Zayna Rizvi is Picture-Perfect to Win Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2* at WEF Week 10

Wellington, Fla. – March 13, 2020 – A field of 38 riders entered Ring 6 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, March 13, with the hopes of emerging victorious in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2* during week 10 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The 14-effort course, which featured a triple combination, liverpool and an option for the open water, proved challenging for many riders early on, but it was Zayna Rizvi who would clinch the victory at the end of the class. Close behind were Taylor Griffiths-Madden and Natalie Jayne, who finished in second and third, respectively.

Zayna Rizvi and Finnick

Competitors found Anthony D’Ambrosio’s to be testing, with clear rounds few and far between earlier in the class. Just 15 of the 38 entries laid down a clear first round, with the top 12 of those scores being invited back for the flat. Riders were asked to demonstrate a variety of skills such as lengthening of stride at both the trot and canter and a counter canter on both leads. Partnered with Jordyn Rose Freedman’s Finnick, Rizvi secured the highest over fences round on a score of 90, held her lead following the flat, earning her the top prize.

Rizvi and Finnick’s three-year partnership has proven to be a successful one this season at WEF. The duo has racked up a long list of top placings, including first-place finishes in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal and the WIHS Medal in Week Seven, as well as a second-place finish in the ASPCA/Maclay the same week.

Taylor Griffiths-Madden and Mac One III

Griffiths-Madden and her own Mac One III came in a close second, finishing the day on a score of 89. Wrapping up the top three placings was Natalie Jayne and Redfield Farm’s entry, Eretto, who secured a score of 88.

Equitation will continue at WEF with the THIS Children’s Medal at 8:00 am on Saturday, March 14.

Natalie Jayne and Eretto

FROM THE WINNERS CIRCLE

Zanya Rizvi – Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2* winner

On her rounds:
“I thought my course went really well. It is only my second or third USET on him. He felt really good. I rode according to my plan which was good. On the flat, those are my weaker parts but I thought I did really well though. I tried really hard to keep my position. It felt really good.”

On Finnick
“I have been leasing him for about three years, my sister rode him before me. He is the best.”

On rest of season plans:
“I plan on going to equitation finals at the end of the year with Finnick. I really just want to stay consistent throughout the year.”

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