First U25, First FEI, First Win: Hannah Rohrbach & Lady Like Take the $32,000 Grand Prix CSIU25 Sponsored by Forestier Sellier

05 MAR 26 Ocala, FL

A rider and horse clear a jump at an outdoor equestrian event, with a large white building in the background and
A rider and horse clear a jump at an outdoor equestrian event, with a large white building in the background and "First Equestrian" signage visible.
Hannah Rohrbach & Lady Like jumping to the win in the $32,000 Grand Prix CSIU25. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Ocala, FL – The WEC Grand Arena welcomed 28 horse-and-rider combinations under the sun late Thursday morning for the final $32,000 Grand Prix CSIU25 of the WEC CSIU25 Series, both sponsored by Forestier Sellier. Catsy Cruz (USA) crafted a track that proved difficult for the field, seeing only two partnerships jump a clear effort to advance to the jump-off.

A rider in a helmet and blue jacket guides a horse draped in a winner's blanket and medal through a show arena; spectators watch from white bleachers.
Hannah Rohrbach & Lady Like. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Hannah Rohrbach (USA) and Mary Pahides (USA) both returned for the short course, but Rohrbach ultimately jumped the only double clear effort to secure an impressive victory in her first-ever FEI and U25 grand prix of her career. 

“This is my first U25 grand prix I have ever done actually,” Rohrbach laughed. “It is a first for everything today, first FEI as well. So am I very proud walking away from today.” she smiled. 

A rider on a brown horse jumps over a green and yellow obstacle during an equestrian event, with a building and flowers in the background.
Hannah Rohrbach & Lady Like. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Partnership paid off for Rohrbach and her own 10-year-old Holsteiner mare, Lady Like (Lint x E-Calma), and made the win extra rewarding: “She’s a horse we imported from Europe as a five-year-old, and she’s kind of been the horse that I’ve made up myself. It’s really cool because she’s self-made and our partnership is starting to click more. I’m starting to have success with her and that makes it even more rewarding.” 

A rider on a horse holds a large check, accompanied by three people, flowers, and equestrian gear, in front of a building and decorative green gates.
Hannah Rohrbach & Lady Like during the winning presentation with Matthieu Richer representing Forestier Sellier. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

When asked about the track, Rohrbach reflected: “Honestly, I thought the track was really nice. It was big. I did the 1.40m classes last week, so this was my first 1.45m since I’ve been here. Today, I thought the course was very welcoming for my horse and me. My mare has a big stride, so that was really helpful today.”

Rohrbach was the first to return for the jump-off, ultimately looking to secure a clear effort, she noted, “My plan was obviously just to keep all the jumps up,” she laughed. “I landed in the first line that walked in six, but I saw the five and went for it. I did something kind of risky, but it obviously paid off. I could have easily had a rail there, but it worked out today.”

A horseback rider in a blue jacket and helmet jumps a brown horse over a red and white obstacle in an empty outdoor arena.
Hannah Rohrbach & Lady Like. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Rohrbach crossed the timers in 40.32 seconds for a spectacular clear effort to lead the victory gallop. 

Additionally, Rohrbach shared her thoughts on the U25 series at WEC – Ocala and the addition of $100,000 worth of prize money during the Summer Series: “I think the U25 series here in Ocala is super exciting. It is awesome that they have these kinds of classes for up-and-coming young professionals, young riders, and amateurs. It is a lovely addition.”

A rider in a white jacket and helmet guides a gray horse over a jump during an equestrian competition, with branding and greenery visible in the background.
Mary Pahides & Parkmore Rowan jumping to second. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Pahides also secured an impressive second-place finish in the class aboard Parkmore Rowan (Russel x Parkmore Crest). As the second and only other jump-off contender, Pahides and the 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding had the leading time of 38.29 seconds, but unfortunately incurred four faults along the way to end up with the red ribbon. 

A rider in equestrian gear jumps a horse over a green obstacle in an outdoor arena, with a building and flowers in the background.
Sophia Ayers & Conthinder rounding out the top three. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Sophia Ayers (USA) and her own 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Conthinder (Conthargos x Nanina), were the fastest four-faulters in the first-round to earn third place. 

Two men stand side by side in front of a flower display; one wears equestrian attire and holds a saddle, while the other is casually dressed in a polo shirt and jeans.
Tony Stormanns (GER) is presented with a brand-new Forestier Sellier Séoul Saddle for winning the WEC CSIU25 Series, presented by Matthieu Richer representing Forestier Sellier. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Tony Stormanns (GER) concluded the WEC CSIU25 Series on top of the leaderboard as the rider to accumulate the most points. Stormanns was awarded a brand new Séoul Saddle presented by series sponsor, Forestier Sellier. 

$32,000 Grand Prix CSIU25 sponsored by Forestier Sellier 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.