Richard Vogel Claims Final FEI Victory of World Cup Week at World Equestrian Center in Ocala

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16/02/2026

Richard Vogel Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Ocala, Florida – Even though five-star competition has concluded, top-level show jumping continued on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Germany’s Richard Vogel captured victory in the $65,000 Wild Horse Refuge Grand Prix CSI2* aboard his new partner Cardentos, after a lightning-fast and highly competitive jump-off.

Designed by Portuguese course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral, the track saw 37 horse-and-rider combinations on the start list, with 11 delivering clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Seven of those went on to produce double-clear performances, setting the stage for an exciting battle decided by mere hundredths of a second.

Vogel and Cardentos proved unbeatable with a smooth, flowing round, stopping the clock in 32.44 seconds. Close behind were Vaclav Stanek (CZE) and Langley, who finished in 32.52 seconds, edging just ahead of Mark Bluman (COL) and Hastella, third in 32.54 seconds.

For Vogel and Cardentos, this marked their first FEI competition together, having made their debut only three weeks earlier at a national show.

“Cardentos is an incredibly exciting addition to our string,” said Vogel of the nine-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Cardento x Quo Vados. “He felt very good today. With him, it’s mainly about giving him confidence. He has so much quality, and I’m extremely happy with today’s result.”

Speaking about the jump-off, Vogel added: “He wants to be very careful, so I don’t have to protect him too much. I can really focus on foot speed and almost attack the jumps. That was a big advantage today.”

Vogel also emphasized the unique opportunity WEC – Ocala provides for developing younger or less experienced horses in a world-class environment.

“It’s very rare to be able to bring so many horses to gain experience in such a top facility, with perfect footing, atmosphere, and overall conditions,” he said. “It’s probably one of the very few places in the world where this is possible.”

Interestingly, eight of the twelve horses Vogel has competed with at FEI level are stallions. “We don’t necessarily look for stallions,” he noted, “but they seem to find us.” His team has established a specific management system to keep them relaxed and settled, and for Cardentos this includes twice-daily walks around the showgrounds between training and competition.

“He’s a very social horse,” Vogel explained. “He says hello to everyone when he leaves the stable and again when he enters the arena. He’s easy to handle, very kind, and always positive. He always wants to give his best.”

Another highlight of the day came in the $40,000 Emma’s Patisserie Grand Prix, where 15-year-old Sophia Segesman (USA) claimed her first-ever Grand Prix victory aboard Opium du Souffle, beating a field of seasoned professionals.

Looking ahead, five-star competition returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala on March 18–22, 2026, for the Longines League of Nations™ CSIO5*.