Wilmington, Ohio – The final feature class of Winter Classic 3 at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington called all professional athletes to the R+L Arena to switch disciplines for the evening over Bobby Murphy’s (USA) technical equitation track. The WEC Professional Medal 3’ offered professional athletes an opportunity to apply their well-practiced skills in one of the most competitive disciplines for junior and amateur riders.
At the conclusion of an over-fences phase and a flat phase, it was Melissa Donnelly who secured the win aboard her top equitation mount in the barn, Cinda (VDL Douglas x What Pride), owned by Elizabeth Becker. Along with a blue ribbon and friendly bragging rights, Donnelly walked away with a free stall for three horse shows at WEC – Wilmington.
Murphy’s track included multiple bending lines and roll-back turns that made the field of professionals think strategically. “It was a very nice track. It was a technical course, and it asked a lot of questions. You could spice it up or simplify it if need be. It had places where you could open your gallop and show your adjustability,” said Donnelly.
After impressing the judges with an accurate and consistent over fences round, Donnelly returned on flat with the 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare looking to maintain the top spot.
“I wanted to pick my strongest equitation horse. I typically find that Cinda is my stronger flat horse as well. We had to drop our stirrups in the flat phase, and I was very thankful that I had her for all of the moves. She was well tuned and well prepared,” Donnelly commented on her seasoned equitation horse.
“It was such a fun class to do. We were all joking around in the schooling that it is fun to really have to think and go in with a different mentality. We spend all our time on the hunters and teaching our equitation students, but we really had to think about where to show off. The kids were all so excited to watch us do it as well. All of the professionals agreed that it is such a nice class to see on the schedule and it would be fun to see it more often!”
WEC Professional Medal Results:
1 Cinda, Melissa Donnelly, Elizabeth Becker
2 Fortysix & 2, Lyrissa Jaeger, Lyriss Jaeger
3 Mr Miller, Diana Conlon, Diana Conlon
4 Daily News, Spencer Turnblacer, Taylor Orlowski
5 Greystoke Arlington, Lauren Underhill, Lauren Underhill
6 Flight, Emmelia Forbes, Dandelion Farm LLC
7 Rio Ruisseau, Ellen Jennings, Ellen Jennings
Competition at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington will resume on January 3, 2024 with Winter Classic 4. We wish all exhibitors a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to a great season of sport in 2024!
Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes!
Results can be found at wec.net.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.