Wilmington, Ohio – International competition kicked off bright and early at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC), where 27 athletes took on FEI Level IV course designer Alan Wade’s (IRL) track in the $32,000 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2* during Spring I. As the first duo to go clear, Kady Abrahamson (USA) ultimately led the way to take the win aboard Nicole Carter’s Kupardie.
“I just showed ‘Birdie’ for the first time two weeks ago, so this is a very new partnership,” said Abrahamson. “Nicole Carter, who owns him, is a close friend of mine and a neighbor in Kentucky. She just had a baby, Dutton, and asked me to get the horses going before she starts riding again!”
Kupardie, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Cidane, made his first and only CSI2* debut nearly a year ago with Carter in the irons and never missed a beat as he stepped back into the ring to continue his success.
“I did the 1.30m in Kentucky and originally planned to keep him in the national classes here, but we decided to give the two-star a shot,” Abrahamson explained. “It’s only his second two-star ever, but he jumped so well yesterday and was amazing today. I didn’t want to run him off his feet since I’m aiming for the Grand Prix on Saturday, but everything came up perfectly out of stride. He is like a motorbike to ride—he is so fun.”
As the first pair to tackle the five-horse jump-off, Abrahamson and Kupardie set the pace with a time of 37.77 seconds—good enough to secure the top spot and lead the victory gallop.
A regular competitor at WEC, Abrahamson was enthusiastic about the venue’s first FEI event. “It’s fantastic to have FEI classes in Wilmington,” she said. “This facility is incredible—everything from the footing to the stabling to the staff. I’ve been to many venues that have hosted international competition for years, and there is always a hiccup, but here, they’ve done everything right.”
Kama Godek (USA) and her seasoned partner, Charissa, were close behind. The 14-year-old Holsteiner mare by Clarimo turned in a double-clear round in 37.83 seconds to earn second place.
Canada’s Christine Carlsen rounded out the podium, taking third aboard her own nine-year-old mare, Qilaja Van De Helle by Casillas Van De Helle, with a time of 41.99 seconds.
$32,000 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2* Results:
1 KUPARDIE: 2015 KWPN gelding by Cidane x Indoctro
Kady Abrahamson (USA), Nicole Carter: 0/0/37.77
2 CHARISSA: 2011 Holsteiner mare by Clarimo x Casall
Kama Godek (USA), Kama Godek: 0/0/37.83
3 QILAJA VAN DE HELLE: 2016 Belgian Warmblood mare by Casillas van de Helle x Castelino Van De Helle
Christine Carlsen (CAN), Valhalla Equestrian: 0/0/41.99
4 BALLERINA-HOEM: 2014 Danish Warmblood mare by Balou x Castella Hom
Kelly Arani (USA), Marigot Bay Farm LLC: 0/4/41.71
5 CASHGIRL 7: 2015 Oldenburg mare by Chaccato x Quidam’s Rubin
Ty Simpson (USA), Riffle Hitch, LLC: 0/25/65.160
6 PST DE MUZE: 2015 Belgian Warmblood mare by Vigo d Arsouilles Stx x Clinton
Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP), Sigma Stables LLC: 1/77.190
7 DUC DE JENTIERE: 2013 Selle Francais gelding by Vagabond de la Pomme x Jivaro Du Rouet
Lani Hutchison (USA), Lani Hutchison: 4/70.96
8 IVARO N: 2013 KWPN gelding by H5 Elvaro x Celano
Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA), Barbara Disko: 4/74.43
9 GOTCHA: 2011 Holsteiner mare by Stakkato x Cassini I
Simon McCarthy (IRL), Rock Ridge Farms: 4/73.1
10 MARTINI VDL: 2017 KWPN gelding by Zapatero VDL x Harley
Kady Abrahamson (USA), Abrahamson Equestrian LLC: 4/73.72
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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.