Sam Walker on Winning Form in The Dexter Grand Prix CSI 3*

By Jumper News on 2025-08-03

Traverse City, Michigan – August 02, 2025 – Canada’s Sam Walker (CAN) and Carruso PJ bested a field bursting with talent to win the $117,000 The Dexter Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday evening during Traverse City Horse Shows’ fifth week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by B&D Builders.

The 11th season of GLEF features six weeks of FEI competition running through August 10, showcasing an FEI Nations Cup CSIO 3*, the FEI North American Youth Championships, and the return of Major League Show Jumping CSI5* competition to Traverse City. Highlights also include the $100,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Central Spectacular and weekly qualifiers for the all-new $150,000 Traverse City Equitation Championships debuting in September.

Peter Grant (CAN) designed the evening’s course, setting the stage for the fellow northerner’s success. Seven advanced to the jump-off, which included representation from four different nations, including Canada, the U.S. Israel and Australia.

Walker, 23, and Carruso PJ, a 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Carridam x Stakkato) owned by Holman Imports, led the victory gallop after stopping the clock a half a second faster than the closest challenger.

Fellow Canadian and 2024 Paris Olympian Erynn Ballard (CAN) jumped into the runner-up position aboard Dior, an 11-year-old Swedish-bred mare by Diamantino for owner Ilan Ferder. She stopped the jump-off clock at 41.13 seconds.

In addition to being runner-up, Ballard also took home the Turnham Green Leading Lady Rider Award title for GLEF five, her third leading lady designation of the GLEF season.

**Spencer Smith** (USA) & **HHS Seattle**

The fastest four-fault round over the short course, Spencer Smith (USA) piloted HHS Seattle—a 12-year-old Irish-bred Pacino gelding—to a time of 41.08 seconds and third place for owners Ashland Farms and Don Stewart.

“Although he’s green, when you turn the jets on and go fast, he definitely shows up to the occasion,” said Walker of the up-and-coming mount that was previously campaigned as a young horse by U.S. athlete Carly Anthony. “It’s been a lot of learning for both of us; he’s only nine and hasn’t had very much experience at such a high level. But, he’s been extremely consistent since we’ve stepped him up.”

When the Holman Family asked Walker to take over the ride, he first noticed how smart the gelding was. “If we make a mistake, I know he’s going to come back and learn from it,” said Walker of the horse he also describes as a ‘Golden Retriever’ around the barn. “I’ve never ridden a horse this smart in my entire life; I have nothing but praise for him. I hope that I get to have a long partnership with him because he’s a dream to ride.”

Walker recently returned to the traditions of his junior career and is back riding within the program of John Brennan and Missy Clark’s North Run. “It’s a pleasure to be back; it’s a proven spot to produce young horses and young riders all the way to the Olympic level. I could not be more grateful for the team at North Run, and I can’t wait for a long partnership there.”