At the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival’s week five CSI3* Speed class, Canadian rider Erynn Ballard claimed victory aboard Her Game Ball BG, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare. Ballard, riding last among 39 competitors on a Peter Grant-designed speed track, strategically reduced strides early in the course, finishing with a winning time of 62.73 seconds. She emphasized the importance of sticking to her plan and trusting her instincts, which paid off in this high-stakes competition.

Following Ballard, Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza placed second with I-Cap Cl Z, clocking 65.91 seconds, while American Richard Spooner secured third on Belle Esprit with a time of 66.35 seconds. Ballard praised her relatively new partnership with Her Game Ball BG, highlighting the mare’s fighting spirit and responsiveness when given clear guidance.