Marcus Orlob on Jane Clear Winner Wellington CDI3* Grand Prix

Marcus Orlob on his Paris Olympic mount Jane was the clear winner of the CDI3* Grand Prix in Wellington's the Global Dressage Festival opening Big Tour event of the year and the first competition for the pair since last July in Europe.

In kicking off the winter-long Global circuit, Marcus and the 12-year-old were awarded 71.391% with the mare displaying one major spook in the one-tempi changes that were awarded two points. It could not be offset by 16 marks of eight from the five judges after that movement.

Katherine Bateson Chandler of Wellington on the 14-year-old mare Haute Couture was runner-up on 69.261%.

Michael Klimke of Germany on the U.S.-owned Harmony’s Dante’s Peak, 10-year-old gelding, placed third on a personal best 68.587%, less than a year since the pair began Big Tour, at these same show grounds.

In 18 months of taking the horses to different locations, such as Diamante Farms in Wellington, as well as last competing at the atmosphere-live World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, Marcus said has helped calm Jane .

Despite the error, said Marcus, based in neighboring Loxahatchee, “I think I had parts where she really was with me and I could relax her and I was actually happy with her.”

In addition to different venues, he said, “I do a lot of hacking just trying to get her out because she just needs to see the world and relax her brain. Then finally, hopefully, at some point I can ride mistake-free and show what we can do.”

The next competition on their schedule is the top rated Wellington CDI5* Jan. 21-25 and possibly other shows at different venues in Florida.

Results:

CDI3* Grand Prix

Rank Competitor Score

1. Marcus Orlob (USA) Jane 71.391%

2. Katherine Bateson Chandler (USA) Haute Couture 69.261%

3. Michael Klimke (GER) Harmony’s Dante’s Peak 68.587%

4. Pablo Gómez Molina (ESP) Servus Ymas 67.521%

5. Michael Klimke (GER) Harmony’s Zomancier 66.544%

6. Sylvia Gugler (USA) Vulkano 14 65.565%

7. Alexandra Duncan (CAN) Hitmaker 65.109%

8. Megan Shea (CAN) Sir Schiwago 65.087%

9. Cassie Schmidt (USA) Drum Master 58.565%