Juan Vegas & Clarisimo Claim the $32,000 Forestier Sellier Grand Prix CSI U-25

By Jumper News on 2026-02-21

Ocala, United States – February 19, 2026 – The $32,000 Grand Prix CSI U-25, sponsored by Forestier Sellier served as the feature event of the afternoon in the WEC Grand Arena. Twenty-three top U-25 horse-and-rider combinations contested the track, but in the end it was Venezuela’s Juan Vegas (VEN) who piloted his own Clarisimo to his first international victory.

Only six combinations managed clear rounds over Colm Quinn’s technical first-round track, and just four of those managed to produce double-clear efforts.

Vegas reflected on the opening round and praised the course design. “The first course was tough. There were so many options, doing one less stride or one more. I was a little concerned at the beginning because I wasn’t completely happy with some of the decisions I made. After fence three, I really locked in mentally. I thought the track was very nice, and it was a great learning experience.”

**Brianne Beerbaum** (GER) & **Big Dream**

Germany’s Brianne Beerbaum (GER) was first to return for the jump-off, setting an early benchmark aboard her own eight-year-old Westphalian mare Big Dream (Big Star x Quidam de Revel). The pair delivered a blazing round in 42.92 seconds.

**Tony Stormanns** (GER) & **Twick Star**

Last CSIU25 Grand Prix winner Tony Stormanns (GER) came the closest to matching the time, piloting Alexandra Crown’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Twick Star (Twilight x Coupe D’or) to a fast and fault-free effort in 43.27 seconds.

Second to last in the order, Vegas entered the arena determined to give it his all. “To be honest, I didn’t get to watch anyone go. My plan was not to get too crazy and just let him do his job, because I know I have a really fast horse. I just wanted to go out there and try to win.”

Vegas did exactly that. Aboard the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, he executed an efficient track, stopping the clock in 40.24 seconds to take over the top of the leaderboard.

The victory marked Vegas’ first FEI win and carried special meaning for the young rider. “He has been in our family since he was three. He has the same birthday as my dad, so basically, he’s more important than me,” Vegas joked. “He’s an amazing horse. I’ve been riding him since he was five. A professional rode him for me at first because I wasn’t quite ready, but I took over the reins when he was eight. Hopefully, we stay together for many more years.”