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.
Kent Farrington & “Greya” in the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
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.
Kent Farrington & “Greya” in the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
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.
Kent Farrington & “Greya” presented as winners of the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
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.”
Kent Farrington & “Greya” presented as winners of the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, sponsored by Arthramid © Wellington International // Cassidy Klein
All-American Sweep as Mawhinney Leads $25,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix
Following the excitement of the CSI4* competition, the $25,000 Florida Coast Equipment National Grand Prix delivered speed, pressure, and an all-American podium sweep. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) set a 12-obstacle, 15-effort track that allowed horses to open up and flow but left little room for hesitation or miscommunication. Clear rounds came frequently, and by the end of the opening phase, a full dozen riders were set to battle it out in the jump-off.
Caroline Mawhinney & “Carsey Z” in the $25,000 Florida Coast Equipment National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Grace Klement
Ultimately, it was Caroline Mawhinney and Carsey Z who rose to the top, riding with precision and rhythm across two faultless rounds to clinch the win in 37.543 seconds. Alison Robitaille (USA) and Dagny kept the pressure tight with a close second in 37.788 seconds, while Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen (USA) and Mochito V/D Mishagen secured third with a quick clear trip in 38.822 seconds, locking in a red-white-and-blue sweep of the leaderboard.
Caroline Mawhinney & “Carsey Z” presented as winners of the $25,000 Florida Coast Equipment National Grand Prix © Wellington International // Grace Klement
