Andre Thieme and For Dilando PS Rise to Victory in the $100,000 Great American Insurance Group Grand Prix During the HITS Ocala Championship
The 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit reached a thrilling conclusion during the Ocala Championship, highlighted by the prestigious $100,000 Great American Insurance Group Grand Prix on Saturday, March 22. Germany’s Andre Thieme and For Dilando PS delivered a masterful performance, securing the top prize in an unforgettable finish.
With 22 elite horse-and-rider combinations taking on the course, world-renowned designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) crafted a challenging track that demanded precision, agility, and speed. Featuring delicate verticals, wide oxers, and technical rollback turns, the course tested even the most experienced competitors. In the end, the 2024 CHIO Aachen Grand Prix champion was the only rider to deliver a fault-free round, automatically claiming the win.
“I knew this morning, with Olaf [Petersen Jr.] designing, that it was going to be really difficult,” said Thieme, who also was the 2021 Individual FEI Jumping European Champion. “He’s a master at making it technical and just big enough to challenge everyone. It’s no surprise we didn’t have many clears.”
Thieme was the last rider seen walking the course before the class, carefully mapping out his plan. His strategic approach paid off as he guided For Dilando PS, his own nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (For Pleasure x Chacco-Blue), through an impeccable round in just their third-ever grand prix together.
“There’s a funny story behind For Dilando,” shared Thieme. “I got him about a month and a half ago. I was short on horses, and the Schockemöhle Group sent him to me as another option to compete and potentially sell. He just keeps improving, and we’ve really clicked.”
Balancing multiple commitments, Thieme is also riding for Team Germany in the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala the same week. Amidst his packed schedule, the $100,000 Great American Insurance Group Grand Prix was not to be missed, and his decision proved worthwhile.
“Competing here at HITS has been great, especially for my young horses, and especially with the impressive prize money they offer at,” said Thieme, who has been showing at HITS Ocala for more than 20 years. “I’m especially grateful to Great American Insurance Group for sponsoring such a fantastic class.”
Read more:
