Christian Simonson and Indian Rock: a Winning Partnership Looking to the Future
The partnership between Christian Simonson and Indian Rock continues to strengthen show after show, confirming itself as one of the most exciting combinations on the international dressage scene. At the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, the U.S. pair claimed their fifth consecutive international victory, winning the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during the WEC December Dressage CDI-W 2025, an event that marked the return of top-level international dressage to Florida.
This result crowns a journey that officially began in January 2025, when Simonson started riding Indian Rock, the Olympic horse that competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Germany’s Emmelie Scholtens. Purchased by Zen Elite Equestrian Center together with Heidi Humphries, “Rocky” has become an extraordinary opportunity for growth for the young American rider, who trains under Olympian Adrienne Lyle.
As early as May 2025, Simonson and Indian Rock made their mark by winning their first Grand Prix together at the WEC May Dressage CDI3* with a score of 70.543%, improving just a few weeks later to 73.369%, demonstrating steady and impressive progress. In the same competition, second place in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W went to Canada’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu with Jaccardo, while third place was claimed by Ellesse Gundersen (USA) aboard Quintessential 4.
“At each show we’re always working on small details,” said Simonson. “I’m learning so much competition after competition, not only about how to ride a Grand Prix, but also about all the preparation in between. Today was a clean test, and he always tries so hard.”
The rider emphasized that living in the present moment is key to their success, focusing on every single movement: “I always ask myself how I can do my best in that exact moment. That approach really helps me, especially in the more technical movements like the flying changes and the pirouettes, where feel and trust are essential.”
At just 23 years old, Christian Simonson has already built an impressive career: after success in the Under 25 division and at Small Tour level, he helped the U.S. team win gold at the 2023 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. With Indian Rock, his step into the Grand Prix elite now appears increasingly solid.
“I feel incredibly lucky every single day,” Simonson added. “Not only to ride him, but to spend time with him. Our partnership has grown so much: I trust him, and he trusts me. That makes me feel comfortable wherever we go down the centerline.”
Despite the expectations that naturally come with a horse of this caliber, Simonson remains grounded: “I don’t think about winning streaks. I just try to do the best job I can for Rocky and for the team. Winning is a great bonus, but partnership always comes first.”
The focus now shifts to upcoming challenges: the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W serves as a qualifier for both the 2026 U.S. Open for Dressage Final and the 2026 FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, scheduled to take place in Texas in April. With an ever-growing connection and results that speak for themselves, Christian Simonson and Indian Rock are set to be major contenders in the seasons ahead.
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
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