Just three rides into a new partnership, Wolff is already finding success at 1.45m.
Ali Wolff needed just three rides aboard Datana Van’t Schaaphof Z to find the winner’s circle, capturing Saturday’s $20,000 1.40m-1.45m Jumper Classic during opening week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders.
“This is only my third class on her,” Wolff said of Datana Van’t Schaaphof Z. “I picked her up last week from a friend of mine that was managing and riding for [her owner]. The second I sat on her right away she gave me so much confidence. She’s really consistent and she goes into the ring and does exactly her job. My job is to help place her and get out of the way.”
Wolff executed her end of the deal perfectly, and Datana delivered, producing a clear first round over Otto Martin’s course and the fastest of seven jump-off contenders. Past winner of this class Victoria Colvin placed second with Gemino, and Arianna Marnell captured third with Navaar.
“[This class is] absolutely vital because it gives me the opportunity to test her and see what she’s like at 1.45m,” Wolff said about what the class provided her and Datana. “There’s a huge jump from 1.40m to 1.45m plus.”
Beyond giving horses experience with the height, the class also presents a unique prize money offering for professionals outside of FEI competition.
“To have these money classes is also extremely valuable especially for professionals because we don’t really get the opportunity to compete in a big money class unless you’re doing FEI,” Wolff went on. “For us professionals we thrive with this kind of class.”
Wolff isn’t sure how long her partnership with Datana will continue, but she’s planning to debut her at the international level during GLEF II for CSI2* week and also aim her at weeks later in the circuit.
“She feels incredible,” she noted of the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare (Satana Van’t Schaaphof x Heartbreaker). “She’s jumping amazing in this footing with these jumps. She just seems like she’s thriving here.”
Wolff has enjoyed tremendous success in Traverse City over the years and is happy to be back for another summer.
“I love this horse show,” she raved. “It’s been good to me. I love coming here because you can really see the heart and soul they put into this place. Every time you come it’s a new step or just something fresh and vibrant. They really do a good job to make it look nice. Not only do they have great classes but the competition here is fantastic as well.”
To close action for GLEF I, the $116,500 Meijer CSI3* Grand Prix takes center stage Sunday in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
