Press release from Traverse City Horse Show

Mimi Gochman’s long trip from Aachen to Traverse City was well worth it, as she found herself in the winner’s circle for the second time in a week after representing the United States at the FEI Youth Equestrian Games. She stayed hot to claim top honors in the $37,000 Innovo CSI3* Welcome Stake during week one of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors.

Aboard Celina BH, a 12-year-old Holsteiner mare (Canstakko x Carthago Z), Gochman secured one of a dozen clear rounds over the first-round track, set by Mexico’s Catsy Cruz. Early to go in the jump-off, Gochman set the pace with daring turns and incredible scope, clearing all the fences in a time of 34.87 seconds. With nine still to come behind her, she knew her win wasn’t secured but she put it all on the line. 

Rails began to fall as the remaining horse-and-rider combinations chased her quick time. The only pairs close to Gochman’s time were American rider Cathleen Driscoll and Arome, the first of two qualified for the jump-off, and amateur Kelly Arani (USA) with Impossible Dream. Driscoll, second to navigate the short course, clocked in at 36.34 seconds to claim second place with the Plain Bay Farm entry, while Arani and her Sweet Oak Farm-owned gelding took third place in 36.93 seconds.

Coming off a gold-medal finish for USA jumping in Aachen just one week ago, Gochman is making waves at the international level as she nears the end of her junior career. “This year has been my move up year,” she said of her advancement in the sport. “I’m trying to jump three and four-stars more and figure it out. I’m very confident now in this division.”