Thanksgiving Day FEI Action
Thanksgiving week wasted no time building momentum as 98 horses jogged for FEI inspection ahead of the start of the ESP Holiday & Horses CSI4* competition.
Thanksgiving Day welcomed a strong start to FEI competition as riders returned to the International Arena for the first major class of the week: the $6,000 FEI CSI4* 1.40m Thursday Opener – Two Phase, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies. The early contest set the tone for an exciting holiday schedule, with Great Britain’s Jake Ward and Dori 66 rising to the occasion. The pair produced smooth trips across both phases, stopping the timers at 44.17 seconds in Phase 1 and 29.7 seconds in Phase 2 to claim the first win of the day. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Battlecry, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC and Kent Farrington, LLC, followed close behind to secure the second-place position.
Momentum continued to build as the next feature stepped into the ring: the $32,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses 1.45m Two-Phase Special, sponsored by LeMieux. The class delivered speed, precision, and international depth, with Egypt’s Nayel Nassar topping the field aboard Dorado de Riverland, owned by Evergate Stables, LLC. Nassar stopped the clocks in 35.98 seconds in Phase 1 and 36.31 seconds in Phase 2, a performance that held strong through the remaining entries. Top Canadian in this class was Gavin Moylan riding Anton, finishing 5th.
Nina Mallevaey (FRA) and My Clementine won the $117,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses Qualifier. (Wellington International / Cassidy Klein)
Mallevaey Masters the $117,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Qualifier
The $117,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses Qualifier, sponsored by BrainJava, came down to fractions of a second as riders chased the clock in a thrilling jump-off. Ultimately, it was France’s Nina Mallevaey and My Clementine, owned by the Rein Family, LLC, who rose to the top with an electric round in 36.42 seconds. Narrow margins decided the remaining podium spots. Chris Pratt (CAN) delivered a smooth, clear performance aboard Ideaal Es, owned by Take the High Road, LLC, to finish second in 36.96 seconds.
Erynn Ballard (CAN) and New Star vd Berghoeve won the $32,000 FEI CSI4* 1.50m Classic. (Wellington International / Cassidy Klein)
Ballard and New Star vd Berghoeve Lead the Way in Classic
Saturday’s feature class lived up to expectations as the International Arena welcomed 40 entries for the $32,000 FEI CSI4* 1.50m Classic, sponsored by Dover Saddlery. The speed-format class meant that every second mattered, and with no jump-off to rely on, riders had only one chance to leave the rails untouched while keeping pace with the clock. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) set a course of 12 obstacles with 15 total efforts, a track that rewarded efficiency, bold turns, and forward momentum.
Thirteenth in the order, Erynn Ballard (CAN) set the tone early with New Star vd Berghoeve, owned by Ilan Ferder. The Canadian rider found her rhythm immediately, balancing pace with precision and maintaining a tight track through the turns. Their clear round in 66.62 seconds became the time to beat, and as each entry followed, the challenge was laid firmly on the table. While many attempted to chase her pace, none were able to unseat her, locking Ballard into the winning position by the close of the class.
Finishing just behind her was Israel’s Vanessa Hood aboard FBW Graphik, owned by Take Two, LLC. Hood delivered an efficient and controlled trip, staying competitive throughout the course and ultimately crossing the timers in 67.98 seconds. Though she wasn’t able to edge into the lead, her smooth execution secured the red ribbon.
Rounding out the podium was Philip McGuane (IRL) riding Coronado, owned by Evergate Stables, LLC. Their time of 68.58 seconds held strong for third place, adding a third nation to the top three finish. McGuane’s trip showcased Coronado’s power and scope, and while it wasn’t quite fast enough to catch Hood or Ballard, it was a polished and competitive round that capped off a tight leaderboard.
$200,000 FEI CSI4* Holiday & Horses Grand Prix
The feature event of the Holiday & Horses CSI4* week brought depth, difficulty, and high sport to Wellington International as 39 entries stepped forward for the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) set the tone with 14 obstacles and 17 efforts, including a liverpool and a wall that proved influential early in the class and demanded clarity in each rider’s plan.
Clear rounds came sparingly at first. By the midway drag, only Hallie Grimes (USA) aboard Karoline of Ballmore had produced a fault-free effort, holding the lone jump-off position for much of the first round. As the class progressed, the momentum shifted and riders found their rhythm, resulting in a total of eight combinations advancing to the shortened track.
The jump-off delivered exactly what the crowd came for. Hallie Grimes (USA) and Karoline of Ballmore were first to return, setting the tone early with a smooth and efficient clear in 45.78 seconds, which held strong for second place. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Coriaan van Klapscheut Z followed next, delivering another quick round that ultimately secured third, continuing the pair’s strong form following their CSI3* Grand Prix win just two weeks prior.
When Kent Farrington (USA), world number one, entered with Greya, the pace elevated instantly. Farrington chose the tightest turns on course, opened Greya’s stride whenever space allowed, and executed a masterclass in balance and precision to stop the clock in an incredible 39.34 seconds. His round set a new standard, and although three riders returned after him, none were able to match the speed, efficiency, or accuracy that secured Farrington the victory. Canada’s Erynn Ballard placed 4th riding Ian Ferder’s Dior, having one rail in 44.24 seconds.
With the win secured, Farrington reflected on what Wellington means to him. “I grew up in Chicago but have been coming to Wellington for a long time, so it’s my home now. I think the upgrades are great. There’s a great team led by Murray Kessler and with Rolex supporting it and elevating the facility’s status. As they continue to make improvements, it’s better for all of us who call Wellington home.”
He went on to describe Greya’s management program – a system built around patience and confidence. “I jumped her [Greya] very small to build her confidence. She’s an extremely careful horse, and I manage her accordingly. All horses have different issues and weaknesses, and I try to build those into strengths or help them with their weakness and I’m always trying to do.”
As for what’s next, Farrington has Geneva on the radar. “The plan is to bring Greya, Toulayna, and Garrison, but with horses, sometimes they have different ideas. That is our current plan, and hopefully it will remain so.”
$200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix results here.
Full results here.
~ with files from Wellington International
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