A Perfect Day at WEC: Training, Team Spirit & an Unexpected Encounter with Equestrian Greatness

There are days at the World Equestrian Center that feel like a gift where training flows, the horses are tuned in, the team is united, and the atmosphere itself seems to open doors. Today was one of those days.

After a focused training session and a beautiful walk through the grounds, the moment became even more unforgettable when we crossed paths with two legends of our sport: Henrik von Eckermann and Janika Sprunger.

To share the same space, exchange a few words, and feel their presence up close was an honor for all of us Penelope Carmona, Ricardo Doldan, Henrik von Eckermann, Janika Sprunger, and Cristina Doldan coming together in a moment that blended admiration, motivation, and pure equestrian passion.

PENELOPE CARMONA, RICARDO DOLDAN, HENRIK VON ECKERMANN, JANIKA SPRUNGER, CRISTINA DOLDAN

PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PENELOPE CARMONA, RICARDO DOLDAN, HENRIK VON ECKERMANN, JANIKA SPRUNGER, CRISTINA DOLDAN

⭐ A Glimpse Into Their Brilliance

Henrik von Eckermann

Current world number one and one of the most influential show jumpers of our era. His riding is defined by precision, softness, and a level of horsemanship that has reshaped international standards. A master of balance, strategy, and connection Henrik embodies what it means to truly understand a horse.

Janika Sprunger

Elegant, technical, and mentally fierce in the ring, Janika is known for her refined style and remarkable ability to bring out the best in every horse she rides. Her career is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and absolute class. A true inspiration for riders everywhere.

⭐ Our Team, Our Moment

Penelope Carmona

Focused, dedicated, and rising beautifully in her journey with Twinkie. Every stride shows her growth and commitment to the sport.

Ricardo Doldan

Attentive, hardworking, and the quiet force that keeps the energy balanced. Always present, always supporting.

Cristina Doldan

Horse lover, passionate, and deep love for the sport that lift the entire group a true team anchor who brings her passion that is felt in every detail she touches.

A Day to Remember

What started as a regular training day evolved into an inspiring moment one of those memories that stays with you long after the show season ends. Crossing paths with Henrik and Janika wasn’t just exciting; it was a reminder of the excellence we strive for, the levels ahead of us, and the beauty of the equestrian community that connects riders from all paths.

WEC always brings magic… and today, it brought a little extra. ✨🐴

Cristina & Sandrisina: Their First Time together at the World Equestrian Center

For riders, there are some moments that feel like milestones—not because it’s the first time stepping into an arena, but because it’s the first time stepping in with the right partner. Today marked one of those unforgettable chapters for Cristina and Sandrisina, as they competed together for the very first time at the World Equestrian Center.

Cristina knows the WEC well. She has walked these barns, felt the energy of the arenas, and lived the intensity of show days here before. But this time was different. This time, she arrived with Sandrisina, a mare whose presence, heart, and quiet confidence brought a new kind of magic to the experience.

From the moment they entered the grounds, the connection between them was undeniable.

Sandrisina took in the environment with alert but relaxed curiosity—ears forward, steps steady, trusting Cristina with every breath. She wasn’t just arriving at the WEC… she was arriving with purpose.

Cristina, experienced and composed, brought her signature calm to the moment—but behind that calm was something new: pride, excitement, and the unmistakable joy of sharing a world-class venue with a horse she truly believes in.

As they moved through the warm-up, walked the paths, and settled into the rhythm of show day, you could feel it:

This partnership is just getting started, and it already feels special.

It wasn’t Cristina’s first WEC.

But it was their first WEC—

their first round,

their first warm-up,

their first shared heartbeat inside those world-famous rings.

And it showed.

The harmony, the communication, the trust… it was the kind of quiet brilliance that reminds us why the journey matters as much as the results.

Cristina and Sandrisina’s first show together at WEC is now a memory etched into their story—

the beginning of a new chapter, and the first of many more to come. ✨🐴

The Barn Angels on the Move: A Walk Through the World Equestrian Center

There’s something truly special about the quiet moments before the work begins—the soft rhythm of hooves on the path, the calm confidence of seasoned riders, and the unmistakable pride of horses who know they are part of something bigger.

Today, our Barn Angels made their way through the World Equestrian Center, each pair carrying their own story, their own bond, and their own energy.

Alicia & Bailarín, moving with that effortless elegance that only comes from trust and countless hours together.

Penelope & Twinkie, the golden duo whose connection grows stronger with every stride, every ride, every challenge they take on.

Cristina & Carre, steady, collected, and powerful—walking with purpose, heart, and the unmistakable presence of a partnership built on respect.

As they walked through the WEC grounds, each pair added its own rhythm to the atmosphere. You could feel the unity among them—three women, three horses, one shared passion.

These are not just riders and horses.

They are teammates.

They are companions.

They are the heartbeat of our barn.

Watching them move together down the pathway—focused, composed, and ready—was a reminder of why we do what we do. It’s the small moments like this, the transitions between training sessions and show preparations, that reveal the true soul of the sport.

This simple walk became a reflection of dedication, partnership, and the quiet magic that happens long before stepping into the show ring.

The Barn Angels are ready.

And March 2025 is waiting. ✨🐴

Penelope & Twinkie: Sharpening Their Magic at WEC with Alejo – On the Road to the March 2025 Show

There are moments in the equestrian world that feel like a glimpse into the future—small previews of the greatness that’s coming. Today’s training session at the World Equestrian Center was exactly that: a blend of focus, discipline, and that special spark that appears only when a rider and horse are truly in sync.

Penelope entered the arena with her signature energy—calm but fully present. Twinkie, always willing, stepped into the ring ready to work, showing the kind of gentleness and heart that already set her apart. And Alejo… what a trainer. Precise with every cue, firm yet soft, guiding them both with a clarity that builds confidence.

Throughout the session, you could see something that isn’t practiced—it’s built. The type of connection that forms repetition after repetition, breath after breath, as both listen to each other stride by stride. Twinkie responded beautifully—looser, more confident, more focused—while Penelope refined her posture, rhythm, and communication under Alejo’s sharp eye.

The WEC’s impressive, professional atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for this pre–show training. Success in the ring doesn’t just happen on show day. It begins here, in moments like this—hours of practice, refinement, and dedication.

Today showed progress.

It showed elegance.

It showed real work.

And above all… it showed that March 2025 is going to be special.

This video captures exactly that:

✨ Growth.

✨ Preparation.

✨ The promise of what’s ahead.

Penelope and Twinkie are building something remarkable, and with Alejo’s guidance, each session brings them one step closer to shining in the show.

See you in March. They’re coming strong. 🐴💫

I AM A EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION

Today was my first time that I was able to go to a equestrian competition ever. I have been training very hard with my coach Veronica. Today I compete and WIN FIRST PLACE AND BECAME A CHAMPION I did 3 different technics and I got first place, third place and a fourth place and all combine makes me WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY. Thanks to Veronica my coach for all the hard work with me to make me learn and patience with me. This is your win too. LOVE YOU GOLDEN PARACHUTE 🐴

 

RIDER: PENELOPE CARMONA
HORSE: GOLDEN PARACHUTE
TRAINER: VERONICA COLL
FILM/EDIT: PUERTO RICO UNDER