-- press release
German born American and triple World Cup finalist Kevin Kohmann took a strong start in the 2026-2027 North American World Cup League by winning the first qualifier of the season at the 2026 CDI-W Devon on Saturday 26 September 2026.
Embracing the Rain
The CDI‑W Grand Prix Freestyle delivered one of the most spirited atmospheres of the week, with a strong, competitive field and a crowd that showed up in numbers despite the steady rain. It became, in every sense, a night of dancing in the rain—a fun, high‑energy class where music, movement, and audience enthusiasm blended together under the lights of the Dixon Oval.
Thirteen riders embraced the conditions with creativity and confidence, turning the stormy backdrop into part of the performance as they contested this marquee freestyle qualifier.
Kohmann Wins On New Ride Sonata MF
Kevin Kohmann (USA) and Sonata MF, a US-bred Hanoverian mare by Sir Donnerhall I out of a Don Principe mare, claimed the Freestyle victory with a score of 77.105%, performing an American‑themed freestyle that felt perfectly suited to the U.S.‑bred mare.
Sonata MF, an elastic and expressive 11‑year‑old Hanoverian, showed impressive confidence for a young Grand Prix horse, matching the rhythm of the music with lift, reach, and fluidity. Kohmann’s choreography showcased her athleticism and balance, resulting in a polished, patriotic performance that resonated strongly with both judges and spectators.
Canada Strong
Brittany Fraser‑Beaulieu (CAN) and Jaccardo, a twelve-year-old KWPN gelding by Desperado out of a Jazz mare, earned second place with 76.515%, riding to a vibrant mix of pop music—including a playful nod to Britney Spears—that energized the crowd. Fraser‑Beaulieu, one of Canada’s most experienced international competitors, guided the expressive KWPN gelding through seamless transitions, highlighted by striking transitions between difficult movements.
Camille Carier Bergeron (CAN) and Finnländerin (by Fidertanz x Donnerhall) finished third with 76.505%, delivering a freestyle defined by rhythmic precision and high difficulty. Finnländerin’s springy passage bounced perfectly in time with the music, creating a performance that made the crowd want to clap along.
Nichols Wins 3* Grand Prix and Special
Earlier on Friday seven horse and rider pairs contested the 3* Grand Prix for Special and the winner was Erin Nichols (USA) on Elian Royale, Premiere Sport Horses’ 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood. She topped the board with a score of 67.087%. Erin piloted the chestnut gelding through the test’s 33 demanding movements with fluidity and power, impressing the panel of five international judges, who rewarded them with top marks.
Second place went to Christopher Hickey (USA) and Cece Stewart’s Stenagers Wyatt Earp, who received a very respectable 66.826%. The pair’s earned consistently high scores from each of the panel’s judges on their way to runner-up honors. Rounding out the class’s top three were Lauren Sammis (USA) and Debra Kail’s Dow Jones 1, close behind with a final score of 65.087%.
Nichols and Elian Royale also captured the Grand Prix Special CDI3* victory on Saturday with a composed, technically confident performance that highlighted the gelding’s expressive Dutch breeding. Scoring 69.447%. Closing the Special as the final rider, Christopher Hickey and Stenagers Wyatt Earp earned second with a score of 67.447% after delivering an expressive, forward ride that showcased the gelding’s scope and presence. Stenagers Wyatt Earp produced a powerful extended trot that set a strong tone to help secure a solid runner‑up finish.
Related Link
Scores: 2026 CDI-W Devon