Ocala, Florida, United States – February 22, 2025 – The 2025 Hits Ocala Winter Circuit continued with another exhilarating week of elite show jumping at Hits Post Time Farm. Week 6, the Ocala Masters, reached its climax on Saturday, February 22, with the $100,000 Mendelsohn/Elliman Grand Prix, in which Jordan Coyle (IRL) and Ariso once again proved unbeatable, securing a commanding victory.
With top riders from across the world vying for the top prize, the competition was fierce. Course designer Ken Krome (USA) crafted a technical track that tested the skills of 26 horse-and-rider combinations. Featuring delicate verticals, wide oxers, and rollback turns, the course demanded precision and speed. Eight pairs delivered clear first rounds, earning a spot in the high-stakes jump-off.
Coyle, who entered four horses in the class, qualified two for the jump-off. He first set a steady, clear pace in 43.135 seconds aboard Action T, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Falkirk Farm.
Samantha Schaefer (USA) and Frasier, Bonne Vie’s 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding Frasier (Carambole x Padinus), quickly overtook his time, crossing the timers in 41.918 seconds.
As the final rider to contest the short course, Coyle returned aboard his veteran mount Ariso and delivered a blazing round, stopping the clock in 40.382 seconds — nearly a second and a half faster than Schaefer, who had to settle for the runner-up spot this time around. Coyle completed the podium with Action T.
“Normally on Ariso, if you can get the first round out of the way, the jump-offs are much easier,” explained Coyle. “That was the case today. The jump-off suited him because there weren’t a lot of right turns, and I didn’t have to go too fast.”
Coyle and Ariso, Elan Farm’s 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Casall x Contender), have enjoyed great success up to the five-star level. However, over the past five years, their journey has not been without challenges.
“He’s always been an unbelievable jumper,” enthused Coyle. “If he gives you just forty percent, he’s still one of the best horses in the world, but he’s often given me one hundred percent, like today.
“He’s already given us so much, but about a year ago, he wasn’t really performing,” he continued. “My groom, Misha, fell in love with him and spent a lot of time with him, especially on the flat. To be honest, I think everything we’re getting from Ariso now is just because of her.”
Coyle, a familiar face at Hits, has regularly brought his string to Hits Ocala from his Wellington, Florida-based Elan Farm this winter.
“They do a wonderful job here,” he said. “The jumps are beautiful, and they’re the right height for the prize money. I think it’s just getting bigger and better, and I’m all for it. I’m especially grateful that they have such incredible sponsors, like Maria Mendelsohn and her team at Douglas Elliman, to produce classes like this one.”
Final Results – $100,000 Mendelsohn / Elliman Grand Prix
1) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Ariso – 0 / 0 – 40.382
2) Samantha Schaefer (USA) & Frasier – 0 / 0 – 41.918
3) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Action T – 0 / 0 – 43.135
Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows
Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography
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Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News Ireland
