Charlotte Bettendorf & Kalliope Dominate $60,000 Hagyard Grand Prix at Fall Classic 4

18 OCT 26 Wilmington, OH

A rider on a brown horse jumping over a Hagard Equine Medical Institute hurdle in an indoor arena.

Wilmington, Ohio – Twenty-six competitive horse-and-rider combinations met in the Standlee Sanctuary at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) for the $60,000 Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Grand Prix of Fall Classic 4.

A person in equestrian gear jumping a horse over a hurdle shaped like musical notes.
Charlotte Bettendorf & Kalliope. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Alan Wade designed a challenging track for the field, with only six partnerships returning for the jump-off. Charlotte Bettendorf proved her dominance once again, topping the field by nearly four full seconds aboard John Kimmel’s Kalliope (Emerald Van’t Ruytershof x Delight).

Bettendorf was happy to return to WEC – Wilmington, where she and Kalliope previously found success during both the Winter in the Midwest Series and the Spring Series. “I am very happy to be back. It’s always nice to be here,” Bettendorf shared. “I had four horses in the class, and they were all really good. We came to prepare for the Royal in Toronto.”

A horse and rider jumping over a hurdle in an indoor equestrian arena.
Charlotte Bettendorf & Kalliope. Photo by Winslow Photography.

The victory adds to an impressive summer for Bettendorf, who has continued to build momentum this season. “The summer started off great in Kentucky, where I won my first ranking class. I came back here and won a few more during the 2* [competition]. I went to Traverse City, and then had a bunch of wins at Caledon in Canada. I did two of the Major League Show Jumping events, and I’m very happy about that. I am feeling really excited,” she said.

A rider on a chestnut horse jumping over a show jumping obstacle.
Charlotte Bettendorf & Kalliope. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Bettendorf has also continued to climb the international rankings, crediting her horses and the team supporting her success.

“I have unbelievable horses. The team is amazing, the owners are amazing, so I can’t ask for more. Kalliope is very competitive. Every show I take her to, she’s always placing. She always finishes in the top three. She is an incredible horse,” Bettendorf said.

A rider on horseback stands in an arena with three women holding a check for $18,000 and a sponsor blanket.
Charlotte Bettendorf & Kalliope in the winner’s circle presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Bettendorf guided the 10-year-old Belgian Sporthorse mare through the jump-off timers in 36.558 seconds to add another win to their record.

A rider in an equestrian helmet and jacket jumps a gray horse over a purple hurdle in an indoor arena.
Rachel Schnurr & Copain De Picobello Z. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Rachel Schnurr and her own 12-year-old Warmblood gelding, Copain De Picobello Z (Cicero Z Van Paemel x Only Picobello Z), jumped two impressive rounds to claim second place in 40.289 seconds.

A rider on a grey horse jumping over a Hagyard-branded obstacle in an indoor arena.
Loic Cannaert & Cornet’s Lover. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Loic Cannaert and Sabine Cooper’s nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Cornet’s Lover (Cornet Du Lys x Chagolden Ps), rounded out the top three in 42.884 seconds.

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