Ivy Lampert Crowned Champion of the WEC – Wilmington Medal Final 3’ & 3’3”
15 NOV 25 Wilmington, OH
Wilmington, Ohio – All eyes turned to the R+L Annex Arena Friday evening at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington. Midwest Indoors II showcased the annual WEC Medal Final, where nearly 40 horse-and-rider combinations competed in a two-phase equitation final divided into two sections: the WEC Medal Final 3’ & 3’3” and the WEC Medal Final 2’ & 2’6”.
Athletes first navigated a track set by Scott Alder and were later asked to return for the flat phase. Jumping at the 3’3” height, it was Ivy Lampert who mastered both phases to be crowned champion.
Exiting the ring and thanking her mount, Jouret W, Lampert reflected on their partnership.
“It’s a very new partnership—about six months—but he’s truly the most incredible animal. He has this huge, outgoing personality and is so straightforward to the jumps. I first tried him in April in Ocala, and after a lot of things falling apart and coming back together, he finally came to me this summer. I feel unbelievably lucky to have him and the team that made it possible.”
Despite their recent pairing, the duo has already debuted on major stages, jumping to a top 20 finish at the National Horse Show. This win marked what Lampert called “the biggest equitation win so far.”
“He has already brought me to my first 90 and today felt like our biggest step forward together. I can’t put the adrenaline into words,” she laughed. “It is unreal to come out with a win like this.”
Lampert also credited the facility and the Wilmington community for making the night special.
“TJ [Campbell] has done an amazing job making this class stand out—the podium, the bouquets, the atmosphere. From the ponies to the adults, everyone at WEC celebrates together. The courses are fun, and the tests give you options. It’s so adjustable for you and your horse, and it’s a great way to wrap up the finals season.”
Leah Schwartz Emerges Victorious in the WEC – Wilmington Medal Final 2’ & 2’6”
In the WEC Medal Final 2’ & 2’6” section, Leah Schwartz emerged victorious among a field of 26 horse-and-rider pairs.
The win proved especially meaningful as she piloted her own horse, My European Rodeo, to the victory.
“I won the WEC Medal at the beginning of September and qualified, which was huge for us. I bought him newly imported, and he hadn’t done much, so bringing him up with David [Beisel] and the whole team has been really special.”
“Coming back here and proving it wasn’t just luck the first time around meant a lot,” she laughed. “My goal all year was to do a medal final, and I got to do two—and win two. That’s a really big deal!”
Having developed her mount since his four-year-old year, Schwartz shared how the format of the class has helped guide his progression into the equitation ring.
“He was originally supposed to be a jumper, but he made it very clear that wasn’t what he wanted to do. He wasn’t quite meant to be a hunter either, so we ended up settling into the equitation ring. Being able to do this class all year at different heights has been so important for him. We did some of the 2’ medals when I first got him because he needed confidence and having that flexibility really helped him grow.”