Stella Styslinger Tops the Field in EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunters 16-17

Stella Styslinger and O’Ryan. Photo © Sportfot, an official photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Wellington, Florida — The EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division finished today, and a new combination took the championship. Sixteen-year-old Stella Styslinger of Birmingham, AL, and O’Ryan won the top tricolor after winning two over fences classes, adding fourth and fifth place ribbons, and placing second in the under saddle.

Styslinger is still getting to know O’Ryan as their partnership just formed two weeks ago. “This is my first horse show with him,” she said with a smile. “I have two large juniors. He rides pretty similar to them. I’ve had [that horse] for a bit longer, so it’s helped me ride [O’Ryan] better. He almost rides like an equitation horse, but he jumps and moves well enough for the hunters. He’s so easy and is as quiet as he can be. He’s easy to deal with.”

While she is still learning about him and his quirks – “He likes to be by himself and do his own thing. We give him treats, but he likes to be alone,” she described – Styslinger is excited about the great start to her second year at WEF.

It feels like it’s going to be a great season down here. I’m excited,” she said.

Stella Styslinger and O’Ryan in their champion presentation.

Alberto Michan Wins $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Classic

After only ten days in the irons of 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion Warrant, Mexico’s Alberto Michan topped 19 pairs to win the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Classic Saturday afternoon. Michan recently took over the reins for owner Ilan Ferder Stables and will pilot Warrant throughout WEF.

Seven horses advanced to the second round where five produced double-clear efforts. Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) and Qui Vive Des Songes Z posted an immediate clear in 38.72 seconds. Two trips later, Michan beat her by nearly three seconds and put down the unbeatable time in 35.86 seconds. Paris Sellon (USA) returned sixth and did her best to catch Michan, but was fractions too slow for second place aboard her own Adare in 35.93 seconds. Caristo-Williams settled for third for Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Caristo.

Abdel Said (BEL) and Luron S Z Abdel jumped to fourth for AS Sport Horses & Philippe De Balanda BVBA, while Doda De Miranda (BRA) capped the top five on AD Cornetto K for A.A. De Miranda Neto & Victory Equestrian Sport BV.

In general, Michan admits the first week of WEF could not have gone better for Ilan Ferder Stables.

“We had the best week we could ever dream of – all clear rounds all week long. Then to win the big class we planned to do; it’s fantastic,” he said. “I have a great team and a set of horses who I think can jump anywhere in the world. I am very excited for this year, and I hope it keeps going like this.”

After a short introduction, Michan has already formed a bond with Warrant.

“I think he was happy with me. I felt him really listening and trying for me,” he said. “He has a great mind and all the scope to turn tight to a fence and jump from wherever he stands.”

Michan and Ilan Ferder Stables will take a break during Week 2 and will compete again during the Adequan® CSI 3*, which kicks off on January 27.

“There are many big classes here, so it’s a good thing I have three nice horses to jump the grand prix (classes) with. We don’t want to burn them,” said Michan who will also ride aboard Ferder’s Czardas Z and Baronez throughout WEF.

Winners in the International Arena also included amateur-owner and junior riders on Saturday. Emanuel Andrade and Walter 61 topped 41 contenders to win the $15,000 SJHOF MAYBACH – ICONS OF LUXURY High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Emma Heise and Quentucky Jolly took first in the $1,500 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper class, and Eve Jobs aboard Quickley 3 were victorious in the $1,500 Hollow Creek Farm Medium Junior Jumper class.