Action in the international arena during Week 8 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) wrapped up on Thursday with the BrainJuice U25 Welcome. Forty-eight up-and-coming competitors took to the speed track, but it was Canada’s Cassidy Rein and Escorial K, owned by the Rein Family LLC, who took the win. Rein and the 15-year-old Oldenburg mare by Chaccos’ Son x Epsom Gesmeray set the leading time by a full second, finishing in 58.70 seconds.
U25 athletes will now take aim at the BrainJuice U25 Semi-Final Grand Prix taking place under the lights on Friday evening.
“She proved me wrong in the best way,” said Rein of Escorial K. “I’ve had her for three and a half years now, and we tried to sell her last year as a 1.30m horse because we all thought that’s where she would be happiest.
“When she didn’t sell, we tried some bigger classes in Europe over the summer, and she completely exceeded our expectations,” continued Rein, 21. Jumping at the two- and three-star level throughout the end of 2025, Rein felt Escorial K was the perfect pick for her 2026 U25 season.
The mare proved her strength, beating out early class leader Virginia Bonnie (USA) and Heldorado (Eldorado VD Zeshoek TN x Quick Star), owned by Nina Bonnie, who finished in second on a time of 59.86 seconds. Third was awarded to Hallie Grimes (USA) and Margriet de Mariposa (Nabab de Reve x For Pleasure), owned by Can We Keep It? LLC, finishing fractions behind Bonnie in 59.90 seconds.
“The U25 continues to be a great series,” said Rein. “The WEF season can feel long and easy to get lost in at times, so having these U25 classes along the way makes it easier to set goals.”
Ahead of the final during week 10 of WEF, riders will get the opportunity to jump under the lights in the U25 Semi-Final this Friday, February 27.
“Saturday Night Lights is such a notorious event here in Wellington, so it’s special that we get to have a taste of that under the lights as U25 riders,” concluded Rein, who trains under the direction of Helena Stormanns. “It’s a great way to step in there for the first time with your horse and just enjoy it.”
For the full results of the BrainJuice U25 Welcome, click HERE.
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