april 23, 2025
As the sun sets on another unforgettable season in Wellington, we take a moment to reflect on the journey, the achievements, and the many lessons learned over 12 exhilarating weeks. Emilie and ZoƩ brought determination, elegance, and drive to every arena. They leave not just with top results, but with unforgettable experiences, career-defining moments, and the fire to aim even higher.
Emilie shared: āThis WEF season was definitely a special one for me. Winning my first 5*Ā Grand Prix with Bella was like a dream coming true. My team and I all worked very hard to achieve something like this. Bella and I also went to Ocala for a week where we jumped 1+0 in the CSIO5* Longines League of Nations in Ocala to help secure 3rd place for Belgium. Same for the CSIO4* in WellingtonāTrixie jumped 4+0 to help secure third place. I also stepped up Onslow to 1m60 level and got to know a new horse while I was there. I had an amazing timeāhopefully, to many more WEFs like this.ā
š Career-Defining Highlights
The tour delivered moments weāll be celebrating for a long time:
āØ Emilieās Rise in the Ranks
Emilieās season was packed with exceptional rounds and standout results, reflecting her growing strength on the international stage:
From sharp rounds in the speed classes to controlled brilliance in the Grand Prix, Emilie showed impressive consistency and versatility throughout.
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š ZoĆ© in Focus
ZoƩ matched power with poise, navigating a competitive and challenging circuit with elegance and determination:
ZoĆ© reflected on the tour: āThis winter season in Wellington was one to remember! Iām incredibly proud of all my horses and the way they performed throughout. We kicked things off with a strong start in Ocala, where we had some standout rounds in the CSI4*.
One of the biggest highlights was Tombola stepping up effortlessly to the 1m55 level. She jumped double clear in the CSIO4 Nations Cup, representing Team Belgium and helping us secure a spot on the podium š„āan unforgettable moment!
La Una showed incredible consistency all season long, with her top performance being a 5th place finish in the CSIO4 Grand Prix during Week 8.
I was also so impressed with Loui, who really came into his own this season. He wrapped up with a top result in both the qualifier and the CSI4 GP in Week 11. His progress and maturity have been amazing to watch, and Iām so excited for whatās ahead for him.
On a more emotional note, I said goodbye to Dave, my longtime partner and teammate. Heās off to teach another rider the same invaluable lessons he once taught me.
Lastly, Iām very proud to announce the sale of 7-year-old Diavolo Z, who I had the privilege of riding for my fiancĆ© Carlos Hank Guerreiro and his partners Cristobal Collado, Carlos Hank Gonzalez, and Enrique Gonzalez. Heās a truly special horse, and Iām excited to see where his journey takes him next.ā
š„ Until Next Timeā¦
To the horses who gave it their all, the team behind the scenes who made it all possible, and the fans cheering from around the worldāthank you.
Wellington, youāve been unforgettable. From sunrise schooling sessions to Saturday night lights, the memories made here will fuel what comes next.
Now, itās time to recharge, reflect, and reset. The season ahead is full of promiseābut for now, weāll take a moment to soak this one in.
Photos by Nicole Schultz
