Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by adminahb
Erynn Ballard & Chatadel PS © Cassidy Klein
A successful ESP November show marked the beginning of a new winter season at Wellington International. With riders and horses settling in under the Florida sunshine, the excitement continues to build as FEI competition makes its return next week with the 3* ESP Pre-Charity.
Course designer Jasen Shelley set the stage for an exciting evening in the International Arena, crafting a track that rewarded precision and forward riding. The $20,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix welcomed a mix of familiar faces and new arrivals eager to tune up for the upcoming winter season.
In the end, it was Canada’s Erynn Ballard who made the course look effortless. Aboard Chatadel PS, owned by Ilan Ferder and Jose Salgado Negrete, Ballard was quick to find every inside track and cut every corner without losing rhythm — flying through the timers in 39.54 seconds to secure the win.
Hot on her heels was Belgium’s Pieter De Brabandere with Dothraki Warlord, owned by Maarten Huygens, who delivered another double-clear at 39.651 seconds. Spain’s Gonzalo Busca Roca and Cristiano Obolensky, owned by Stransky Mission Farm and Kalany Stables LLC, completed the top three with a clean and consistent round in 41.301 seconds.
Smooth Rounds Secure the Win for Nikko Ritter and Ziara in the $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
The $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Pilates Rocks, unfolded in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Taking home the win was Nikko Ritter (USA) aboard Ziara, owned by Christine Fick, earning top scores of 177 across two rounds. Cormac Hanley (IRE) and Cruisilier, owned by Chris Stinnett, followed closely in second with a total of 176, while Debra Ward (USA) rounded out the podium with 164.
Schooling under the Lights Provides Key Preparation for Competitors
Friday evening’s schooling sessions offered riders the chance to prepare for future night competitions, with jumps set from 1.30m–1.40m. The experience allowed horses to acclimate to the lighting and atmosphere, while riders fine-tuned timing and technique over the water under the glow of the arena.
Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com
**For more extensive horse competition coverage, visit HorsesintheSouth.com.