Britain's Susan Pape on Harmony’s Giulilanta Win Wellington CDI5* Grand Prix

Britain's Susan Pape rode Harmony’s Giulilanta to a personal best score to edge past USA Olympic partnership of Marcus Orlob on Jane to win Wellington CDI5* Grand Prix.

Susan and the 15-year-old Dutch-bred mare owned by Susan and Harmony Sporthorses of Colorado scored 73.630% for the pair’s first 5* victory. It came in the rider’s 11th year competing on Wellington’s winter circuit.

The ride by Marcus on the 12-year-old Jane, his mount on Team USA at the Olympics in Paris in 2024 was scored at 73.587%, just 0.43 points behind the winner. It was the mare’s first competition at night under lights and before more than 1,000 spectators.

Jane, owned by Alice Tarjan, displayed none of what has sometimes been tempestuous behavior in unfamiliar surroundings.

Marcus said after his ride: “Stepping into the arena under floodlights for the very first time, with a much larger and more energetic crowd, is a big ask for any horse. The atmosphere brought an entirely new level of intensity, and she felt it—but what stood out to me most was how honestly she tried and how willing she was to work with me through it all.

“She stayed with me, listened, and trusted me, even when the environment challenged her. That says so much about her character. Nights like this are not just about the score or the test itself; they are about building confidence, trust, and understanding. I truly felt that we handled this experience together, and that our partnership took another step forward.

“Every time we face a new situation like this, our connection becomes stronger and more unified. Jane continues to show me how much heart she has, and I couldn’t be more proud of how she rose to the occasion and grew with me in that moment.”

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, by far the top rated Canadian rider at No. 36 in the world, placed third on the 12-year-old gelding Jaccardo on 72.783%.

Results:

CDI5* Grand Prix

Rank Competitor Score

1. Susan Pape (GBR) Harmony’s Giulilanta 73.630%

2. Marcus Orlob (USA) Jane 73.587%

3. Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu (CAN) Jaccardo 72.783%

4. Geñay Vaughn (USA) Gino 71.435%

5. Frederic Wandres (GER) Verrenberg 69.913%

6. Anna Marek (USA) Fayvel 69.478%

7. Chris von Martels (CAN) Londoncrown 69.457%

8. Caroline Darcourt (SWE) Lord Django 69.348%

9. Kevin Kohmann (USA) Dünensee 69.261%

10 Ashley Holzer (USA) Hawtins San Floriana 67.283%

11 Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén (SWE) Hyatt 66.109%

12 Alexandra Duncan (CAN) Hitmaker 61.456%

RET Michael Klimke (GER) Harmony’s Dante’s Peak

Photo: Susan Pape of Britain on Harmony's Giulilanta celebrating victory in Wellington's Global Dressage Festival CDI5* Grand Prix. Photo: Ken Braddick/DRESSAGE-NEWS.com