June 1, 2024
By KENNETH J. BRADDICK
Ellesse Gundersen, the newly crowned American Grand Prix Champion on her home-bred Quintessential 4, has been approved to compete in Europe next month ahead of the World Championships in mid-August.
Ellesse, based in Wellington, Florida and the 12-year-old Quintessential, confirmed to Dressage-News.com the U.S. federation notified her the partnership will be entered to compete at Hagen, Germany the first week of July, the centerpiece event for the American riders short listed after the Grand Prix Championships.
However, the rider has not yet been notified whether she will receive any financial support as do those on the short list as she did not complete required paperwork.
Federation officials have made it known, however, efforts will be made to approve a grant to help offset costs of flights for Ellesse and her horse both ways across the Atlantic, stabling and ground transportation in Europe, hotel bills and other costs that total tens of thousands of dollars.
Ellesse is married to Danish jumper rider Henrik Gundersen who has battled cancer in recent years.
She grew up in Malaysia to a mother from the Philippines and an American-Australian father who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.
She competed for the Philippines until three years ago when she opted to ride under the Stars & Stripes.
Ellese said the USEF confirmed Hagen and another event in Europe.
“I’m now starting the push to make Europe happen and gain as much experience as possible on the international stage,” she said.
“For me, this push to get to Europe isn’t just about Q and I any more. It’s about helping set the tone and pave the way for future up-and-coming combinations, particularly those doing it independently and even breeding their own horses.
“If we can show that it’s possible, hopefully it creates more opportunities and belief for others to follow the same path.”
The World Championships of dressage, jumping, eventing, driving, vaulting and para will be staged in Aachen, Germany Aug. 10-23.
