Springsteen Wins, Walker 2nd in $32,000 CSI2* Qualifier

Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Naomi van het Keizershof had been knocking on the door of a major win since the beginning of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The wait was over on Friday of Week 5 as they got their victory in the $32,000 1/ST CSI2* Qualifier as the season approaches its halfway point of 12 consecutive weeks of FEI competition in Wellington, FL.

“I went for it today,” Springsteen said of her approach to Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo’s (FRA) jump-off track, where she was one of 16 to contend after a clear first round. “I took a risk from one to two; I wasn’t sure I could get there and I really went for it.”

The Tokyo Olympic team silver medalist competed early in the order of 68 entries with several fast pairs behind her also joining the jump-off. She put in her best shot and it proved to be enough by a tenth of a second with a winning 36.74 seconds on the clock. Nicole Walker (CAN) took second with Atout des Trambles in 36.84 seconds, and France’s Marie Hecart was third aboard Vahinee, owned by Normandie Connection, with a time of 37.07 seconds.

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Springsteen knows as well as anyone how competitive WEF is, especially as the season builds, so she was thrilled to get the win. “[Naomi] is a mare you can be competitive on so I try to use her speed to our advantage,” explained Springsteen, who also picked up a five-star win on the mare at the end of 2024. “I felt really fast but it’s so competitive here; you can do a fast round and end up somewhere in the top 10. Luck was on our side today and it worked out.”

Springsteen has a special approach with Naomi due to the mare’s competitive nature. “I try to bring her up and down a bit,” she explained. “She has so much talent and ability but I try to keep her comfortable and confident because she is such a winner. I try to keep her in classes she can win in because she’s so competitive. My plan—after this weekend— is to step back up again.”

The 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Cardento 933 x For Pleasure), owned by Stone Hill Farm, has been in Springsteen’s stable for quite a while, but they took a bit to fully hit their stride. Now, their consistency is showing in spades.

“I’ve had her since she was 6 years old,” Springsteen continued. “It took us a long time to gel. At one point I wasn’t sure if we were the right fit. I learned that I have to try to ride her more securely; really between my hand and leg and give her that confidence. She has such a lovely canter she invites you to get out of the seat and hunt a little, but she needs to feel you secure and with her. That’s something I always try to remember—especially in these jump-offs.”

As Springsteen works on a rebuilding year without a major championship in the immediate future, she anticipates more success for Naomi and the other up-and-coming horses in her string. She and Naomi turn their efforts towards Sunday’s $62,500 1/ST CSI2* Grand Prix and aim to continue the competitive streak.

For full results from the $32,000 1/ST CSI2* Qualifier, click HERE.