Harrisburg, PA – (October 20, 2025) – Lara McPherson and Tenerife capped off a dream year to win the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Adult Hunter Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA.
McPherson and “Henry” as he is called around the barn came to Harrisburg as the top qualifiers in the division. They continued their winning ways in the first round receiving the highest score of 87 points out of 31 competitors.
“It was a relief,” said the McLean, VA resident. “It’s always nice to have a good first round. I knew after the first jump that we were going to have a good day.”
That feeling may have been premature. The pair scored an 83 in the second round, which was not the best. Fortunately, the combined tally of 170 points kept McPherson and Tenerife at the top of the leader board.
Maddox and Lissa Bachner of Baltimore, MD came close to unseating the champions. The pair was the judge’s favorite in the second round receiving 84 points, but their first round score of 83 left Maddox and Bachner with a combined score of 167 points and second place. McPherson had only one thing to say.
“He was perfect,” said McPherson of the seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood. “He couldn’t have done anything more.”
This was the fourth appearance for McPherson in the NAL. Her previous record included two seventh place finishes and a fifth last year.
“The NAL is great,” said McPherson. “Harrisburg is one of my favorite horse shows and the NAL program gives us a chance to get here. They have done a great job.”
The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter-jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, presented by Practical Horseman, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. The qualifying period kicks off on September 1 and runs through August 31. Top riders in the final series standings are allowed to compete in a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show each October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information, a list of qualifying competitions and results, visit the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.
Results horse/rider/score
1. Tenerife Lara McPherson 170
2. Maddox Lissa Bachner 167
3. Eye Remember Rio Victoria Watters Leblond 166
4. Ebony Lissa Bachner 159
5. Lordante Dee McDuffee 158
6. Dubya Elizabeth Sponseller 155
7. Tapestry Donna Struve 154.5
8. Riesling Cheryl Rubenstein 154
9. Walkabout Rosalie Morton 153
10. Moonshine CaraWalinsky 152
11. Overseas Mindy Wurzburg 150.5
12. Talisker Jessica Ianello 136
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