Wellington International was the center of attention for the South Florida horse community from December 7th to 10th for the ESP Year End Awards horse show. A year’s worth of hard work for riders and their equine companions culminated in this esteemed event, which also served as a prelude to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Held on Thursday at Wellington National Golf Club, the ESP Year End Awards Banquet co-hosted the South Florida Hunter Jumper Association (SFHJA) Year End Awards Banquet. The organizers demonstrated the community’s zeal and commitment to equestrian sports by kindly asking donations to SFHJA in lieu of selling tickets. This is the list of winners for this particular event. Carly Nasznic Photography’s amazing photos perfectly captured the spirit of the event.
Alvaro Tejada won the 7-Year-Old Young Jumpers on Friday with Look O Look. Daniel Bluman won with Lady Applaus, and Ramiro Quintana won with Laura. The aspiring show jumpers were on display during this event. With a quick and decisive jump-off time of 34.518 seconds, Nikko Ritter and Aquiles Del Caribe Z won the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Stake competition. Second and third place winners, respectively, were Alannah Wagstaff on Great Thing and Alex Granato on Helios VD Nosahoeve.
The biggest hunter event of the day was the $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, which was sponsored by Elite Horse Transport. With a first place aboard Selene and a third place with Clem Brecourt, Hannah Isop showed great competence. The fact that Garrett Warner and Hero came in second shows how talented this division is.
Alvaro Tejada rode One Eleven 111 to extend his winning streak on Saturday in the $5,000 Vita Flex 1.35m Stake, while Nora Gray rode O’Mega H&DB and Luis Pedro Biraben rode Solaguayre Sandalo. The bar was raised for the competitions the next day by these efforts.
At the ESP Year End Awards on Sunday afternoon, there was an exciting $25,000 #1 Education Place Grand Prix. Renowned course architect Anthony D’Ambrosio created a difficult track that pushed the competitive riders to their limits. Nikko Ritter was the center of attention as he maintained his winning run following his incredible victory in the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Stake.
Ritter, riding Aquiles Del Caribe Z, won the jump-off with a time of 38.701 seconds, besting a field of five outstanding riders. Ritter had already won the 1.40m Stake, demonstrating his exceptional skill and consistency, so this victory was noteworthy. On Pete Totale De Res Nova, Luiz Francisco De Azevedo took second place, closely followed by Emma Irwin and Chacothago in third. Christina Kelly on HH Presley Boulevard and Kelly Arani on Mardinie completed the top five with outstanding performances.
The fact that Nikko Ritter won the 1.40m Stake and the Grand Prix back-to-back shows how talented and well-matched he is with Aquiles Del Caribe Z. His dominance at the ESP Year End Awards was highlighted by these back-to-back victories, which also raised the bar for contests in the future. This weekend’s incredible achievement at Wellington International is a credit to both his outstanding bond with his horse and his unwavering dedication.
The ESP Year End Awards at Wellington International showcased excellence in equestrian sport, setting a high standard for upcoming events.
Major reporting contributions for this article were received from Wellington International in Wellington FL. Please visit Wellington International at https://wellingtoninternational.com.
