And They’re Off: TES Show Series Launches with Standout Rides
- talesoftori
- May 5
- 3 min read
🏆 TES Show Series Ignites with a Powerful Opening Day
The 2026 TES Show Series is officially underway—and the first show delivered.
Under brisk, cloudy skies on May 3rd, riders took to the ring for the Dressage Schooling Show, launching a four-show series where every ride now counts toward year-end championship standings. The rain threatened all afternoon—but never came—leaving ideal conditions for a full day of competition.
From the first ride to the final class, the energy was high—and the leaderboard is already taking shape.
🥇 High Point Spotlight: Ella Gish
When the dust settled, Ella Gish stood at the top.
With a standout ride scoring an impressive 79.000% in Bareback Dressage Intro C, Ella not only took the class win—she earned High Point Rider of the Day and took home the TES silver plate, commemorating the show.
A huge accomplishment—and an early statement in the 2026 season.
Tami Khilla wins her very first dressage show.
🎯 The Leaderboard Begins
This isn’t just one show—it’s a cumulative series, and every placing counts:
🥇 7 points for 1st
🥈 5 points for 2nd
🥉 4 points for 3rd
Through 6th place
After Show #1, a few riders are already separating themselves:
🔥 Verona Pasker leads the series with 12 points🔥 Carina Bergstrom sits close behind with 11 points🔥 Zoe Bronstein holds strong with 9 points
And a deep group of riders are tied at 7 points—this season is wide open.
🌟 Verona Pasker: Momentum from Nationals to TES
Fresh off her Top 3 finish at IEA Nationals, Verona Pasker brought that same level of focus and polish back to TES—and it showed.
She delivered a strong all-around performance:
🥈 2nd place – Training Level Test 2 (66.034%)
🥇 1st place – Dressage Seat Equitation Walk/Trot/Canter
That combination of technical execution and equitation strength has already put her at the top of the series standings—and made her an early rider to watch.
🔥 Big Rides Across the Divisions
Training Level Highlights
Gretchen Joseph delivered one of the standout rides of the day, winning Training Level Test 2 with an impressive 73.103%
And it wasn’t just an individual performance—it was a family showing.
Both of her daughters competed:
Ava Joseph took 1st place in Training Level Test 1
Edyn Joseph put in a strong ride to place 2nd in Training Level Test 3
A full-family presence in the ring—and a great example of the depth of the program.
Additional Standouts
Tannaz Oskui won Training Level Test 3 with a 68.000%
Esther Haltom took 1st in the own-horse division of Training Level Test 3 with a 67.000%
Intro & Developing Rider Highlights
Jennifer Zhang dominated Intro C with a 75.500%
Rosemary Eells won Intro B
Avery Scharwath claimed Intro A
Strong rides across all levels—and a deep bench of developing talent.
🐴 A Milestone for Star Horses
One of the most meaningful moments of the day came early.
For the first time, a Star Horses rider entered the show ring, with Ashlynn competing aboard Louisiana.
A major milestone—and an exciting step forward for the program.
👏 Behind the Scenes
This show ran as smoothly as it did thanks to a strong team effort:
Andrea Call – Show Manager
Griffin Denham – Judge
Amy Greene – Scribe
Sky & Morgan – Ring steward + coaching support
Erika, Karina, and Phoebe – Coaching their riders throughout the day
⏭️ Next Up: Equitation Show – June 7
The series continues with a new format and a new challenge:
📅 Equitation Show – June 7
Different test. Same pressure. More points on the line.
Mina riding Pennsylvania 🔥 The Season Is On
One show down.Points on the board.Momentum building.
Now it’s about consistency.
Who can stay at the top—and who will climb their way there?
We’ll find out soon.
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