Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena Dazzle in Freestyle Debut to Win Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4*

Benjamin Ebeling (USA) and Bellena delivered a freestyle debut for the ages to win the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI4* presented by MARS Equestrian at the April Dressage CDI4* hosted by World Equestrian Center – Ocala and presented by Hampton Green Farm.

In an electric Friday night atmosphere, Ebeling and Bellena, owned by Vantage Equestrian Group, stunned the judges and spectators alike with a bold, expressive ride set to a fierce mix of music including “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan, “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani, and “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado. Despite having received his music just two days prior from freestyle designer Karen Robinson, Ebeling trusted in his four-month-old partnership with the elegant mare—and it paid off. Their ride earned a standout score of 75.740% from a distinguished panel of international judges: Agnieszka Majewska (POL), Dr. Sven-Günter Rothenberger (NED), Magnus Ringmark (SWE), Debbie Rodriguez (USA), and Peter Holler (GER).

Denielle Gallagher (CAN) and her striking Come Back de Massa, a 13-year-old Lusitano gelding owned by Gallagher and Ellen Lazarus, earned a well-deserved second place with a touching performance to the soundtrack of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, scoring 72.685%. Karen Lipp (USA) and her 12-year-old KWPN gelding Infinity rounded out the top three with 71.345%. Their performance featured elegant choreography by Charlotte Bredahl and music designed by Karen Robinson, including a haunting instrumental of Rihanna’s “Diamonds.”

The night was not only a celebration of artistic athleticism but also a testament to trust and connection between horse and rider. For Ebeling and Bellena, it was a moment of magic—and just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey.