Christian Simonson and Indian Rock win the World Cup Grand Prix to Open 2026 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Wellington, January 8, 2026 – Nine combinations representing five different nations lined up for the first of three FEI World Cup™ qualifiers scheduled during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) 2026, the world’s only dressage circuit of its kind, featuring seven weeks of CDI competition running through March 29.

U.S. rider Christian Simonson, based locally in Wellington and recently climbing to No. 15 in the FEI Dressage World Ranking, extended his unbeaten streak aboard Indian Rock to seven consecutive wins. The pair claimed victory in the IDA Development FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix with a score of 76.043%, marking a new personal best for the 23-year-old rider and his mount.

The performance underlined the strength of a partnership that has grown steadily over the past year, with the 13-year-old Apache x Vivaldi stallion from Zen Elite Equestrian Center proving once again to be a formidable competitor on the international stage.

Second place went to American rider Geñay Vaughn, who traveled from California to compete with Gino, earning a score of 70.87%. Swedish rider Caroline Darcourt finished third aboard Lord Django with 69.196%.

Qualification points toward the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final will be decided in Friday evening’s Grand Prix Freestyle. Should Simonson secure another win, he would move to the top of the North American League standings with the maximum 60 points, likely confirming his spot at the final set for April 8–12 in Fort Worth.

“The test today felt amazing,” said Simonson after his winning ride. “It was the first time Indian Rock and I were both in this ring at Global, and every time we show here I’m learning more. We have such a great relationship, and the bond we’ve built feels really special.”

Ph Christian Simonson & Indian Rock. Photo ©Centre Line Media

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