Ashlee Bond Wins $62,500 Adequan® CSI4*

Ashlee Bond from Israel achieved a notable victory on Friday at Wellington International, leading her horse, Night Wish, to win the $62,500 Adequan® CSI4* WEF Challenge Cup Round 11. With her eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Bond has been focusing on developing the mare's abilities throughout the season, and this success has boosted her confidence in her campaign for the Israeli equestrian team. Entering the jump-off round with a previous score of four faults, Bond started first and successfully cleared the course, demonstrating the mare's natural speed.

Instead of trying to outpace her competitors, she strategized based on her horse's strengths, finishing with a time that proved unbeatable. An Irish rider representing Falkirk Farm came in second place, while Alise Oken from the USA secured third riding Forrestal, owned by Hi Hopes Farm. Bond's relationship with Night Wish began two years ago, through a contact who also paired her with Donatello 141, the horse that competed in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. She observed several similarities between Night Wish and Donatello 141, which allowed her to refine her approach without fixating on the stride count. Throughout the Winter Equestrian Festival, Bond has effectively managed Night Wish's competition placements, leading to consistent performances that support her ambitions for the upcoming Olympic Games.