Last Updated on November 2, 2025 by adminahb
Photo: Summer Justus and La Belle SCF asChappell Roan and Pink Pony Club.
Back by popular demand, the Costume Jumper Class returned to the 142nd National Horse Show on Halloween night — and our riders did not disappoint! Horse-and-rider combinations competing in Friday’s $30,000 1.40m Open Speed Stake showcased their creativity with imaginative costumes, vying not only for the class victory but also for the $5,000 Best Costume Award.
Thirty-two horse-and-rider pairs, decked out in full costume, took to Alan Wade’s (IRE) 14-obstacle speed track.
Jole Kosloske, in full vampire attire, and Crystal Claire topped the class with a blazing time of 53.87. Coming in second was JJ Torano aboard Vitus K with a score of 56.12, followed closely in third by Sloane Coles riding Ninja JW Van de Moerhoeve with a score of 56.62.
Summer Justus, who took home the top Best Costume Award, sourced her entire Chappell Roan-inspired look from Amazon. “It took a lot of research and a trial run to make sure everyone was going to safely make it to the last jump,” she shared.
For some, like first-place finisher Jole Kosloske — who found out about the costume contest the night before — a quick trip to Spirit Halloween in Lexington was all it took to pull together her vampire apparel. Regardless of when and how the costumes were acquired, the real treat was the riders’ creativity, bringing the Halloween spirit to life in Alltech Arena.
While the costumes brought plenty of fun and flair to the evening, the competition itself demanded precision and skill on course. Both riders appreciated Alan Wade’s design and the way it challenged competitors without overfacing them and helped to prepare them for Saturday night’s Grands Prix.
“He has a really good way of setting horses up the way he sets his tracks. They’re super inviting. They’ve got good flow, good rhythm,” said Justus. Kosloske agreed, adding, “I think it really put everyone in a good spot. It wasn’t too hard of a course, but it wasn’t easy, either.”
For more information, visit nhs.org.
**For more extensive horse competition coverage, visit HorsesintheSouth.com.