Devon Kane And Vamos Capture TerraNova World Cup Grand Prix

Story By Shannon Anastasio  |  Photos by Jessica Buehler

Wellington-based dressage rider Devon Kane recently won the FEI World Cup CDI-W Grand Prix at the TerraNova Equestrian Center before adding a second victory in the freestyle, highlighting an exceptional weekend for the local dressage community.

Kane and Vamos delivered a standout performance at TerraNova, capturing the Grand Prix with a personal-best score of 69.043 percent before returning the following day to win the World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle. The double victory marked an important achievement for the rider and her family’s Diamante Farms Dressage, owners of the accomplished 14-year-old Westfalen gelding.

Competing Friday, Oct. 16, in challenging heat on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Kane and Vamos topped the four-rider World Cup Grand Prix field, finishing ahead of fellow Wellington-based competitor Christian Simonson. The result reflected the continued progress of a partnership approaching three years at Big Tour, the highest level of international dressage.

Kane’s Grand Prix victory was particularly meaningful because the 69.043 percent score represented a personal best for the pair in the class. Their performance demonstrated the consistency and connection that have developed through their work together, with Vamos showcasing the athleticism and training required to compete successfully on the international stage.

The success continued Saturday, when Kane and Vamos returned for the freestyle. Performing to an energetic Latin soundtrack featuring Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailamos” and Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito,” the pair earned another personal-best score, this time 75.505 percent, to secure their second victory of the weekend.

The freestyle combines the technical requirements of Grand Prix dressage with music and choreography, giving riders an opportunity to demonstrate their horses’ athletic ability and their partnership’s harmony. Kane and Vamos delivered a confident performance that included demanding movements such as elevated two-time changes on a 20-meter circle.

Together, the two wins elevated Kane to the top of the North American qualifying standings for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, scheduled for March 2027 in Gothenburg, Sweden. TerraNova was the second of 10 North American qualifying competitions, with riders earning points throughout the season in pursuit of a place at the championship.

Kane’s husband, Kevin Kohmann, also a prominent Wellington-based dressage rider, won the circuit opener in Devon, Pennsylvania. Although he did not compete at TerraNova, Kane’s results moved her ahead in the qualifying race as the season continued toward its international finale.

For the Kane family, the achievement also brought recognition to Diamante Farms, the Wellington operation owned by Kane’s mother, Terri Kane. The farm’s support has been an important part of the partnership’s journey, and the TerraNova victories offered a rewarding result for the team behind the horse.

Wellington’s strong showing extended beyond Kane’s victories. Simonson finished second in Friday’s World Cup Grand Prix aboard Fleau de Baian, earning 68.065 percent with the 16-year-old Dutch-bred stallion. The pair also placed second in Saturday’s freestyle with 73.67 percent.

Simonson represented the United States aboard Fleau de Baian at the FEI World Championships in August and earned reserve champion honors at the World Cup Final in Texas in April, riding Indian Rock. His results at TerraNova added to an impressive international season.

Wellington-based Quinn Iverson also earned top honors, winning the CDI3* Grand Prix aboard Gremlin 41 with a personal-best score of 69.696 percent. The 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding delivered an excellent performance for Iverson, adding another victory to the community’s successful weekend.

Kane’s double World Cup win, Simonson’s runner-up finishes and Iverson’s CDI3* victory underscored Wellington’s standing as a leading center for international dressage. For Kane and Vamos, however, TerraNova was especially significant: a personal-best Grand Prix score, a second victory in the freestyle and the lead in the North American qualifying standings have placed the partnership firmly in the spotlight as the road to Gothenburg continues.