Two grand prix classes were held under the lights in the WEC Stadium on Friday, May 23, 2025, on the opening day of the May Dressage CDI3* presented by Hampton Green Farm at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). The Grand Prix for Special CDI3* presented by The Fix Aesthetic Clinic had Christian Simonson (USA) taking the win aboard Indian Rock, owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, in their international debut.

Photo – Christian Simonson described riding Indian Rock as an “amazing feeling,” and they secured a victory in their international debut. (Andrew Ryback Photography)

With a score of 70.543% in their first international Grand Prix test together, Simonson and Indian Rock, a 12-year-old KWPN stallion by Apache x Vivaldi, topped the Grand Prix for Special CDI3*. Just behind in second place with a score of 70.109% was Simonson’s 2023 Pan American Games gold medal teammate, Anna Marek, with Fire Fly, a 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Briar Junior x OO Seven) owned by Janet Simile. Katie Duerrhammer (USA) and Vividus QRE, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Zaladin MI x Don Charly) owned by Kylee Lourie, finished third with 68.304%.

Getting to Know You

Simonson started riding Indian Rock in January 2025 when the horse was brought to the U.S. from Holland, where it showed successfully with previous rider Emmelie Scholtens (NED), including at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Simonson and Indian Rock took some time to get accustomed with each other before competing at the national level in April. Simonson still communicates regularly with Scholtens to discuss Indian Rock so he can learn more about the horse.

Anna Marek, Christian Simonson, and Katie Duerrhammer (Photo: by Andrew Ryback Photography)

“He and I spend a lot of time together, just hanging out and grazing, and I take care of him along with the team,” said Simonson of Indian Rock. “He is such a kind soul, and he’s so smart. Even for the little things in the barn, he just thinks through everything.

“And then, of course, riding him gives you the most amazing feeling,” he continued. “He feels like a freak under saddle. He can do the most amazing half passes, and his collection work is incredible, and so both of that together, it just feels like a really, really special horse to ride. He’s really incredible.”

Along with Fleau de Baian, another mount that placed third in the Grand Prix for Freestyle class, Simonson is one of the best-mounted dressage athletes in the U.S., and the future looks bright.

Holy Cow

“To have a debut together, especially at this level, and at my age and everything, I’m just like, ‘Holy cow, how did I get here?’” said the 22-year-old. “Man, I’m a little speechless, honestly. It’s really special. Everyone at Zen Elite Equestrian Center are the ones that make it possible to have these opportunities. I like learning every day, and being with the horses is really what I enjoy the most. Then, having a day like this on top of that, just makes it really exciting.

“I have so much more to learn about the horses and training and more importantly, all the things in between – the care and things like that. I feel very grateful for these two amazing horses, their incredible owners Zen Elite, my trainer Adrienne Lyle, and the entire team we have back home. I’m just one part of an incredible group that makes everything happen.”

Grand Prix for Special Results

Full Show Results and Ride Times

The May Dressage CDI3* continues on Saturday, May 24, with classes for Young Riders, Junior, Children’s, and Amateurs, along with the Intermediate I CDI1*. The highlight classes will run under the lights again, with the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* presented by The Fix Aesthetic Clinic at 6 p.m. and the Grand Prix Special CDI3* presented by The Fix Aesthetic Clinic at 8:30 p.m.