Ocala, Florida, USA – January 25, 2024 – A picturesque, sunny Florida day set the scene for the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Kenny Krome (USA), an accomplished FEI Level III course designer, crafted the inviting courses for today’s competition, where Megan Wexler (USA) clinched victory aboard Amen Corner Farm’s Psalm (Quasimodo Z x Truuske).

A total of 11 horse-and-rider pairs navigated flawlessly through Krome’s first-round track, with only five managing to replicate their success in the jump-off for a double-clear effort.

Megan Wexler (USA) was the final contender to attempt the jump-off. She piloted the 15-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse / Dutch Warmblood gelding Psalm, and had a solid plan in mind, “I planned all of the leave outs. His stride is so big and open, in a ring like this, I was able to just gallop. I was a bit nervous to the vertical-vertical combination because it was so tight. I thought leaving out to it could be a bit risky, but he tried so hard and cleared it. I just kept kicking the rest of the way and it was smooth sailing from there.” 

Crossing the timers in a swift 34.780 seconds, Wexler secured the win. “It feels great to win today. It was a fast group of riders so I am very proud of him and I think his owners must be too,” shared Wexler. “I have to thank my staff. It really takes a team to get here and I wouldn’t be able to succeed without them.”  

Reflecting on the experience of competing in the WEC Grand Arena, Wexler enthused, “The atmosphere is incredible, from walking down the ramp, to the hotel as a backdrop and the venue, it’s just incredible. The jumps are beautiful, and it really helps bring out the best in the horses. The night atmosphere is like going to a football game, it’s so much fun to have the crowd cheering you on.”

Securing second place was Charlie Jones (GBR) aboard Morning Star Sporthorses, LLC’s 13-year-old Holsteiner stallion, Capitale 6 (San Patrignano Cassini x Utopia XXII), clocking in at 35.155 seconds.

Vaclav Stanek (CZE) and Quintin, a 14-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse – Dutch Warmblood gelding by Quaprice Bois Margot x Thamara, clinched third place with an impressive time of 35.689 seconds, rounding out the top three.

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

1) Megan Wexler (USA) & Psalm, Amen Corner Farm, LLC: 0 | 0 | 34.780

2) Charlie Jones (GBR) & Capitale 6, Morning Star Sporthorses, LLC: 0 | 0 | 35.155

3) Vaclav Stanek (CZE) & Quintin, Ariel Grange: 0 | 0 | 35.689

4) Adeline Rohrbach (USA) & Cooper 211, Adeline Rohrbach: 0 | 0 | 38.066

5) Kayla Benney (USA) & Doki Du Loret, Dawn Willey: 0 | 0 | 44.638

6) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Bull Run’s Jireh, Bull Run Jumpers, Inc.: 0 | 4 | 34.042

7) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & Frasier, Bonne Vie LLC: 0 | 4 | 35.156

8) Mikayla Sancho (USA) & Marcus, Mikayla Sancho: 0 | 4 | 44.467

9) Kama Godek (USA) & Charissa,Kama Godek: 0 | 8 | 38.252

10) Allen Nabors (USA) & Master Clinton DVE, Dutch Valley Sporthorses: 0 | WD

10) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & James Bond HX, Bonne Chance LLC: 0 | WD 

Source: Press Release from World Equestrian Center

Photos: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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