Wellington, United States – January 09, 2026 – The United States was not denied a victory on the second day of the opening week of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at Wellington International. On Friday, U.S. rider Stella Wasserman rode Myjorka to win the $32,000 Dodd Technologies Speed CSI 3* – 1.45m also a qualifier for Saturday Night’s three-star grand prix.
The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the 41-horse order, but Wasserman stole the win by a full two seconds over runner-up and Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard (CAN) and New Star vd Berghoeve.
Wasserman piloted her own 11-year old mare (Mylord Carthago HN x Quidam’s Rubin) and trains under the direction of six-time U.S. Olympian Mclain Ward, leaving all the poles up before crossing the finish line in 59.59 seconds.
A testament of her great achievement, Wasserman beat another outstanding fast rider, one who has several five-star grand prix victories in her collection of trophies. Ashlee Bond (ISR) rode Echo LVF towards a clean round too, completing the all-female podium in 64.13 seconds.
Final Results – $32,000 Dodd Technologies Speed CSI 3* – 1.45m
1) Stella Wasserman (USA) & Myjorka – 0 – 59.59
2) Erynn Ballard (CAN) & New Star vd Berghoeve – 0 – 61.59
3) Ashlee Bond (ISR) & Echo LVF – 0 – 64.13
Source: Press Release (edited) from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein
