Press release from World Equestrian Center - Ocala

International competition is in full swing this week at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. The highlight event on Wednesday was the $31,500 1.45m Speed CSI4*, where an elite field of horse-and-rider combinations competed over a winding track designed by FEI Level IV course designer Alan Wade (IRL). Kristen Vanderveen (USA) took an early lead aboard Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC’s Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili (Berlin x Darco), setting a time no other competitor could catch.

Vanderveen and the 19-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion entered third in the posted order. “My plan was to try and stay tidy. It’s always best if I can hold one canter pace. If I get overly excited trying to win, I normally go too fast, and I’ll have one down,” she shared. “So, it actually helped going at the beginning because I didn’t have to chase anyone.”

The pair completed the course in 62.07 seconds, a time that remained unbeaten throughout the class. 

“The course suited him well. He’s really good at turning and holding his big stride, which I feel like they’re usually either really good at turning or really good at running on a big step, but not both. The four and five-stride lines were actually really nice for him because I was able to regain a little composure in the middle of the round,” Vanderveen explained.

‘Frosty’ (Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili) has been a longtime partner for Vanderveen. “I think I’ve had him for eight or nine years now. He’s for sure the longest horse I’ve ever owned and been partnered with. We know each other so well at this point,” she added.

Aaron Vale (USA) and Thinkslikeahorse’s 11-year-old KWPN mare, I.adermie R 4 (Den Ham Blue R x Namelus), finished just behind Vanderveen with a time of 62.36 seconds, securing second place.

Hunter Holloway (USA) with Kalina N (H5 Elvaro x Querly-elvis) and Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) with Scoop De Septon Z (Hunters Scendro x Echo Van T Spieveld) tied for third place, both completing the course in 62.64 seconds.