Karrie Rufer Wins the $24,599 Open Classic in Thermal
Zazou Hoffman is Second with Diamantina Z
February 13, 2026 at 8:52 PMBy a.dunne
Karrie Rufer and the 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Mr. Europe blazed to the finish in the jump-off to win the $24,999 Open Classic on Friday at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California.
Rufer and Mr. Europe also won the Welcome Speed class this week, out of 54 entries.
Zazou Hoffman and Diamantina Z took second place in the 1.40-meter Classic sponsored by Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance.
Emily Esau Williams and Cocette du Pleavau Z finished in third place. The pair was second in a 1.40-meter speed class this week. Williams also finished third in the CSI3* Welcome Prix earlier in the week, a 1.45-meter class, with Cascarado.
From the field of 47, 16 advanced to the jump-off, where six were double clear.
Kyle King was the fastest four-faulter in the jump-off with Ninja BF (4/34.859).In fact, he had the fastest time of all.
Watch the CSI3* Desert Circuit VI HERE on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV
Top Six Results
1 Karrie Rufer - MR. EUROPE - 0/35.24
2 Zazou Hoffman - DIAMANTINA Z - 0/36.657
3 Emily Esau Williams - COCETTE DU PLEAVAU Z - 0/37.476
4 Jamie Sailor - MONARCH - 0/37.811
5 Isabelle Tolentino - CALL FOR MORE - 0/39.991
6 Melody Liu - HELWELL DU CHABUS - 0/40.462
Photo: Karrie Rufer and Mr. Europe in the $10,000 Platinum Performance1.35m Welcome Speed class during Desert Circuit VI
Photo credit: High Desert Sport Photo
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