Paul Halpern (CAN) and Vanessa Lee’s Esra laid down two foot-perfect, double-clear rounds to take top honors in the $30,000 WEC Grand Prix on Sunday, March 13. Competition commenced in the early morning as a field of seven competitors gathered in the Sanctuary Arena to contest the class, which featured serpentine style tracks set by FEI Level II course designer Joey Rycroft (CAN).

Fellow competitor David Beisel, injured in a fall yesterday, was at the forefront of Halpern’s post-ride thoughts. “I dedicate my ride this morning to David Beisel. It’s been an emotional 24-hours for all of us here as we wait for updates on David’s condition. I have known David for 20 years and he is the hometown hero here at WEC. If he were here competing, he would have made me work harder for the win. We are all wishing him the very best on his recovery.” (See GoFundMe page for David here.)

Halpern was also effusive in his praise for his partner Esra (Bratt Z x Ulibra), a 10-year-old Holsteiner mare. “I’ve been riding Esra since the beginning of her career. Her owner manages our stable. She is amazing. She’s just such a special mare. She’s quality, really smart and careful, she looks for the jumps. If I do the right thing in the saddle, she always gives 110%.”

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