Ocala, United States – January 15, 2026 – Forty of the world’s top horse-and-rider combinations, representing 13 nations, took to the WEC Grand Arena on Thursday morning to vie for the top prize in the $117,000 UF Health Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4*. Decorated course designer Anderson Lima (BRA), an FEI Level IV builder, set the stage for Thursday’s competition. The track proved to be technical, with the final two lines accounting for the majority of faults. Ultimately, 12 horse-and-rider combinations successfully answered all the questions and stayed within the time allowed to advance to the jump-off.

In the jump-off, Erynn Ballard (CAN) set the early pace aboard her first of two mounts, Her Game Ball BG, stopping the clock in 35.08 seconds but adding a rail.

Australia’s Lauren Balcomb and U.S. rider Sloane Coles both gave the shortened track a strong effort, though each incurred four faults.

Belgium’s Pieter de Brabandere then raised the bar, delivering a clear round aboard Dothraki Warlord in a swift 34.00 seconds to put pressure on the remaining competitors.

Ballard returned with her second mount, Dior, producing a clear effort but just off the leading time in 34.42 seconds.

Aaron Vale (USA) followed, determined to take the win aboard Thinks Like A Horse’s Gray’s Inn (Cannavaro x Oscar). The pair surged into the lead with a blazing clear round in 33.65 seconds.

Lebanon’s Jad Dana (LBN) came close to overtaking the top spot, piloting The Itchy Group’s 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Itchcock des Dames (Marius Claudius x Calvaro F.c.) to a time of 33.84 seconds, slotting just behind Vale on the leaderboard.

As the second-to-last to go, Bluman entered the arena confident in his partnership with Gemma W. Stopping the clock in a winning time of 33.21 seconds, Bluman and Gemma W surged to the top of the podium. 

Final Results – $117,000 UF Health Grand Prix Qualifier CSI 4*

1) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Gemma W – 0 / 0 – 33.21 

2) Aaron Vale (USA) & Gray’s Inn – 0 / 0 – 33.65

3) Jad Dana (LBN) & Itchcock des Dames – 0 / 0 – 33.84

Source: Press Release (edited) from World Equestrian Center

Photo: © WEC / Andrew Ryback Photography

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