Tony Stormanns Storms to First in the $32,000 Forestier Sellier Grand Prix CSI U-25

By Jumper News on 2026-01-23

Ocala, United States – January 26, 2026 – The $32,000 Grand Prix CSI U-25 sponsored by Forestier Sellier served as the highlight of the afternoon at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, where 19 competitive horse-and-rider combinations contested the class while aiming to earn valuable points toward the WEC CSI U-25 Leaderboard, also sponsored by Forestier Sellier. Germany’s Tony Stormanns (GER) emerged victorious, piloting Rushy Marsh Farm’s RMF Cinnamo (Magic Park x Avon) to his first U25 Grand Prix win.

Renowned course designer Olaf Petersen (GER) once again presented a technical and thoughtful track. Only five combinations managed to jump clear in the first round, advancing to the jump-off, where just three ultimately produced double-clear efforts.

Hallie Grimes (USA) was the first rider to post a double-clear performance, guiding the 10-year-old Australian Warmblood gelding Jon Snow (Vingino x Eldorado Vd Zeshoek) through an efficient jump-off round in 45.71 seconds.

The next clear came from Stormanns, who had already tested the jump-off track earlier with Twick Star before returning with RMF Cinnamo. Reflecting on the differences between the two mounts, Stormanns shared, “‘Cinnamo’ is nothing like Twick Star. Cinnamo is a careful horse. You have to ride him forward without worrying about the poles too much. If you ride him too slow, you might have a problem with the back pole. Whereas Twick Star, you have to hold him off the first pole, which I didn’t do at the final oxer and had the rail down, but he was fantastic overall.”

**Tony Stormanns** (GER) & **RMF Cinnamo**

At the sound of the buzzer, Stormanns and RMF Cinnamo were all business. Utilizing the 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding’s massive stride, Stormanns stopped the clock at an impressive 43.59 seconds, a time that ultimately proved uncatchable.

**Carlee McCutcheon** (USA) & **Coco Mercedes**

Week II CSIU25 Grand Prix winner and current U25 leaderboard leader Carlee McCutcheon (USA) entered the ring with hopes of another podium finish. She piloted Purple Rein Investments’ 13-year-old Westphalian mare Coco Mercedes (Chacco’s Son II x Florestan I) to a lightning-fast jump-off time of 43.81 seconds, just two-tenths of a second off the winning pace, to secure second place.

RMF Cinnamo holds special significance for Stormanns, who reflected on their shared history. “Cinnamo is actually a returning horse of mine. He used to belong to Catherine Pasmore and my mother [Helena Stormanns] as a share. At some point, when I was 15, just starting in the juniors, he was given to me, and I jumped the Junior Nations Cup™ in Zuidwolde [Netherlands]. Then I took him to the European Championships there, making it to the final, I think I was top 30 in the end. Then he was given to Rushy Marsh Farm and Michael Duffy. He was with Michael for a long time, and at some point Rushy Marsh Farm decided to give him to me, which I was very happy about. Now he just won me my first U25 Grand Prix!”

The U25 Series sponsored by Forestier Sellier continues to foster a highly competitive atmosphere, as young athletes vie for the opportunity to win a custom saddle from Forestier Sellier. With McCutcheon and Stormanns currently leading the charge, the rivalry is heating up. “Knowing that there is a saddle up for grabs, I am going to try even more now,” joked Stormanns. “I have a lot of respect for Carlee, she’s a very good rider, and I’ve known her for a long time. She’s a difficult opponent. Beating her today, as tight as the time was between us, I don’t think I’m going to have that opportunity again, but I’m sure going to try,” he laughed.