Peter Lutz and Katriona arrive on the international stage

USA’s Peter Lutz and Lövsta Stuteri’s Katriona claimed their first international win in the $140,000 CSI3* Grand Prix to close out Week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival [WEF] – their much anticipated success on the big stage witnessed by a small entourage of supporters. “It felt really special because I had so many people cheering me on today, and that’s like the greatest feeling ever,” said Peter.

Sweet at the stable – fiery on the field. Katriona was ready to take center stage. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Years in the making, Peter and the 11-year old Dutch Warmblood mare have been patiently building up to this moment. “We got her as a seven-year old for the Lövsta Future Challenge Series here in Florida,” he said, referring to the contest designed specifically to showcase horses of that age. “We’ve been taking our time. Last year here she did all the big meter 50s, that was our focus, and she did very well. And then we started doing the bigger classes this summer and we’ve been good, consistent, but we’ve been waiting for the double clear and it happened today.”

Patience is a virtue it seems for Peter Lutz and Katriona. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Peter and Katriona were second to go in the nine-strong jump off that took place in front of a hefty Sunday crowd on the grass of the Derby field. Their time of 43.69 set the pace with Philip McGuane and Paso Doble SCF finishing second on a time of 45.13 seconds. Alexandra Worthington and De L’oiseliere took third place – matching their WEF Challenge podium position earlier in the week – by stopping the clock on 45.68 seconds.

Plans for Katriona’s future reflect her strengths. “She really excels on the grass,” Peter said. “And my hope is to go to Spruce Meadows [Calgary, Canada] this summer and really use the field to train for future big grass events.”

Sweet at home, where the mare is looked after by longtime groom Rene Morillo Garcia, Katriona has a change of personality on competition days.

Katriona’s groom Rene Morillo Garcia has been looking after the mare for many years. Photo: Sarah Eakin

“She has a lot of energy and just the sweetest character in the stable,” said Peter. “But a lot of fire when you ride her competitively. She’ll go so fast, she’s brave and [we] just love her.” The win was witnessed by a support team made up of owners, fellow riders, Peter’s partner and even Katriona’s vet and farrier. “She [Katriona] has always been a super horse, consistent and fast,” said Peter. “And I always believed in this day. We all did.”

Supporters from all walks of Katriona’s life were witness to the mare’s milestone event. Photo: Sarah Eakin

This could be interesting:

Nina Mallavaey kicks off Winter Equestrian Festival with a top ten goal