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. 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.
Hannah Rohrbach (USA) and Mary Pahides (USA) both returned for the short course, but Rohrbach ultimately jumped the only double clear effort, aboard Lady Like (Lint), 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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
