Jelmer Hoekstra and Jalanne Are Unbeatable in the $125,000 Mane ’n Tail National Grand Prix 

15 MAR 26 Ocala, FL

A rider on a brown horse jumps over an obstacle during an equestrian show jumping event, with colorful flowers and advertising banners in the background.

Ocala, FL – The $125,000 Mane ‘n Tail National Grand Prix during the penultimate week of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series offered a change of scenery. The WEC Stadium served as the feature arena of the week, welcoming thirty-five top horse-and-rider combinations to compete for top honors under the lights on Saturday night. In a nail-biting five-horse jump-off, it was Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) who proved too quick to catch aboard November Hill’s Jalanne (Dynamo x Alanne).

A rider on a brown horse jumps over an obstacle decorated with colorful hot air balloon designs during an equestrian event.
Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) who proved too quick to catch aboard Jalanne in the $125,000 Mane ‘n Tail National Grand Prix. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

The 1.50m track was designed by Eric Hasbrouck and proved challenging, featuring winding bending lines and a tight time allowed. In the end, five combinations representing the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, and Ireland advanced to battle it out for the win.

Hoekstra was the first to return for the jump-off aboard the speedy Jalanne, who scored a National Grand Prix victory during last year’s Winter Spectacular Show Series with Daniel Geitner. Saturday night marked Hoekstra and Jalanne’s first Grand Prix under the lights together.

“Jalanne, I just started riding her during the circuit here. Daniel Geitner rode her before me,” shared Hoekstra. “She’s an amazing mare, such a fighter, like you could see tonight, she always wants to do the best she can. It’s an amazing horse, and I’m lucky that I can ride her. The owner, Rebecca Galbraith, is fantastic, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.” 

Equestrian rider and horse mid-jump over a blue and white obstacle during a show jumping competition, with flowers and greenery in the foreground.
Returning first for the jump-off with a strong field behind him, Hoekstra knew he had to take risks. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Returning first for the jump-off with a strong field behind him, Hoekstra knew he had to take risks. “With riders behind me like Tracy Fenney and Daniel Coyle, they’re really fast, so I knew I had to do something,” he explained. 

“In the first line, I did one more than the others and went and did eight so I could keep flowing to the oxer. I made a short turn and did nine, then bent really tight to the double. I think I did one less than most people there, and she jumped it fantastic. To the last line, I think Daniel and I were the only ones who did eight, and we landed running to the finish.”

A group of people pose with a horse and rider holding a large award check for $37,500 at an outdoor equestrian event, standing behind a decorated jump.
Jelmer Hoekstra and Jalanne at the award presentation with Jim Wolf of World Equestrian Center, alongside Ashyn Flanagan and Devon Katzev representing Mane ‘n Tail. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

The pair stopped the clock in 39.481 seconds, a time that ultimately proved uncatchable.

The victory marked Hoekstra’s first Grand Prix win at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. “It means a lot. The stadium is different from the [WEC Grand Arena], and showing here under the lights is special. It’s a blessing for us.”

Hoekstra also credited Geitner for helping him develop his partnership with the talented mare. “Daniel helped me a lot. Even now in schooling, he’s giving me tips all the time. When we walk the course, he’ll help with decisions like doing one more or one less stride. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have this victory.”

A rider in formal equestrian attire celebrates while riding a horse covered with a branded blanket in an arena at night, with large "WEC" letters in the background.
“She’s an amazing mare, such a fighter, like you could see tonight, she always wants to do the best she can.” – Jelmer Hoekstra. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Hoekstra now has his sights set on next week’s Longines League of Nations™ Ocala, where he will represent the Netherlands in the prestigious team competition for the first time. “The atmosphere is special. When you ride in a team format, it adds a different level of excitement. It’s a real team effort,” he said. “When your teammates are in the ring, you’re standing there hoping they do well, so it’s really exciting.”

An equestrian rider and horse jump over a blue and white obstacle during a nighttime show jumping competition.
Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Calippo 57 finished one second behind the winning pair to take second place. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle finished just behind the winning pair, piloting Ariel Grange’s Calippo 57 (Casallco x Fanny) in the talented 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding’s first night class. The pair stopped the clock just over a second behind the leaders in 40.519 seconds to claim second place.

A rider on a white horse jumps over an obstacle during an equestrian event, with flowers and sponsor banners visible in the arena.
Kady Abrahamson (USA) rounded out the podium with Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Kady Abrahamson (USA) rounded out the podium with Foxridge Farms Stables’ 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding Coquelicot vh Heuvelland Z (Catoki x Cybelle v’t Heuvelland Z), posting a speedy jump-off time of 40.817 seconds to secure third.

$125,000 Mane ‘n Tail National Grand Prix 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.