Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria Steal the Spotlight in the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4* at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Eager spectators packed the World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) Grand Arena on Saturday, March 9, for the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*, the marquee event of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series Week X. From the star-studded lineup of some of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations, it was German Olympian and 2021 European individual gold medalist Andre Thieme with his incredible partner DSP Chakaria that emerged victorious.

Renowned course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA), slated as the builder for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, alongside Pieter Vitse (BEL) set the challenging track for the evening’s competition. Just six pairs navigated a fault-free effort for a spot in the jump-off.

Second to return, seven-time Brazilian Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa was the first to jump clear across the short course, setting the pace at 42.32 seconds with Dhalida, a 10-year-old Zangersheide mare (Diamant De Semilly x Calvaro Z) owned by Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC. His time did not hold up for long as Thieme and DSP Chakaria galloped through the timers in 41.93 seconds, leaving Pessoa to settle for the runner-up spot. Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster stopped the clock in 42.65 seconds with Electrique, a 10-year-old Zangersheide mare (Emerald x Voltaire) owned by 5 Roosters, to complete the podium.

“I knew I didn’t want to be second, and I have a fast and experienced horse,” said Thieme of his 14-year-old German Sport Horse mare (Chap 47 x Askari 173). “I saw Rodrigo go, and I couldn’t really tell how fast he was, but I knew I could at least do the same tracks as he did and rely on my horse’s natural speed.” 

Looking ahead, Thieme expressed excitement for the upcoming Longines League of Nations™ Qualifier at WEC – Ocala taking place on March 20-24, saying, “All of the teams are bringing their best and this is an Olympic year, so I think all of these riders really want to show themselves here and there is no weakness allowed. I’ve been waiting for this venue to get an event like this. It’s incredible to compete here, and soon everyone will see it.” 

Click to watch Andre Thieme’s winning jump-off in the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*

Click to watch an interview with Andre Thieme after his win in the $200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4*


$200,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI4* Final Results:

1 DSP CHAKARIA: 2010 German Sport Horse mare by Chap 47 x Askari 173
Andre Thieme (GER), Andre Thieme: 0/0/41.93

2 DHALIDA: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Diamant De Semilly x Calvaro Z
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC: 0/0/42.32

3 ELECTRIQUE: 2014 Zangersheide mare by Emerald x Voltaire
Tiffany Foster (CAN), 5 Roosters: 0/0/42.65

4 GARANT: 2011 KWPN gelding by Warrant x Verdi TN
Callie Schott (USA), Southern Arches, LLC: 0/0/43.24

5 COQUELICOT VH HEUVELLAND Z: 2012 Zangersheide gelding by Catoki x Cassini II
Sean Jobin (CAN), Foxridge Farms Stables: 0/0/44.64

6 KAROLINE OF BALLMORE: 2010 Belgian Warmblood mare by Diarado x Convento van de Helle
Hallie Grimes (USA), Can We Keep it? LLC: 0/4/44.99

7 TRUMAN: 2009 Selle Français gelding by Mylord Carthago*HN x Kolibri
Amy Millar (CAN), Millar Brooke Farm: 1/80.22

8 INCREDIBLE: 2013 KWPN gelding by Clinton x Heartbreaker
Daniel Coyle (IRL), Ariel Grange: 1/80.49

T9 MTM PABLO: 2013 Hanoverian gelding by Perigueux x Contendro I
Dorothy Douglas (USA), Davenport Farms: 2/81.08

T9 CARISSIMO 25: 2013 Holsteiner gelding by Cascadello x Clinton
Aaron Vale (USA), Debbie Smith: 2/81.08

11 IDOL H&H: 2013 KWPN gelding by Action-Breaker x Glennridge
Andrew Welles (USA), Itasca Group LLC and Evergreen Stables, LLC: 4/78.31

12 CHAMPION LEAGUE: 2013 Hanoverian gelding by Cador 5 x Contendro I
Sharn Wordley (NZL), Della Wordley: 5/80.94

About World Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Learn more at wec.net.

Media Contact:
Justin Garner
justin.garner@wec.net