Orange Blossom Classic: Friday, April 10, 2026 Featured Class Highlights
Jo Ann Niffenegger & Syncopation. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
From WEC-Ocala:
Ocala, FL – The Orange Blossom Classic rolled on with another picture-perfect Florida day and a full slate of competitive action at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Featured highlights included the $40,000 NSBA Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Hunter Under Saddle, the $2,000 NSBA Open Hunter Derby, and the $2,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby.
Amber Hanson Pickard & En The Kruzin Lane. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
Eighteen horse-and-rider combinations gathered for the $40,000 NSBA Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Hunter Under Saddle, all vying for top honors. In the end, it was Amber Hanson Pickard who rose to the occasion, piloting the Deeds Family Farms’ 2023 gelding En The Kruzin Lane (Enticed x Kruzin Pretty) to victory.
The win was especially meaningful for Pickard, who played a role in the horse’s beginnings. “I showed Enticed, so when the Deeds asked what to do as a cross, I said I would like to do Kruzin Pretty, so this is our first pick from an embryo. He was born and raised with the Deeds Family, and here he is,” she shared. “This is our first time competing. He just has such a great expression and swings his hock very well. He has a really nice step out in front of him with his front shoulder, so he’s really fluid, and he also has a great head and neck. He’s just perfect.”
En The Kruzin Lane will continue to gain experience over the coming weeks. “Lauren Deeds is going to show him in the three-year-old non pro, and then I will show him in the Novice Horse for the year,” Pickard added.
Amber Hanson Pickard & En The Kruzin Lane. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
Pickard also emphasized the importance of classes like this for developing young talent. “It’s such a great opportunity for these horses who aren’t quite ready for the twos yet. They’re really special, and this gives them their time to shine. The judges even said how amazing the class was, so I think it’s a really good thing to have.”
$40,000 NSBA Maiden 3-Year-Old & Over Open Hunter Under Saddle Top Three Results:
1 En The Kruzin Lane, Amber Hanson Pickard, Deeds Family Farms
2 Good Times Roll, Alyse Roberts, Lauren Allen
3 Laww And Order, Laura Spell, Teri Nichols
Jesse Jones & Against The Laww. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
In the $2,500 NSBA 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Hunter Under Saddle – Intermediate Rider, Jesse Jones claimed the title aboard Simons Show Horses LLC’s 2023 stallion Against The Laww (Outlaw Enterprise x Al Mine).
Calli Rouse & She Enticed Me. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
The Limited title in the $2,500 NSBA 3-Year-Old & Over Maiden Hunter Under Saddle went to Calli Rouse with Rebecca Heckel’s 2023 mare She Enticed Me (Enticed x Expecting Champagne).
$2,000 NSBA Open Hunter Derby
The $2,000 NSBA Open Hunter Derby wrapped up the day in the WEC Stadium with Jo Ann Niffenegger rising to the top aboard Syncopation.
Jo Ann Niffenegger & Syncopation. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
Niffenegger guided the flashy 13-year-old Brandenburg Warmblood gelding to a smooth first round, earning a score of 88. “It was good. He got a lot quieter. I showed him in the non-pro earlier, and he was a little fresh, but by the time the open came around, he was more himself. He settled right in, and in the handy he was just very polite and really good.”
Returning for the handy in the lead, the pair held their position with a score of 86, securing the win on a two-round total of 174.
Niffenegger shared that the WEC Stadium played a big role in her decision to compete, “The Stadium is the reason I am here. My trainer, Ryan Painter, asked if I wanted to show in the NSBA since it’s open to all breeds. I wasn’t sure yet, but when I saw the derby was in the Stadium, I knew I had to do it. It turned out great. It’s such an incredible venue.”
Jo Ann Niffenegger & Syncopation. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
Though relatively new partners, Niffenegger has quickly formed a strong connection with Syncopation. “He’s perfect. I got him about ten months ago and fell in love with him right away. He’s super talented and gives you so much confidence. He just goes out there, jumps the 3’, and is so happy doing it. He’s the most perfect boy.”
$2,000 NSBA Open Hunter Derby Top Three Results
1 Syncopation, Jo Ann Niffenegger, Jo Ann Niffenegger
2 Allocate In Green, Ryan Painter, Gary And Darcy
3 Zane Gray, Robert Stucky, Isabella Agliano
$2,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby
Eleven Non Pro combinations took to the WEC Stadium to contest the $2,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby, but it was Marley Ann Smith who rose to the top aboard her new partner, Won For Details, owned by Jennifer Collman.
Marley Ann Smith & Won For Details. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
$2,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby Top Three Results
1 Won For Details, Marley Ann Smith, Jennifer Collman
2 Syncopation, Jo Ann Niffenegger, Jo Ann Niffenegger
3 Truly Priceless Flirt, Lily Castellanos, Tara Chappell
Caroline French Campbell adcepting the Style of Riding Award. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
The Style of Riding Award, sponsored by ACE Equestrian, was presented to in recognition of exemplary horsemanship. The recipient received an embroidered backpack, an ACE gift certificate, and select ACE PRO4MANCE products. The recipient was Cece Campbell!
$50,000 Marsh McLennan Agency NSBA All-Age Non-Pro Trail Prelims
The $50,000 Marsh McLennan Agency NSBA All-Age Non-Pro Trail Prelims took over Indoor Arena 2 this afternoon, with top competitors vying for a place in the top 20 to advance to Saturday’s Finals on April 11 under the lights of the WEC Grand Arena. Spectators are welcome. Competition begins at 7pm. There is no charge for admission or parking.
View the teams in the top 20 below:
- Beyond Expectation, Lila Owens, Lila Owens
- Dark Ladie, Alysia Nelson, Mary Alice Nelson
- FirstOneInLastOneOut, Emme Grace Graves, Emme Grace Graves
- Hand Made Machine, Grant Mastin, Melissa Armstrong
- Hez Blazin Trouble, Susan Wilson, Susan Wilson
- Hot For Martinis, Vickie Johnson, Vickie Johnson
- Hot Krackling Chips, Jordan Macan, Jordan Macan
- Hot Lopin Lily, Caroline L Cavallo, Cavallo Family Trust
- Hour Slot Machine, Alexandra Rippeon, Alexandra Rippeon
- Its Krunch Time, Taylin Paige Collins, Taylin Paige Collins
- Kickin Dust Up, Molli Lyn Froman, Molli Lyn Froman
- KM Flat Out The Best, Susan Johns, Susan Johns
- Lets Ride, Janet Egolf, Janet Egolf
- Made For Naturday, Caroline Nielson, Mary Alice Nielson
- Made No Regrets, Cheyenne Augsburger, Cheyenne Augsburger
- Nothin But Nett, Jeffrey Johns, Susan Johns
- Snap Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Donald, Brittany Donald
- Unchained Melody, Isabella Stanley, Jeffrey Stanley
- Whata Moonlite Ride, Isabella Marie D’onofrio, Jennifer D’onofrio
- Wrap Me In Red, Siena Holyoak, Siena Holyoak
The Orange Blossom Classic continues through Sunday, April 12, followed by A Sudden Impulse beginning Tuesday, April 14 and running through Saturday, April 18. Spectators are welcome to enjoy competition throughout both weeks.
Learn more about the Orange Blossom Classic & A Sudden Impulse here.
Photos courtesy of Shane Rux Photography.
Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes.
