TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published May 12, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Canadian Erynn Ballard and the 9-year-old stallion Chatadel PS topped a five-horse jump-off to claim the CSI3* Grand Prix title at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.
What Happened
Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard, riding Chatadel PS, won the $125,000 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix CSI3* at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Ballard was the first to clear the initial round on a technical course designed by Guilherme Jorge. In the jump-off, she adopted an aggressive strategy, dropping two strides in the opening line to finish in 44.05 seconds. While Aaron Vale and Helios Du Moulin had a faster time, a downed rail placed them third. Alexandra Worthington and De L’Oiseliere secured second place with a conservative, clear round, being the only other pair without faults in the tiebreaker.
Why It Matters
Ballard's victory highlights the successful development of Chatadel PS, a horse she has competed since he was seven. This win underscores the "slow and steady" approach for aging a stallion into international competition, proving Chatadel PS's readiness for higher-level FEI events. Ballard also praised the Kentucky Horse Park circuit, noting its large rings and cross-country fields are crucial for building a horse's "cardio" and mental fitness before prestigious venues like Spruce Meadows. This emphasizes the importance of diverse terrain and expansive arenas for preparing competitive horses for demanding summer seasons.
Competition Context
The Kentucky Spring Horse Show is a key stop on the North American spring circuit. Ballard had a dominant week, also winning Wednesday's Welcome Stake with her other mount, Ben. The series continues with the Kentucky Spring Classic, offering another $125,000 Grand Prix, providing athletes with opportunities to earn FEI world ranking points without extensive travel. The event falls under the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) jumping category. The CSI3* designation attracts high-level international professionals, while national-level 1.45m classes provide a crucial bridge for developing younger horses, supporting the U.S. East Coast "pipeline" for transitioning horses from national show jumping into the international spotlight within the same week.
Source: Kentucky Horse Shows / HorseSport.com
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.