Press release from World Equestrian Center - Ocala, edited by World of Showjumping

World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) welcomed 20 horse-and-rider combinations to compete under the lights Saturday night during Week III of the 2026 Summer Series. Representing ten nations, the field was packed with international talent, but it was the United States’ Aaron Vale who once again stole the show aboard Helios du Moulin (Untouchable x Quidam de Revel), claiming victory in the CSI4* $250,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix.

Saturday night’s track, designed by FEI Level IV course designer Alan Wade (IRL), proved to be a fitting challenge for the four-star field. A tight time allowed kept riders on their toes throughout the first round, but eight combinations managed to leave all the rails in the cups and advance to the jump-off, setting up a showdown between riders from the United States, Austria, New Zealand and Portugal.

Vale returned down the ramp with the nine-year-old Selle Français gelding, fresh off their victory just one week earlier in the CSI3* $150,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix. With several quick riders still to come, Vale knew he needed to be efficient while also playing to his horse’s strengths.

“I knew there were some fast ones behind me because the qualifying was inverted and some of the best ones went last,” Vale shared. “But I walked the plan. I was nine strides from one to two. There were two places I thought I could have maybe gotten one less. Luis was ultimately the only one that figured out the track to get it, and then they had the last jump, so it worked out for us.”

Helios du Moulin once again proved to be a reliable partner for Vale, stopping the clock in an unbeatable 41.74 seconds.

Vale was quick to praise his small-but-mighty partner. “You know, he’s a small horse, but he is a fighter. And he just keeps doing it. It wasn’t the biggest track tonight for a four-star. We wanted to have a jump-off. But still, somehow this horse just sneaks around these courses and you come out and say, ‘Wow, that wasn’t that hard,’ Vale laughed. “He’s a great little horse and has a great group of people that own him with me. He is just so fun.” 

As Vale exited the ring, a crowd of young fans gathered at the top of the ramp waiting to celebrate with the winning rider, a moment that was not lost on him. “It’s great, the crowd, the energy and support that the horses and riders get, because they’re all horse people,” Vale said. “We’re horse people, and the kids are horse people starting at the bottom coming up. And I think that’s what the whole facility is about.”

Austria’s Peter Petschenig secured second place aboard the 17-year-old KWPN mare Ennebel van het Posthuijs (Numero Uno x Argentinus), producing a smooth and efficient jump-off round in 43.91 seconds.

The mare has been a special partner for Petschenig over the past three years. “She’s improved all the way through it,” Petschenig said. “She doesn’t look like it, but every time you ask a question, she answers. She’d jump over the world and she’s always game.”

Captain Brian Cournane (USA) rounded out the podium aboard Glenbeigh Farm LLC’s 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding Artic JT Z (Aktion Pur Z x Plot Blue), crossing the timers fault-free in 44.10 seconds.

Cournane has become a regular competitor at WEC – Ocala and spoke highly of the venue following his podium finish. “It’s just a wonderful place for the horses,” he shared. “I mean, the stabling, the footing, the staff are all so good. Everything’s so clean. When we leave and come back in, the stables are immaculate. I mean, it’s really just a dream place and I’m really grateful to be here.”