It was standing room only at World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Saturday night for the highly anticipated event of Week X, the $200,000 Florida Coast EquipmentGrand Prix CSI4*. Amid a star-studded lineup of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations it was Olympian Andre Thieme (GER) and his trusted partner DSP Chakaria (Chap 47 x Askari 173) who rose to the occasion, claiming the winning title and top spot on the podium.
Saturday night proved to be a test of skill as renowned course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA), slated as the builder for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, alongside Pieter Viste (BEL), constructed a formidable track. Their design, featuring a tight time allowed proved challenging for even the most elite athletes and only six pairs successfully navigated the track, earning them a spot in the jump-off.
22-year-old Hallie Grimes (USA) was the first to return aboard Karoline of Ballmore, owned by Can We Keep It? LLC, but had an unlucky rail in 44.99 seconds.
Next up was seven-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA). He piloted Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC’s Dhalida (Diamant De Semilly x Calvaro Z) to a blistering fast track in 42.32 seconds, adding pressure to the remaining field.
Pessoa couldn’t be more pleased with the 10-year-old Zangersheide mare, “It’s hard to just leave it all out there when you’re early to go. I knew when I came out, I had left a little something on the table. Andre [Thieme] and his mare are really experienced, so they saw an opportunity and took it. But I couldn’t be more pleased with my mare.”
Andre Thieme and his tried-and-true mare DSP Chakaria followed, “I knew I didn’t want to be second and I had a fast and experienced horse. I saw Rodrigo go, and I couldn’t really tell how fast he was, but I could at least do the same tracks as he did and rely on my horse’s natural speed.”
Thieme and his 14-year-old German Sport Horse mare flew around the track, stopping the clock at an unbeatable 41.93 seconds.
Looking ahead, Thieme expressed excitement for the upcoming Longines League of Nations™ Qualifier at WEC – Ocala, “We are in a little bit of a lucky situation because in Abu Dhabi, Germany won the first leg, so we are a little ahead. But all of the teams are bringing their best and this is an Olympic year, so I think all of these riders really want to show themselves here, so there is no weakness allowed,” he added. “I’ve been waiting for this venue to get an event like this. It’s incredible to compete here, and soon everyone will see it.”
Canada’s Tiffany Foster came close to the winning time aboard 5 Roosters’ 10-year-old Zangersheide mare Electrique (Emerald x Voltaire) with a blistering fast jump-off in 42.65 seconds to round out the podium.
Foster is looking forward to representing Canada in the five-star competition during the grand finale of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, “Whenever I see a big show here, I put it on my calendar. I am coming as an individual riding for Canada in the five-star competition. I know this place is going to put on a spectacular show, and I know there are a lot of stars coming from around the world for it, so I don’t want to miss it and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Nicolas Cubillos, Director of Marketing and Customer Service at Florida Coast Equipment spoke about the evening, “Our sponsorship here embodies the essence of our brand, emphasizing reliability and quality. By aligning ourselves with esteemed pioneers like World Equestrian Center, we enhance our brand’s reputation,” he continued. “Tonight, the athletes were stars. I am no expert but witnessing their incredible skill was nothing short of spectacular and we are so proud to be a part of it.”