In just their third freestyle performance, Benjamin Ebeling (USA) and Bellena, owned by Vantage Equestrian Group, set a new high score together of 76.190% for victory in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* presented by The Fix Aesthetic Clinic. The class was a highlight of Saturday evening during the May Dressage CDI3* presented by Hampton Green Farm at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC).

Photo – Bellena had a relaxed extended walk to the music of Ed Sheeran and Beyonce. (Andrew Ryback Photography)

Ebeling and Bellena debuted this freestyle at the April Dressage show at WEC – Ocala where Ebeling declared it his “best ride ever.” The music includes the songs “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan, “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani, “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado, and “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce – which was their walk music that garnered them an 8.5 in extended walk from the judge at C – and was produced by Karen Robinson of Applause Dressage.

While that night in April still stands out in his mind, this freestyle will hold strong memories as well.

Better this Time

“I’d say that night in April was a special night,” recalled Ebeling. “I almost feel like it was a better ride than tonight, but I think the judges can see that we’re really working in harmony and gaining that extra added unity between horse and rider. I think they’re starting to see that, and I’m really positive and appreciative of that. That, for me, is the most important.”

Ebeling kept the same choreography and music as in April. “I hope I made it a little bit better,” he said of this winning ride. “Every time she goes out, she just gets a little bit more confident. Tonight, it was just almost mistake free, in my opinion. I had one or two little bobbles here and there in the extended trot, but usually that’s her highlight, so I can’t complain so much.”

With mistakes in Friday’s Grand Prix test in the two-tempis, Ebeling was happy to perform them cleanly in the freestyle. However, there was one part of the test that stood out to him.

“Her canter pirouette into piaffe pirouette, I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything like that,” he expressed. “She was just so off the ground behind, so with me, but at the same time, very calm and relaxed. It’s amazing when you feel that positive body tension between you and the horse, where you’re really working together to bring out the best in the sport. That was my favorite part.”

Blossoming

The continuation of their partnership and it blossoming into a strong bond is what Ebeling believes is contributing to the higher scores and the wins. “It’s like she’s coming together at the right time, really starting to trust me and our partnership,” he said. “I have to thank my dad, my coach, Christoph Koschel, and my mom for making this happen for me. The owners of the horse have just been incredible, and I’m just blessed to be on this journey with her.”

With a beautiful neck, shiny copper coat, and flashy white socks, Bellena, a 15-year-old Hanoverian mare (Belissimo M x Welser) turns heads when she enters the arena even before she picks up the trot. “I think she’s got that alpha-mare mentality,” said Ebeling with a smile. “She has this unbelievable willingness to go, this willingness to please. Mares do it better.”

Anna Marek (USA) riding Fayvel, a 15-year-old KWPN gelding by Zizi Top x Houston owned by Cynthia Davila, were close behind in second with a score of 75.620%. In their first CDI freestyle together, Christian Simonson (USA) and Fleau de Baian, a 15-year-old KWPN stallion by Jazz x Ulft owned by Heidi Humphries, scored 72.330% for third place.

The freestyle at WEC – Ocala is a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final, which will be held in California this November. It is a goal for Ebeling to qualify for and compete in it this year.

Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* Results

Full Show Results and Ride Times

The May Dressage CDI3* concludes on Sunday, May 25. Coverage of Saturday night’s Grand Prix Special CDI3* presented by The Fix Aesthetic Clinic will come out on Sunday morning. Classes on Sunday include the Intermediate II CDI2*, Children’s Individual competition, and freestyles for Junior and Young Riders.

Dressage returns to WEC – Ocala on July 12-13 with USEF/USDF national competition, and again with USEF/USDF competitions on August 22-24 and October 18-19. International competition resumes on November 12-16 with CDI3* classes, and riders can earn World Cup-qualifying points on December 10-14 during the CDI-W.