Tony Stormanns Realizes a Dream in Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix

Tony Stormanns & Donjon d’Asschaut. Photo © Sportfot

From the time he was 11, Tony Stormanns (GER) would sit ringside at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and dream about competing in the International Arena. During ‘Saturday Night Lights’ of WEF 2, the 17-year-old made that dream come true in winning fashion in the $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix riding Donjon d’Asschaut from the strongest national grand prix field ever seen at Wellington International.

“This means a lot to me because I’ve spent nearly every winter here since I was 11 years old,” said Stormanns after beating out the likes of reigning Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk, world no. 6 McLain Ward (USA), and Olympic team gold medalist Harry Charles (GBR). “Now I’m here winning the classes I used to watch with my friends. It hasn’t quite set in yet, but it’s really special.

“It’s awesome to have this crowd of spectators who are new to horses come and watch,” continued Stormanns of the packed house at Wellington International on Saturday night. “You have this every week and it’s quite impressive and makes it a little more exciting.”

From an opening round rich with talent and set by course designer Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz Harris (MEX), 12 combinations jumped clear to advance to the all-deciding jump-off. With four to jump behind him, Stormanns gave it everything he had to stop the clock at 37.195 seconds.

Mark Dorfman and Can’t Touch This HS Capture Championship in LAURACEA Amateur Owner Hunters

Those watching Mark Dorfman in the ring aboard Can’t Touch This HS would never have guessed the Long Island, NY native took a 40-year break from the sport. Recently paired with his 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion, Dorfman has committed himself back to riding and is already shooting to the top, taking championship honors Saturday during WEF 2, presented by WeatherTech, in the LAURACEA 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter 36+ division.

“He’s new to us; we got him in late August from California,” Dorfman, who now resides in Atlanta, GA, said of Can’t Touch This HS. “He’s a wonderful horse; I love riding him. This is only my fourth time doing this division on him. I used to ride a lot as a junior, but I took 40 years off so I’m back for about the last two years. It’s been a climb to get back here but it’s been fun.”

Training under Michael Britt-Leon, Dorfman was competing with his mare in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner division and was ready for the next step up. “We looked for a year and a half and we finally found [Can’t Touch This HS] in August,” he said of the search, which ultimately ended with Jason McArdle on the West Coast. “We looked long and hard for this horse. We wanted to find the right one. Looks like he’s it.”

Dorfman was thrilled that all the pieces came together during WEF 2, as he still feels like every day is a learning opportunity as he gets back into the sport he loves so much.

McLain Ward and Princess Dalou H Crowned Winners in $32,000 Hermès CSI3* 1.50m Classic

In Saturday’s $32,000 Hermès CSI3* 1.50m Classic on the grass derby field, it was six-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward (USA) who captured a win on a newer ride for him in Princess Dalou H, owned by Stella Wasserman. The pair put in a completely clear effort through both rounds of the winning round format, taking the top position by nearly four seconds in the jump-off.

“This is a horse owned by Stella Wasserman who she’s been riding as a green horse for the last couple seasons,” he said of the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare’s (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Baloubet du Rouet) history. “She asked me to ride the mare in the fall and we started small and are building up.

“It’s always been a horse with tons of quality, a bit sensitive chestnut mare, which I’ve had success with,” Ward continued, recalling former mounts like Olympic mount Sapphire. “She’s really stepping up. This was her first 1.50m class and obviously on this field it’s always a big ask so we’re really thrilled with her.”

With 12 coming back for the jump-off on a clean slate and in reverse order of performance, Ward’s time put him going ahead of some of the faster riders in the class. He didn’t let that stop him from putting in the fastest round he could.

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