Ocala, FL – Hunter and equitation athletes took over the WEC Grand Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala last week for World Champion Hunter Riders week, and the highlight event, the 2024 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford. Eleanor Rudnicki drove away in a brand new Ford Explorer XLT SUV after maintaining her lead throughout all three phases of the championship. Samantha Schaefer secured a commendable victory on Friday night riding In The Know in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby. Keep reading for more highlights from this exciting week of equestrian competition.
On Sunday morning, Tracy Fenney and MTM Apple seized the lead with a speedy performance finishing nearly three seconds ahead of second place in the $100,000 IDA Development Grand Prix.
“It was a tough track. The jumps were big and wide, and there were a good amount of questions. The first half you had to be smart, and in the second half you had to be careful. ‘Apple’ jumped pretty hard out there for me, and she did everything she could to keep the rails up.”
The 2024 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford was the highly anticipated event of week VI. Eleanor Rudnicki of Conroe, TX, finished her junior career with an unforgettable victory aboard Favorite Edition Z. Rudnicki demonstrated her talent by maintaining the lead through all three phases of the championship.
“It was a really good test. It allowed for you to show off your horse and your riding. Maddie really went for it, so I knew I had to do the same. It was really fun, and I loved the competitiveness at the end.”
The $15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix was the highlight Jumping event on Saturday. Daniel Coyle (IRL) secured his third consecutive victory, this time aboard Amalia, owned by Ariel Grange.
“We’ve had ‘Peaches’ since she was seven years old, and she’s just starting to come back to her best. She didn’t do much the last few years for no reason other than we had other horses that we were focusing on. I jumped her here the other day with Ariel, and I said she hasn’t felt this good in a long time. Apparently I was right because she felt amazing today.”
Samantha Schaefer, a familiar face in the winner’s circle with her beloved mount In The Know, delivered two flawless rounds to claim the victory in the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby.
“I think I sometimes tend to put a little bit more pressure on myself for classes like this, especially when they are at night, because it feels a bit different and more important. I just reminded myself that I know my horse, and I just need to ride the course out there that would best suit him.”
There were 31 top-level hunter combinations in the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby in Ocala, but it was Jennifer Jones who captured the judges’ eyes on both Soundcheck and Lincoln.
“Soundcheck is a horse that I’ve ridden for quite a few years now. I showed him for a couple of years in the Green Hunters, now this year some derbies. He’s very straight forward, he knows his job, he’s a great jumper and very fun to ride.”
The $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Junior Hunter Derby in Ocala played host to 39 top-tier hunter duos, all vying for the coveted title, but ultimately it was Lillian Geitner who stole the spotlight aboard Banks Mill.
“I knew I needed an 83 to win, so I focused on being smooth. My dad kept reminding me before I went in, ‘you don’t have to be a hero,’” she chuckled. “So, I went in and focused on my plan and it worked out great!”
In the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Amateur Hunter Derby, Reynolds Cole emerged triumphant aboard Square Won.
“It was actually my first time riding him! Balmoral farm owns him. I had so much fun riding him, he’s such a talented horse. He’s so kind and really tries for you.”
An elite field of horse-and-rider combinations vied for the top prize in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix. Daniel Coyle (IRL) proved his talents once again finishing first with his brand-new partner Incredible.
“I jumped my first round on him yesterday, it was just a schooling round at 1.30m. I took it a little more serious in this class to see what he’s got in the tank, but after today, I am very excited.”
Additional Highlights:
Brooke Kemper and Sarah Campbell’s Quartier Van De Begijnakker captured the victory on Saturday afternoon in the $15,000 1.45m Jumper Classic with a quick jump-off time of 35.727 seconds.
In the $15,000 THIS 1.40m Jumper Classic, Jelmer Hoekstra snagged the win aboard Hoekstra Stables’ K-One PGO.
Brynn Garrett and Taryn Garrett’s Odyssey Orion prevailed in the $2,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, besting a field of 34 other competitors.
Morgan Stewart won the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Child Hunter Derby aboard Stephanie Zimmerman’s Valentine with a first round score of 83 and a handy score of 86 for an overall score of 169.
In the $3,500 2’6” Non Pro Adult Hunter Derby, Lindsay Knight emerged victorious with Peacefield Farms Inc.’s Lancaster with a two-round total of 170.
Congratulations to all athletes on another successful week of equestrian sport!
Spectators are welcome! From now until March 24, 2024, experience the thrill of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.
A limited number of weekly stalls remain for the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, book your stall today!
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
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