Wilmington, Ohio – Winter Classic 10 at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington featured top hunter/jumper competition from Wednesday, February 14 to Sunday, February 18. Amy Krebs (USA) was unbeatable in the Standlee Sanctuary all week, claiming the win in the both the $10,000 Welcome Stake and the $30,000 Grand Prix. Devin Milan (USA) found herself back on top of the leaderboard in the $10,000 Futures Prix. Melissa Donnelly mastered the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby while Katelyn Jasky led the way in the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby.
In a four-horse jump-off, the only junior rider in the field, Krebs and her own 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Jabantos (Corsari Van De Helle x Cassima), captured the win in the $30,000 Grand Prix.
During her last grand prix debut at WEC – Wilmington, Krebs was just shy of the leading time and knew to step on the gas pedal, “I was in the same position tonight. Devin [Milan] really had a strong, quick round. I knew the only place that I could get her was in the last line, so I landed and had to do six strides,” Krebs laughed.
Milan returned to the winner’s circle to claim her third featured win in the past two weeks in the $10,000 Futures Prix with Garo Kazan’s nine-year-old KPWN mare, Karlina T (Cabrio Van De Heffinck x Goberlina T).
“She was in the right spot today and she was really focused. I was able to leave her alone a lot today. She jumped really soft and was a lot straighter over the fences. She didn’t twist or shift left, so it all worked out today,” Milan was pleased with the mare’s rideability.
Donnelly impressed with two consistent trips aboard Elizabeth Becker’s 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Cinda (VDL Douglas x What Pride) to take the win in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby.
“Cinda just followed my plan perfectly. She was in the right frame of mind. She was really sharp and took all of the options that I could create. Even with jumping all the low options it made it really nice that she could show off in a few spots. She walked in, picked up the canter and was right on it. She was hunting the jumps tonight.”
Aboard her own, 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Conrad (Contender x Waccola), Jasky conquered the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby.
Jasky was complimentary of Scott Alder’s (USA) uniquely set tracks, “I thought the course was really unique and I was really excited for it. It was a great chance to show off your skills and show off how much fun both you and your horse can have over such a unique course. My plan was just to go in and have fun with him.”
Krebs began her week with a win in the $10,000 Welcome Stake as the only clear effort aboard Avanti Sporthorses LLC’s Hey Alexa (Elvis Ter Putte x Grenache VD Merrihoeve), an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare.
Amongst her many featured wins, this one proved special for Krebs, being the first featured class at 1.35m that Hey Alexa had ever jumped. “I had faith in her! The first time she jumped in a 1.30m class was when we were here two weeks ago. I didn’t expect her to jump clear today, but I knew she had in her. She stepped up to the plate. For her to come in here and jump that track clean in her very first welcome is a really special moment for her career.”
Competition at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington continues Wednesday, February 21, with Winter Classic 11.
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 horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.