Riding her own Portobella Van De Fruitkorf, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Bamako De Muze x Nabab De Reve, Emilie Conter blazed through the opening course with a fast time of 62.61 seconds, securing the top spot in Ocala.
Not far behind, aboard her second mount Cilanto XC Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide stallion owned by Stephex Stables, Conter delivered another speedy performance, clocking in at 63.78 seconds for second place.
Reflecting on her rides, Conter expressed her satisfaction, “The horses I rode in the class are a bit younger, nine and 10 years old, so they are just stepping up, but they both rode really well today,” she shared. “With my mare, I didn’t do anything too crazy. I went a bit tighter around the turns, and did one stride less in a few areas, she felt great.”
“On my other horse, ‘Cilanto’, I was trying a new bit, and in the beginning of the course, he was still getting used to it, but it gradually got better through the course. He was turning much better at the end.”
Starting her week on a high note, Conter is looking forward to the rest of the week at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. “This is my first time here, which is very exciting. I came in late last night, so I am looking forward to exploring the property today. It’s massive and so beautiful. So far, there is nothing bad to say about this place. I love it here already!”
In a third place, Juan Pablo Gnecco followed with Nicola Philippaerts' former, Habab-W (Nabab de Rêve x Padinus).
