Triumphant Return: Callie Schott and Garant Win $117,000 Grand Prix of Traverse City CSIO3*

After a seven-month hiatus from the sport, Callie Schott (USA) made a stunning comeback to international show jumping by clinching victory in the $117,000 Grand Prix during Nations Cup CSIO3* week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF).

Riding Garant, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Southern Arches, Schott delivered the first—and ultimately unbeatable—clear round in the jump-off, stopping the clock at 36.45 seconds. The win marks a full-circle moment for Schott and Garant, who secured their first five-star Grand Prix title at this very venue in 2022. This latest victory punctuates Schott’s return to the international scene after recovering from an injury and undergoing shoulder surgery.

The Grand Prix capped off a competitive afternoon at Flintfields Horse Park, where 42 top contenders faced a technical track designed by American course builder Nick Granat. Just six riders advanced to the jump-off, with Ireland’s Darragh Kenny—ranked No. 17 in the world—posting the only other double-clear round. He and the 15-year-old Amsterdam 27, crossed the timers in 37.67 seconds to finish second.

Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard also put pressure on the field with a blazing round aboard Fave d’Authuit, but an unlucky rail left her with four faults in 37.28 seconds, the fastest time among the four-faulters, earning her third place.

Schott’s emotional and decisive win was a reminder of the resilience it takes to reach the top of the sport—and the thrill of returning to it.

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz