Edited press release from Wellington International
Jacob Pope (USA) wasn’t short of good luck charms on Sunday with his parents and barn family supporting him ringside. Highlighting the final day of Week 3 at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) presented by NetJets at Wellington International, Pope topped the $62,500 Florida Coast Equipment CSI2* Grand Prix with Highway FBH, owned by Sherri Crawford. Highlighted by 12 weeks of consecutive FEI competition, WEF continues through March 30 at Wellington International in Wellington, FL.
“This is my first win at WEF,” Pope, originally from Maryland but who now bases out of Wellington and Traverse City, MI, shared. “The best I’d done before was second in a WEF Challenge Cup so it’s really special to win, especially with such a great crowd of family and supporters here.”
Among his cheering squad were his parents, his aunt, the horse’s owner, plus his group of students and barnmates who stayed to watch him top the competitive class.
“I always joke that my mom and dad are my good luck charms,” Pope shared. “I won my first grand prix on my dad’s birthday and my second grand prix they were there. Now they’re here today and I won.”
The win didn’t come easy, though, as he was one of 10 to jump clear over Peter Grant’s (CAN) course. From top young riders to Olympians alike, it could have been anyone’s win, but Pope put the pedal to the metal aboard the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Plot Blue x Cornet Obolensky) and claimed the win. They stopped the clock over the short course in 40.19 seconds.
Last to go over the short course was Jessica Springsteen (USA) and she barely missed Pope’s leading time by three tenths of a second to take second aboard Naomi Van Het Keizershof (Cardento 933 x For Pleasure), owned by Stone Hill Farm. Gabriela Reutter (CHI) ended up third with Maharees Rock (Obos Quality 004 x Ballysimon), owned by Lumiere Horses Inc., in 41.25 seconds.
Pope credits much of the success in Sunday’s jump-off to his training with 1986 World Champion Katie Prudent and partner Henri, which began last summer and has continued now that they are all back in Wellington together. During the course walk, Katie suggested everywhere Pope could make up time, and he went out and executed her plan.
“It’s been amazing; I’ve learned a lot,” Pope said of working with the Prudents, who are based out of Virginia when not in Wellington. “We’ve been working on turns and tidying up the end of the ring and going fast, which I think really paid off today. [Katie] puts a lot of trust and positivity in her coaching. Highway felt amazing and Katie’s plan helped it come together today.”
Pope is one of many trainers at the show that not only has a busy riding schedule but also a packed show schedule for students he trains, which means he never stops moving throughout a show day, even when he has a big class to compete in himself.
“I did have a kid in the small ponies today, as well as junior hunters and other jumper classes, and honestly keeping me going I think helps me focus,” he said of how his routine prepares him for the big moments. “If I waited around all day for one class I think I’d be nervous. I like to try to follow the plan and be as good as I can, so it’s better to keep me busy.”