Susan Pape rides Harmony’s Giulilanta to victory in Wellington
British rider’s first ever top rated CDI5* wins
January 24, 2026 at 2:07 AMBy k.braddick
Susan Pape rode Harmony’s Giulilanta to victory in Wellington for British rider’s first ever top rated CDI5* wins.
Susan and the 15-year-old mare she owns with John and Leslie Malone as owners of Harmony Sporthorses of Colorado posted a personal best 81.745% before a crowd of 2,000 spectators.
Anna Marek of Dunnellen on Fayvel, 16-year-old gelding that was her 2024 World Cup Final mount and top placed in the inaugural US Open series in 2025, was runner-up on 76.435%.
Sweden’s Caroline Darcourt on the 16-year-old gelding Lord Django placed third on 76.040%.
Susan, in her 11th year competing on Wellington’s Global Dressage Festival winter circuit, described the ride as “just amazing… that seems to get better and better” despite the horse’s age.
“Just, just amazing,” Susan declared after her ride. “This horse, she amazes me every day. Even though she’s already 15, but she hasn’t got so much experience under her belt, but it just seems that she gets better and better.
“Even though she’s a very spicy horse, she’s so focused. If it comes to getting into the arena, she really wants to give her best.”
Susan said she plans to compete in the World Cup qualifier in Wellington next month which will include Isabell Werth in the lineup, then fly home to Germany. She plans a Nations Cup and the main goal is to be selected for the British team for the World Championships in Aachen, Germany in August.
Anna Marek said that Fayvel “always lights up in the Friday night lights, so I really enjoy riding him in the atmosphere. He’s always been a horse that gets a lot better with atmosphere, and getting a little bit more excited for me.”
Results:
CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle
Rank Competitor Score
1. Susan Pape (GBR) Harmony’s Giulilanta 81.745%
2. Anna Marek (USA) Fayvel 76.435%
3. Caroline Darcourt (SWE) Lord Django 76.040%
4. Frederic Wandres (GER) Verrenberg 75.855%
5. Ashley Holzer (USA) Hawtins San Floriana 75.290%
6. Chris von Martels (CAN) Londoncrown 70.325%
Photo: Susan Pape on Harmony’s Giulilanta in CDI5* Grand Prix. © Ken Braddick/DRESSAGE-NEWS.com
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