The FEI $5,000 U-25 Welcome Stake commenced on Wednesday, July 11, in the George Morris Arena at Tryon Stadium and concluded with a first-place finish for Kady Abrahamson (USA) and Abrahamson Equestrian LLC's Charline 28, a 2005 Meklenburg mare (Cellestial x Prinz Oldenburg). The pair crossed through fast track timers in 32.675 seconds to secure the win. Second place was awarded honors to Catherine Wachtell (USA) and Indy Van de Roten, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Autumn View Farm, who completed their jump-off in 33.891 seconds. Third place awards went to Caitlyn Connors (USA) and her own 2005 Irish Warmblood gelding (Ard VDL Douglas x Nearly a Nose), Boleybawn Perfection, jumping to a time of 34.473 seconds.
"It was a good opening day, which was nice," commented Abrahamson. "This horse jumped the CSI 2* two weeks ago and she had a week off and came here, so it was a good first day. We just wanted her to have a nice first day preparing for Friday night. She's a nervous horse, so it was good for her to have a relaxed day."
Abrahamson and the mare have been partnered together for the past two years. Crediting her mount, who boasts a spicy personality, she explained, "'Carline' as she's known in the barn, is a typical chestnut mare personality wise. She has a way of doing things on her own, but she's happy when you let her do her own thing and you're pretty much just along for the ride."
This is not the pair's first appearance at TIEC, having competed at the venue several times over the past few years. "I jumped her here last year in the CSI 2* under the lights," said Abrahamson. "She's so genuine that she'll just go in and jump around and be really good. She quite good under lights, but she can get a bit scared with noise and atmosphere."