arena with the highly anticipated 2026 NHS 3'3" Equitation Championship, sponsored by the Hamel Family Foundation. Among the 190 riders competing for top honors, one horse-and-rider combination rose to the occasion, delivering standout performances throughout the day to claim the coveted championship title.

Ryleigh Orton Wins 2026 NHS 3'3" Equitation Championship, Sponsored by the Hamel Family Foundation

After three phases of competition at the 143rd National Horse Show, Ryleigh Orton of Charlestown, RI, claimed the 2026 NHS 3'3" Equitation Championship, sponsored by the Hamel Family Foundation, aboard Enjoy Trouzilit, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Greenlight Sporthorses LLC. Trained by Christopher Strucker, Orton capped off an impressive weekend with her second championship title, marking a memorable conclusion to her junior equitation career and a remarkable debut at the National Horse Show.

RYLEIGH ORTON

CHAMPION

KATHRYN PADILLA

RESERVE CHAMPION

From left: Paige Dendiu (trainer), Kathryn Padilla (Reserve Champion), Christopher Strucker (trainer), Ryleigh Orton (Champion), and Kristen Hamel (Hamel Family Foundation).

Sponsor Spotlight

The National Horse Show extends its sincere gratitude to the Hamel Family Foundation for its continued support and dedication to providing championship opportunities for the next generation of equestrians.

NHS Candid Gallery

The 143rd National Horse Show is officially underway! Make sure to check out our candid gallery daily to see if you can spot yourself.

NHS Quick Links

The NHS livestream is completely free to watch and will be live on nhs.org starting tomorrow morning.

The National Horse Show's 2026 orders and results are provided by Show Management System.

Features daily class offerings. For more info, check out the 2026 NHS Prize List.