Ocala, Florida, USA – January 12, 2024 – The 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series is in full swing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala with thrilling competition. The $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix was the highlight event of the afternoon as 29 top-notch horse-and-rider combinations competed over an intricate track set by FEI Level III course designer Ben Townley (GBR). In a thrilling 10-horse jump-off, Daniel Geitner (USA) upped the ante with November Hill’s Vesta de Lavardin (Diamant De Semilly x Pepite Malouine), navigating a track so slick the crowd was on the edge of their seats. 

Second to return for the jump-off, Aaron Vale (USA) set a quick time to beat in 35.192 seconds aboard I. Adermie R 4, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Den Ham Blue R x W.adermie 1 owned by Thinkslikeahorse.  

Daniel Geitner (USA) was the next athlete to attempt to snag the fastest time. Despite having to dash to the hunter arena for a Performance Hunter class between rounds, Geitner didn’t let it slow him down. 

Geitner, aware of Vale’s quick performance, strategically tackled the course, making efficient decisions, “I watched Aaron, who is probably the fastest rider in the country. I got lucky and did one less from two to three in the rollback, then one less to the last in the jump-off. The other two riders had done eight, and my mare has such a big stride, I caught the second to last fence going, and I actually ended up having to balance in the seven.” 

Geitner and Vesta de Lavardin soared through the timers in 34.862 seconds, securing a time that proved unbeatable to other competitors. Geitner expressed his gratitude for WEC, “It’s great to be back. The rings look amazing. The horses jump like it’s a brand-new course every single day. The footing is just unbelievable.”

Having owned Vesta de Lavardin since she was six, Geitner spoke proudly of his partnership with the now 15-year-old mare, emphasizing her winning spirit, “I produced her through the ranks. She actually won her first two grands prix. She’s just a winner.” 

Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) claimed the third place spot on the leaderboard with her 13-year-old Zangersheide mare Cyramo Z (Z (Clarimo x Cyprus), delivering a quick and clear jump-off round in 36.456 seconds. 

Final Results – $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix

1) Daniel Geitner (USA) & Vesta de Lavardin, November Hill: 0 | 0 | 34.862

2) Aaron Vale (USA) & I. Adermie R 4, Thinkslikeahorse: 0 | 0 | 35.192

3) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo Z, Jacqueline Ruyle: 0 | 0 | 36.456

4) Jelmer Hoekstra (NED) & K-One PGO, Hoekstra Stables: 0 | 0 | 36.649

5) Avery Erickson (USA) & Chacco Lait, Avery Erickson: 0 | 0 | 39.070

6) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & San Chano, Jacqueline Ruyle: 0 | 0 | 39.199

7) Augusta Iwasaki (USA) & Fresca, Iwasaki & Reilly: 0 | 4 | 36.778 

8) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & James Bond HX, Bonne Chance LLC: 0 | 4 | 36.944

9) Aaron Vale (USA) & Cristo Beech, Thinkslikeahorse & Alise Carrico: 0 | 4 | 44.424

10) Juan Pablo Gnecco (COL) & Habab-W, Caroline Amplatz: 0 | RT

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Winslow Photography

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