Skylar Wireman Drives Away with WEC Premier Cup Equitation Championship
February 13, 2022 - Ocala, FL
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Skylar Wireman of Bonsall, CA, piloted Heritage Farm’s Charisma to top honors in the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship on February 12, 2022, at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the Winter Spectacular VI show. Wireman and Charisma bested a field of 82 talented junior riders in the three-round competition to take home the new 2021 Ford Explorer and Wireman’s trainer, Andre Dignelli, received $40,000 of the $100,000 trainer bonus.
The first phase of the Premier Equitation Cup Championship took place on Saturday afternoon with the riders being tested with a technical over-fences track designed by Bobby Murphy of Lexington, KY. The top 20 competitors were then brought back for the flat phase where they were asked to counter canter and drop their stirrups. Wireman was leading the class going into the third round, which took place in the WEC Grand Arena under the lights. The rider stayed consistent through the third phase and navigated a picture-perfect final test to earn the top prize.
“I flew in yesterday from California,” explained Wireman, who is 17 years old. “I have been looking forward to this class for quite a while now. Ever since I heard about it last year, I’ve wanted to compete here.
“I am so thankful to be able to ride Charisma in this class,” continued Wireman. “He’s truly the best horse in the country. I knew I was going in with a reliable partner, so my goal was to just lay down nice, solid trips to put myself in the pack. I was sitting on top after the second round, which was super exciting, but I tried not to get ahead of myself. Then going into the work-off, I was able to see the challenges that other riders faced. My goal was to stay consistent, and Charisma was right there with me.”
After taking her new car for a spin around the WEC Grand Arena, Wireman said, “I don’t have a car of my own yet, so this is very exciting. I tried to keep myself focused on the courses, but I had the car in my eyesight while riding around the arena.”
Dignelli added, “I think it is exciting that this facility is getting on everyone’s calendars, whether it’s for the money, the car or both. But, in the end, the production of the class feels important, it looks special and we are very grateful to be here.”
Jake Endicott of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and Kyle Timm’s Izar received second place honors in the championship. Third place went to Christian Dominguez of Barrington, RI, and Donald Stewart’s Iwan.
Premier Equitation Cup Championship Results:
1. Skylar Wireman, Charisma
2. Jake Endicott, Izar
3. Christian Dominguez, Iwan
4. Augusta Iwasaki, Cohiba VDL
5. Ellie Aronson, Conthacco
6. Isabella David, Clover
7. Zayna Rizvi, Finnick
8. Tessa P. Brown, Davide
9. Tessa Downey, HH Moonshine
10. Emily Dehoff, Quathageno
11. Luke Jensen, Jamaica
12. Elizabeth Cram, Ivano S
