United States Eventing Association

It was a full-circle moment for Addison Borton when she competed in the CCI1*-S at The Event at TerraNova, held March 26-29 in Myakka City, Florida.

Just 11 years old, Borton rode Way Too Marvelous BSR to fourth-place finish in her first international event—three years after her first ever USEA-recognized event at TerraNova at the Starter level.

“It’s such a beautiful, well-run venue, and it’s always so much fun to be there,” she said. “I enjoyed every minute of it! I went in just hoping to give him a good ride and not worry about ribbons, so ending up in the top 10 made me super proud of him.”

Borton’s first event pony, Conway Lad, took her to the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds when she was 9 years old in 2023. That same year, her family purchased Way Too Marvelous BSR, or “Peter,” to be her next eventing partner.

Trained and competed to Training level by young rider Luciana Hackett, the 10-year-old Welsh Pony/Thoroughbred gelding (Gayfield’s Way Too Cool x Missing Blue) has helped Borton move up through the levels, but it wasn’t easy going in the beginning she said.

“Peter and I took almost a year to really understand each other,” she said. “I remember when I couldn’t get through a jump lesson without falling off almost every week. According to Peter, everything was my fault… which, honestly, was usually fair!

“He has a big personality and makes me laugh a lot and can be pretty opinionated and a bit sensitive sometimes, but he’s taught me so much—like how to be patient, stay determined, and keep trying even when things are hard,” she continued. “Even on the tough days, he makes up for it by being so brave, an amazing jumper, and just all around really special pony.”

Under the guidance of trainer Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis in Florida, the pair have taken their time at Novice and Training level and were ready for a Modified move up this year.

“Moving up to Modified with Peter this year has been a dream come true,” said Borton. “I am so excited to also be an FEI rider now, and Peter is loving the bigger jumps; we both love a challenge.”

Their finish at TerraNova was their fourth Modified start—they won one event and finished second twice.

“I really focused on riding my best in stadium and helping him find his distances and landings, and I’m so happy with how he did,” said Borton. “In cross-country we both just went for it. I knew I needed to take my time through some of questions and that time would be a challenge on a pony, but as soon as we would land, Peter just opened up. We made it within 4 seconds of optimum [time].”

Borton also competes on the Class Act Farm Interscholastic Eventing League team out of Jarnstrom-Dennis’ farm. She’s been training there since she was 7.

“I love training with [Jarnstrom-Dennis]—she keeps me safe and gives me so many different kinds of riding opportunities. She pushes me to do my best and reminds me that I can do hard things, which has really helped my confidence. She is also really good at figuring out what our horses need and how to bring out the best in them too.”

Borton says she’s close with her teammates and loves being on a team because it teaches her about patience and understanding and that not every ride is perfect. “When someone has a tough day, we’re always there for each other and find ways to cheer one another up. I love how we work together, make each other laugh, and just enjoy the sport together,” she said.

Borton is hoping to keep learning and improving this season with Peter and also keeps busy helping Jarnstrom-Dennis with young horses.

“I’m really interested in helping produce younger eventing ponies and horses and being part of their training,” she said. “I’m currently helping my trainer with a few, and I really love being part of their journey and watching them progress.”

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