Maya Denis and Jantien de Muze Lead the Way in the $65,000 Grand Prix CSIU25

11 JUL 26 Ocala, FL

Equestrian rider in helmet and jacket jumps a brown horse over a decorative obstacle during a show jumping competition outdoors.

Ocala, FL – A beautiful sunny morning set the stage for the first feature event of the day, the $65,000 Grand Prix CSIU25 during Week V of the 2026 Summer Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). Twenty-nine horse-and-rider combinations contested the class, but it was Maya Denis (MEX) who proved unbeatable aboard her own Jantien de Muze (Triomphe de Muze x Lord Z).

FEI Level IV course designer Marina Azevedo (BRA) crafted a challenging track that saw five combinations representing Mexico, New Zealand, the United States, Venezuela and Guatemala advance to the jump-off.

Equestrian rider jumping a brown horse over a blue and white obstacle labeled "Wheels Up" during a show jumping competition.
Maya Denis and Jantien de Muze produced an uncatchable jump-off time to take home the top prize. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Denis was first to return for the jump-off and knew she had to set the pace. “The plan was pretty much to go as fast as I could and try to leave no chances for the ones following me. Obviously, you’re taking more risks, but you have to do that when you’re first to go. I stuck to my plan and just went for it, and it worked out.”

The pair blazed around the shortened course, stopping the clock in an uncatchable 40.98 seconds.

The victory was especially meaningful for Denis, who has partnered with the 12-year-old KWPN gelding for the past four years. “I’ve had him since he was eight, and he’s 12 now, so we’ve been together for four years. He’s my baby. It’s bad to have favorites, but he is my favorite. His personality is just so funny. He’s super goofy, and he’s such a hard trier. I just love him so much.”

A rider on a horse and a person holding a large check pose for a photo in an outdoor arena decorated with butterfly cutouts, in front of a white building.
Maya Denis and Jantien de Muze at the winner’s presentation. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

She continued, “It’s just extra special with him. I always tell people he might not be the scopiest or the fastest, although he sure was fast today. He’s just so special personality-wise, and he means a lot to me. Winning with him makes it even more special.”

Denis also credited the CSIU25 division as one of the reasons she remained in Ocala this summer. “These U25 Series classes were amazing, and honestly that’s the reason I stayed here in Ocala, to be able to do them.”

A rider in a navy jacket and helmet jumps a gray horse over a blue and white obstacle labeled "MARS" at an equestrian event.
Juan Vegas and Clarisimo came closest to challenging Denis to ultimately land in second. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Juan Vegas (VEN) came closest to challenging Denis, piloting his own 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding Clarisimo to a fast, fault-free jump-off in 41.88 seconds for second place.

A rider in a helmet and jacket guides a horse over a jump during an equestrian event, with flowers and buildings in the background.
Brooke Peterson and Quality Touch L3B finished in third. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Brooke Peterson (USA) rounded out the podium aboard her own 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Quality Touch L3B (Elvis Ter Putte x Indoctro), producing the only other double-clear performance to finish third in 43.21 seconds.

$65,000 Grand Prix CSIU25 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!