Ellesse Gundersen and Quintessential 4 Rise to the Top, Adrienne Lyle and Helix Victorious in Grand Prix CDI3*
By: US Equestrian
May 15, 2026 –Ocala, FL – Ellesse Gundersen and Quintessential 4 showcased their potential again this week, topping the FEI Grand Prix Special Test on Friday, May 15, 2026, as part of the US Equestrian (USEF) Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, earning a 70.042% from the judging panel. Christian Simonson and Fleau de Baian took second with a score of 69.808%. Jodie Kelly-Baxley and Grayton Beach finished in third place overall with a 69.234%. The USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship will conclude tomorrow evening, highlighting the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle under the lights in the Grand Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC).
“I felt like I had the same horse as I did the first day, which is what we’ve been aiming for, to have consistent rides and clean rides,” said Gundersen. “We know we can turn up this horse when we need to. That’s not the problem. I think now he’s showing that he’s very consistent, and we know what we’re going to have when we go in the ring. It was a great feeling.”
A standout week for Gundersen (Wellington, Fla.) and Quintessential 4 has her feeling incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead for the young combination. The pair has steadily continued to build confidence in their partnership, with this week marking two consecutive personal best scores at the Large Tour level. With their sights set on gaining European experience this summer and potentially targeting the Pan American Games in 2027 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Calif., in 2028, Gundersen feels the patient and dedicated approach to development is paying off.
“When the horse was nine years old doing the Grand Prix, Christine [Traurig] was a big part in helping me kind of shape the direction to take him. I’ve followed that very carefully for the last three years now, and she wasn’t wrong,” said Gundersen. “I trust her guidance completely, and like she said, you’re building the team for more than just one event. LA28 is really important. Pan Americans are very important. We need to have a strong presence in all championships.”
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