Hunt Seat Class of 2026
TAYLOR MATALON
HUNT SEAT CLASS OF 2026
A sophomore from Georgia, I spend the majority of my time around horses dedicated to improving my skillsets in and out of the saddle. With my first short stirrup show in 2021, I have quickly moved up with national success to top placings and championships in the junior hunters at venues such as Capital Challenge, Washington International Horse Show, and Las Vegas National Horse Show.
HUNTERS, USHJA NATIONALHUNTER DERBIES,
& CATCH RIDES
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Reserve Champion at WIHS in the 3'3" Junior Hunters
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Reserve Champion in the 3'3" Junior Hunters at Las Vegas National
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Top Five Finishes at Capital Challenge in the 3'3" Junior Hunters
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Multiple USHJA National Hunter Derby Wins and Top Three Placings with scores in the 90s
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Currently Ranked 5th for USHJA National Hunter Derby Rider Prize Money Awarded
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15th Overall at Junior Hunter Finals on a Catch Ride
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2024 WEC Ocala Circuit Champion in the 3'3" Junior Hunters
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2024 WEC Ocala Circuit Champion in the Large Green Ponies
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Multiple catch rides piloting green ponies to division championships
JUMPERS & EQUITATION
Currently qualified for USHJA Jump Seat Medal Finals
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5th at Capital Challenge in the 15 Year Old Age Group Equitation
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Top 45 Finish at Jump Seat Medal Finals 2024
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Received an 83.75 and an 80 in the Gymnastics and Flat phases of USHJA Jump Seat Medal Finals respectively
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Top 5 Finishes in the WEC Cup Qualifier out of 20+
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Multiple Classic Wins & Championships in the 1.10 Jumpers
ABOUT
As a sophomore from Roswell, Georgia, I am currently competing in the junior hunters, 3'6" equitation, 1.10 jumpers, large green ponies, and often catch riding. I train with Sharon Enteen at Falcon Ridge Stables where I have quickly climbed the ranks from competing in the short stirrup in 2021 to top placings and championships in the junior hunters at national venues such as Capital Challenge, Washington International Horse Show, and Las Vegas National Horse Show.
While I enjoy competing in all three rings, the hunter and derby rings are my favorite. I enjoy the big classes, riding under pressure, and the challenges that each round may bring. Last year I finished 5th Nationally out of the junior riders for prize money won in USHJA National Hunter Derbies.
In addition to riding my own horses, I also catch ride green horses and ponies for top trainers such as Amanda Lyerly and Stephanie Cummings. Last summer, I won the equitation challenge out of 12 on four year old horse piloting him around his second horse show.
I am currently pursuing my academics at Rivers Academy. I am a member of the National Honors Society and am an active volunteer in the local community participating in backpack giveaway events, Turkey Drive, and local Christmas Drive events.
Between academic pursuits, volunteering in the community, and equestrian commitments, I'm passionate about elevating both my scholarly and riding skills, aiming to combine them as I venture into college.
