Press release from Split Rock Jumping Tour

The Sonoma International returned for its fourth year to the scenic Sonoma Horse Park featuring a week of CSI2* competition. Friday was highlighted by the $37,000 Restylane 1.45m FEI Welcome where Olaf Petersen Jr’s (GER) 16-effort course entertained a total of 44 starters from six different nations, but it was ultimately Karrie Rufer (USA) and her own Stern dei Folletti who claimed victory.

Stern dei Folletti (Toulon x Caspar) is no stranger to the podium at the Sonoma International, finishing third in Thursday’s $10,000 1.40m Speed CSI2* with Rufer in addition to winning the 2020 $50,000 Restylane Grand Prix with previous rider, Mark Kinsella (IRL). 

“I’m naturally a very competitive person, but it definitely helps that there’s an atmosphere [at Split Rock shows] and usually a lot of friends or family are here as well so that helps me get even more competitive,” Rufer commented of her home venue.

Rufer also claimed second place on the podium aboard her longtime partner, Georgie D’Auvray EC, while Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and Ilan finished in third. Competition at the Sonoma International CSI2* will continue through the weekend, highlighted by the $20,000 Restylane National Prix on Saturday, with the $5,000 Animo Youngster Bowl and the $100,000 1.45m Grand Prix CSI2* culminating the Sonoma stop on Sunday.