As the first to return for the eight-horse jump-off, Williams and Valinski S set the pace to beat at 34.25 seconds with a double clear effort. Their performance would be good enough for the third place award, showcasing their skill against an international field of athletes.
"I've only been riding the horse for a couple months now, but he is one of those horses that no matter who rides him he wants to make you happy," said Williams. "He jumps his heart out every time. I couldn't ask for a better horse. He's a little small, but what he doesn't have in size he makes up for in heart."
Williams added, "I am very lucky that Ronnie [Beard] and Michael [Dorman] let me ride the horse. It has been a real privilege, and I am learning a lot from them. I am really grateful they are really supporting me. The horse keeps stepping up to the plate, and I am really happy."
During the week, Williams also competed with some of Wyndmont's young horses, having clear rounds with Cas and Elixer St in the 1.30m Open Jumpers, and he then earned just four faults with Zephyr and Elixer St in the $30,000 Las Vegas Speed Classic.
Christi Israel represented Wyndmont in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers, placing third in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers early in the week with Cracky Z, and also placing second in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers with Clouseau. She eventually went on to earn the seventh place award in the $ 10,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers Show Jumping Hall of Fame West Coast Championship. For her top performances throughout the week, Israel earned the Leading Amateur Rider Award.
It was young rider Mitchell Endicott that beat out Israel in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, showing Wyndmont's Zaldorado to a double clear effort and winning by almost two seconds. The pair also had a clear round in the 1.20m Open Jumpers at the beginning of the week, and Endicott earned the Leading Junior Jumper Rider Award. During the Winter Equestrian Festival, Endicott and Zaldorado will continue their partnership in the U25 events.
Junior rider Nicole Loochtan also competed in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, showing her mounts Willem and Hamilton Boy DW. Loochtan had solid rounds on both horses to bring home good ribbons.
"Traveling to the West Coast was a wonderful experience for all of our horses and riders," said Beard. "Everyone had a great time and learned a lot, and after Matt's performance in the World Cup class, I can confidently say we left our mark on the West Coast."
The horses of Wyndmont Inc will now be returning to Florida for a well-deserved break before the Winter Equestrian Festival, but there are much bigger international goals on the horizon.
"We'll probably do a couple of the Nations Cups in Florida and then hopefully go to Europe for a month and see where we at," concluded Williams. "We have team qualified for Rio next year, so hopefully we can aim at that."
