Geñay Vaughn on Gino wins Thermal World Cup Freestyle

Geñay Vaughn on Gino, 2025 World Cup Final partnership, posted a personal best score to win the Thermal, California Grand Prix Freestyle and earn her first points toward a possible start at the 2026 championship in Fort Worth, Texas.

Geñay of Elk Grove, California and the 14-year-old gelding scored 76.415% in the pair’s first qualifier of the season and one of only two scheduled for the western United States. To have a chance of a start in next April’s Final, the duo will have to go to Wellington, Florida to compete in one of three qualifiers there during the Global Dressage Festival winter circuit.

Canada’s Brittney Simpson on the 14-year-old stallion Kartsevo Goldfinch was runner-up on 73.060%, also a personal best.

Günter Seidel of Cardiff, California and a three-time Olympian for USA, rode the 16-year-old mare Equirelle to place third on 72.185%.

With only five rider and horse combinations in the class, points claimed toward a start in next November’s $250,000 US Open have been reduced. Christian Simonson, based in Florida, won the first qualifier in Ocala last week to log 20 US Open points but Geñay received only 15 points. However, World Cup qualifying competitors receive the same points no matter the size of the class.

Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee that competed at the 2024 and 2025 World Cup Finals leads the North American League with 52 points, followed by Benjamin Ebeling on Bellena with 49 then Christian Simonson with 40. All three are based in Wellington.

The second event in California is scheduled for Del Mar at the end of February.

Results:

CDI-W World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle

Rank Competitor Score

1. Geñay Vaughn (USA) Gino 76.415%

2. Brittney Simpson (CAN) Kartsevo Goldfinch 73.060%

3. Günter Seidel (USA) Equirelle 72.815%

4. Charlotte Jorst (USA) Zhaplin Langholt 72.240%

5. Patty Mayer (USA) Pio 64.390%

Photo: Geñay Vaughn on Gino. © Ken Braddick/DRESSAGE-NEWS.com