Charlotte Jorst Credits Jumping Training and an Open Mind as Key to Dressage Success at AGDF

(Last Updated On: March 6, 2023)
Charlotte Jorst & Straight Horse Cosmo. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

The USA’s Charlotte Jorst — who always rides with a grin on her face — had extra reason to smile on Sunday of Week 8 at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, Florida.

The fourth of five qualifiers in both the Lövsta Future Challenge Young Horse Grand Prix Series and the Buffalo Wild Wings Future Challenge Young Horse Prix St. Georges Series sent more combinations through to the Grand Final (which takes place during AGDF 11) from both divisions. These classes aim to identify and nurture talented, up-and-coming young FEI horses. 

Jorst, 58, has only had Straight Horse Cosmo for a year and the eight-year-old gelding by her own stallion Kastel’s Grand Galaxy Win has been in jumping training for most of that time.  

“He was really lazy, so I put him in hunter/jumper training, and he just came out of that in January and he was like a reformed horse,” explained the rider from Reno, NV. “I did it because sometimes it’s just your own mindset you need to change and remain more open. I’ve never had a ride like him before and, instead of giving, you have to sit into it and get into the contact, so I’ve learned a whole new system. I love riding and learning.”

Alice Tarjan Punches Another Ticket to Young Horse Final

In the big tour class, the USA’s Alice Tarjan — who has been a great supporter of the developing horse classes — nailed another ticket to the final, with the three judges unanimous in their winner. She has already qualified on her own Summersby II, and she will now be joined by another of Tarjan’s mares, the nine-year-old Jane, by Desperado NOP. The pair was rewarded with numerous nines — but also some low marks in the two-time changes — to finish on 73.381%, with a high score of 77.058% from the British international judge at C, Clive Halsall. Emily Miles (USA) rode her two horses — Sole Mio and Daily Show — into second and third places, respectively, with scores in the high 60s.

Tarjan, of Oldwick, NJ, said, “She’s a super honest horse and she’s got her own motor — she always wants to go, which is nice to train — but she’s also very lightly shown and very spooky and aware of the environment. So, the puzzle is to try and figure out how to get her more comfortable in the show ring. It was sort of a funny test; we missed the twos, but overall, the issue is just to keep her more on my aids so I can ride a softer half-halt.”

For more information and results, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

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