Matthias Hollberg and Acorn Are Untouchable in the $40,000 Stirrups Restaurant National Grand Prix

22 FEB 26 Ocala, FL

Ocala, FL – The $40,000 Stirrups Restaurant National Grand Prix closed out feature competition on Sunday as 22 horse-and-rider combinations competed for the winning title. In the end, it was Matthias Hollberg (USA) who posted an uncatchable time riding Dean Richardson’s Acorn (R. Johnson x Sonnengirl) to gallop away with the lion’s share of the prize money.

The 1.45m track built by Colm Quinn (IRL) asked several questions, and eight managed to find the answers to return for the jump-off.

Matthias Hollberg (USA) posted an uncatchable time riding Acorn. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Lizzy Traband (USA) was first down the ramp riding Eddie Blue to a solid clear round in 40.517 seconds to set the pace. McKayla Langmeier (USA) returned next aboard her first of two mounts, Isidore de Chalusse, but had an unlucky rail.

Matthias Hollberg followed with Acorn after producing a clear effort over the tricky first-round track. “I thought the first round was technical and challenging enough for a national grand prix. My horse is very spooky, so she always makes me work for it, especially in this arena. I was really happy when we cleared it the first time around.”

Hollberg was “determined to give it our all to try to beat the others.” He continued, “My plan was a little bit risky, leaving out strides to the combination and then to the YETI jump, mostly because it’s such a spooky jump. I wasn’t sure if she was going to pick up on what I was trying to do, and she did. Then I just kept going and left a stride out to the next jump, and again in the last line. She did it so easily. I am thrilled.”

The pair clocked an impressive 36.769 seconds that proved uncatchable.

Matthias Hollberg and Acorn receive their first-place award, presented by Chef Juan Quinones Casanova and Cristian Viracucha representing Stirrups Restaurant, alongside Jim Wolf of World Equestrian Center. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Hollberg spoke about the 12-year-old American Warmblood mare. “Acorn is still owned by the person who bred her, Dean Richardson, who actually started her and competed her himself in the Adult Jumpers. He was gracious enough to let me ride her about four years ago. It’s been a long road, but she’s really starting to be consistent, jumping a lot of clear rounds and getting some good results. This is actually her second grand prix win in a row. I am so proud of her.”

Vicente Guillen came closest to the winning time riding Evolene de Carles. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Vicente Guillen (VEN) came closest to the winning time riding Tranquility Farm’s 12-year-old Selle Français mare Evolene de Carles by Kannan, stopping the timers just short in 36.983 seconds to take second place.

McKayla Langmeier laid down an efficient and clear track aboard Sans Doute to take home third. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Langmeier returned as the final competitor aboard her second mount, Sans Doute (H&M Extra x Isaura de Wulf Selection), an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Rafferty Farm LLC. She laid down an efficient and clear track in 38.711 seconds to take home third place.

Sharn Wordley (NZL) snagged the Fastest Four-Faulter award riding Valentine Car with a quick first round in 72.432 seconds with one rail down.

Jamie Kermond received the Luck of the Draw award.

$40,000 Stirrups Restaurant National Grand Prix Results

Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV

Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes! 

This event is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors and marketing partners, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.