Wellington, Florida, United States – March 28, 2025 – Jessica Mendoza (GBR) has had a stellar season at Wellington International, and she isn’t done yet. She added another victory to her resume on Friday in the $32,000 Vogel Qualifier CSI 2* during Rolex Finale Week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Her winning partner was a borrowed horse, VDL Stella, owned by Lauren Skowland.
VDL Stella, a 13-year-old mare (Cardento x Baloubet du Rouet), is the ride of one of Mendoza’s students. With only a few days to prepare, the pieces fell into place for Mendoza from a large field of 73 entries contesting Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) track. Eleven pairs advanced to the all-deciding jump-off.
“There were enough in the jump-off so it was nice I was last to go; I could see what everyone was doing,” Mendoza said of her approach. “She doesn’t have the biggest stride so I couldn’t do the leave-outs. Some did seven [strides] to the double, but I knew doing eight was just as quick. I went quick without losing my cool.”
Mendoza shaved more than a half second off the leading time, which was posted by Juan Manuel Gallego (ESP) and Oriana van’t Ruytershof, owned by Anniela Gonzales Del Valle. In 39.26 seconds, Mendoza secured the win, pushing Gallego into second place on a time of 39.83 seconds. Ashley Vogel (USA) ended up third with Toulonia, owned by Voquest, in 40.08 seconds.
Mendoza knows it’s a short stint getting to compete with VDL Stella, which caused her to savor every moment. “She’s the most perfect little angel,” she said of the mare. “She has no bad bones in her body, and she wants to please. It was a pleasure riding her. I’d like to keep her but I’m not sure I’m allowed.”
The horse put in international miles with Carly Anthony and Hannah Hink before arriving at Mendoza’s stable. So far, the horse hasn’t touched a rail in two-star competition since joining forces with Skowlund. Mendoza kept that streak alive by also snagging third place on Thursday in the Vogel FEI2* 1.45m.
Mendoza feels the horse has done her job for the week and plans to pilot Hascombe Verona in Sunday’s $62,500 FEI2* Vogel Grand Prix to close competition for the season.
Final Results – $32,000 Vogel Qualifier CSI 2*
1) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & VDL Stella – 0 / 0 – 39.26
2) Juan Manuel Gallego (ESP) & Oriana van’t Ruytershof – 0 / 0 – 39.83
3) Ashley Vogel (USA) & Toulonia – 0 / 0 – 40.08
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot
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Categories: CSI 2*, English, Jumper News Great Britain, Wellington International
