Jennifer Williams and Joppe K Dazzle in Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4*, Presented by The Fix
25 APR 26 Ocala, FL
April 24, 2026 – Ocala, FL – Jennifer Williams (USA) and Joppe K, owned by Joppe Partners LLC, took the top spot in this week’s highlight class, the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4*, presented by The Fix, on Friday, April 24, 2026. The class is part of the World Equestrian Center (WEC) April Dressage CDI4* presented by Hampton Green Farms at WEC – Ocala, which continues through Sunday, April 26.
Williams and Joppe K danced to songs from Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan and entered the ring to a mash-up of music from “The Phantom of the Opera” and Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.” The music and choreography were from Collier Wimmer of Three Wishes Freestyles.
“I wanted something that I could really rock out to, that every time I hear it, I want to be pumped up and inspired,” said Williams of her freestyle. “I really wanted the crowd to get behind it and have a great time watching it. Joppe always grows with the atmosphere and with the clapping. He loves that kind of thing.”
After an uncharacteristic grand prix test on Thursday because of an issue in the tunnel down to the in-gate, which took some time, patience, and cookies to help, Williams was pleased that Joppe came back ready for Friday night.
“It’s a pretty difficult freestyle, and there are a lot of changes on the circle,” she explained. “I was really happy with all the piaffe and passage. He stayed nicely in front of my leg, with a very uphill feel. When that partnership comes through, it’s harmony, and you’re actually out there dancing. That’s the goal. Yes, I want all the technical pieces, but the technical pieces are actually quite easy if the partnership is there.”
Williams has been riding Joppe K since he was five years old, after he was purchased by Thunder Ridge Equestrian. The talented chestnut started competing as a six-year-old in the FEI Young Horse classes in 2020. They moved into the Large Tour in 2023, but they had only done one freestyle class prior to this since March 2025. Joppe K is now owned in partnership by Williams with Lisa Norling. “It’s people like her that keep the dream alive, allow us riders to keep pursuing our goals, and be able to ride such a wonderful animal,” expressed Williams. “I’m grateful for that.”
Now at 12 years old, the KWPN gelding by Rousseau (ex Rambo) x Santano is more of a veteran in the ring, and Williams is excited to return to WEC – Ocala in May for the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship.
“This place is really stunning; it’s so beautiful, and the atmosphere is amazing,” she described. “They really go above and beyond for the comfort of the horses, whether it’s in the stalls or the pathways. This is our first time in this hotel arena, and it was amazing.
“I’m really excited that they’ve taken the initiative to make something thrilling for the crowd, and it’s nice as a rider to really work toward something,” she added about the national championship. “I haven’t done a national championship since 2020. They planned this specifically so we could use it before the World Championships, and I love that idea.”
Ashley Holzer (USA) and Hawtins San Floriana, a 14-year-old Hanoverian mare by San Amour I x Florestan I that she owns with Dr. Diane Fellows, finished second with 74.880%. Ellesse Gundersen (USA) rode Quintessential 4, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Quaterback x Cordoba owned by Gundersen, Marcia Radosevich, and Henrik Gundersen, to third place on a score of 74.155%.
Rosebank VH Tops Two in a Row
Katie Duerrhammer (USA) and Rosebank VH, an eight-year-old Swedish Warmblood stallion by Revolution x Dalwhinnie owned by Kylee Lourie, made it two wins in a row in the Intermediate 1 CDI1* by breaking the 70% margin once again. Their score of 71.470% topped a class of 14 entries.
Full Show Results and Ride Times
The WEC April Dressage CDI4* continues on Saturday, April 25, with more competition for the Florida Youth Dressage Championships (FYDC) presented by Discover Dressage in four divisions, along with classes for amateurs and young horses. The Grand Prix Special CDI3* starts at 2pm., followed by the Grand Prix Special CDI4* at 4:40pm.