Wellington, United States – January 08, 2026 – After a very successful career all the way up to the FEI-level last year, Olivia Sweetnam (USA) has made her name known competing in the United States and overseas. It was no different in the opening week of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at Wellington International. As usual she teamed up with her faithful partner Epic, finishing $32,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 CSI 3* on Thursday to start what will hopefully be a great season there.

The two-round WEF Challenge cup track was set by course designer Nick Granat (USA), with 12 returning for the tie-breaking second phase. The under-25 rider Olivia Sweetnam (USA) took second riding Epic for owner Sweet Oak Farm in 34.58 seconds.

Rounding out the all-American podium, U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Laura Kraut (USA) — currently ranked just ahead of Mallevaey at no. 7 in the world—was third riding Dorado 212, owned by St. Bride’s Farm, in 36.33 seconds.

Final Results – $32,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round I CSI 3*

1) Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & Destine to Be – 0 / 0 – 33.10

2) Olivia Sweetnam (USA) & Epic – 0 / 0 – 34.58

3) Laura Kraut (USA) & Dorado 212 – 0 / 0 – 36.33

Source: Press Release (edited) from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein

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