Sophia Siegel claims top two spots in $50,000 Stephen Silver Grand Prix

It was a tough track in the $50,000 Stephen Silver Grand Prix at the Menlo Charity Horse Show on Saturday, but one rider reigned supreme. No jump off was needed as 21-year-old Sophia Seigel was the only rider to jump clean on two different horses. Ultimately, A-Girl (pictured top and below) and Unchained 2 were the only horses to not drop a rail of the 13 initial starters.

As both the owner and rider of A-Girl (A-Dur x Sandbergs Carina), Unchained 2 (Uriko x Anka VIII) and the fourth place finisher Immer Fortuna (Berlin x Corione Fotuna), Siegel says she is “blessed and grateful” to have three horses that can compete at this level.

A-Girl is no stranger to the winner’s circle having recently competed with Siegel at the 2024 FEI World Cup Finals (Riyadh). When asked about A-Girl, Siegel couldn’t help but smile. “She’s my main girl, my queen, my top dog. She’s my everything.”

Second place horse Unchained 2 is described as a chill and forgiving gelding who Siegel plans to move up to the FEI level soon. Walking into the ring on her final horse, Siegel knew she had already won and was able to truly enjoy the round, saying it was a “really fun ride and that she couldn’t stop smiling”.

Now a student at Stanford, Sophia Siegel has been coming to the Menlo Charity Horse Show since she was six years old riding ponies. She feels as if she’s grown up at Menlo and is thankful for the wonderful sponsors and the beautiful facility.

Third place went to Matt Archer and Luigi VD Bishop clocking in a time of 78.358 as the fastest four faulter.

The Menlo Charity Horse Show, a 501 (c) (3) organization, was honored with the designation as a USEF Heritage Competition in 2012. Recognized as one of the finest equestrian events in the United States, Menlo is unique in that its origin and legacy is one of philanthropy. Its current charitable partner, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Vista),  is the premier resource for individuals with vision loss in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties.

Photos by Alden Corrigan Media (c) 2024; used with permission