Maison McIntyre Secures Individual Gold at USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships

By Jumper News Branches on November 12, 2021

Thermal, California – November 11, 2021 – The Grand Prix Arena served as the backdrop for the Individual Final for the USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships on Thursday at Week II of the National Sunshine Series. A cumulative championship format set over three rounds, riders focused on jumping clear to finish on the lowest possible score to secure a spot on the podium. After three rounds across three days of competition at the 1.40-1.45m height, Maison McIntyre (USA) stepped atop the podium as the gold medalist of the USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships with her mount Hold It Against Me.

The course, designed by Manuel Esparza (MEX), began with an oxer off of a short turn on the rail, and also featured three double combinations and several lines across the middle. McIntyre (USA) had a favorable position going second to last as the second lowest overall score heading into the final. Despite all of the pressure, she pulled out the clear round necessary to put her in the running for gold. As leader Kendall Bourgeois (USA) dropped two rails, McIntyre moved into the lead and claimed the coveted gold medal. Bourgeois (USA) would come home with the silver medal aboard Collin 4, while Katie Murray (USA) and Kasstender C would secure the bronze.

From The Winners Circle

Maison McIntyre – Platinum Individual Championship Gold Medalist

On winning the gold medal:

“My horse has been jumping amazing, he’s perfect. Today, I knew I had to jump a clear round to secure the gold medal. I knew I was standing pretty well out there, but just hoping not to have any faults today. That’s exactly what my horse did today – he’s incredible.”

On Hold It Against Me:

“I got him last year and started him in the 1.20m. He and my other horse helped me move up to the 1.30m. I’ve been doing more 1.40m classes with him and did a couple grand prix classes with him over the summer and he’s been jumping consistently in all of those, all top finishes. He jumps amazingly, he’s so forgiving. He’s such a kind horse.”

On her goals:

“Our goals are to qualify for all of the junior teams next year. All these team experiences are great because when I’m older I want to do the Nations Cups and such. My goal is to make it back to Prix Des States on the team this year instead of just as an individual and qualify for Young Riders as well.”