March 7, 2025 – Ocala, FL – The Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4* offered by Dover Saddlery was the spotlight of the week on Friday, March 7, 2025, at World Equestrian Heart – Ocala (WEC) in the course of the WEC March Dressage CDI4* offered by Hampton Inexperienced Farms. Victory within the class went to Julio Mendoza Loor (ECU) and Jewel’s Goldstrike, his Olympic companion that he owns with Jessica and Justin Mendoza.
Of their first present again because the 2024 Paris Olympic Video games seven months in the past, Mendoza and Jewel’s Goldstrike, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Bretton Woods x Scandic) scored 75.860% to simply take the win by two-hundredths of a degree.
Julio Mendoza and Jewel’s Goldstrike improved on their efficiency from Thursday to take the win within the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4* offered Dover Saddlery. Photograph by Andrew Ryback Pictures
Mendoza was happy with “Goldie’s” efficiency within the freestyle after an brisk Grand Prix take a look at on Thursday. “At present was higher than yesterday,” he acknowledged. “At present he needed to carry out, and he was slightly bit nervous at first, however he was with me on a regular basis.
“There have been a variety of highlights tonight within the take a look at,” he continued. “My pirouettes have been the spotlight tonight. He was actually, actually with me. After the road of the one-tempis, he was actually there in what I used to be asking him to do. His efficiency was superb. Nothing is healthier than competing right here at WEC – Ocala.”
Mendoza admitted to some nerves of their return again to the present ring however famous that whereas Goldie is all the time “slightly bit sassy,” it’s by no means to be imply; often it’s a mix of sass, nerves, and slightly look.
“My pirouettes have been the spotlight tonight.” – Julio Mendoza on his take a look at with Jewel’s Goldstrike. Photograph by Andrew Ryback Pictures
Realizing that Goldie would have the entire day to attend till the freestyle started on Friday night, Mendoza made a concerted effort to maintain Goldie’s nerves settled and centered on the horse’s favourite issues: handwalking, grass and time outdoors of the stall.
“He ate grass and rolled a number of instances,” mentioned Mendoza. “He laid down right this moment for nearly 10 minutes and was consuming grass. I didn’t journey him as a result of I knew if I rode him, he would get even hotter. I most popular to maintain him calm and relaxed. I needed him to know that he didn’t need to carry out in the course of the day; it was his time to loosen up. I attempt to give him on a regular basis that he deserves.”
“My pirouettes have been the spotlight tonight.” – Julio Mendoza on his take a look at with Jewel’s Goldstrike. Photograph by Andrew Ryback Pictures
Whereas this freestyle win earned factors for the US Equestrian Open for Dressage, Mendoza will keep laser centered on his plan for 2026, which at present features a three-month keep in Europe for competitors, qualifying for the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany, and the 2026 South American Video games.
Anna Marek and Fayvel, a 15-year-old KWPN gelding by Zizi High x Houston owned by Cynthia Davila, have been simply behind with a rating of 75.840%. With this second-place end, Marek now leads the standings for the US Equestrian Open for Dressage, and her sights are set on the ultimate, which shall be held in California this November.
Denielle Gallagher (CAN) and Come Again De Massa, a 13-year-old Lusitano gelding by Galopin de la Font x Quixote SDS she owns with Ellen Lazarus, scored 69.345% for third place.
Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4* Outcomes
Begin Checklist and Outcomes
CDI competitors continues on Saturday, March 8, with the Intermediate A CDI2*, Intermediate 1 CDI1*, Grand Prix Particular CDI3*, and Grand Prix Particular CDI4*.
