April 16, 2023 
Earlier this week, it was uncertain if there would even be a Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach. A heavy storm brought waves crashing into the arena, and footing was swept out to the turbulent sea.
Rainwater invaded the stable aisles despite the valiant efforts of grooms and sandbags, and riders waited with bated breath for the storm to pass. In its wake, the venue was left in shambles. Yet within 24-hours crews moved the arena further onto South Beach shores and drew up a new schedule.
With show jumping back on the beach, German Olympian Katrin Eckermann would have a chance to defend her title. In 2022, she won the Longines Grand Prix of Miami Beach with a then nine-year-old Cala Mandia. It was the mare’s first 5* Grand Prix, and a flying start for their partnership in the upper echelons of the sport. Yet the pair were well acquainted long before that, with Eckermann being sole international rider in Cala Mandia’s show history.
Cala Medina has been in Eckermann’s stable since her six-year-old year, and at 10-years-old she’s already enjoying the height of her career. On Saturday, the pair contested the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach once again. The Ulliano Vezzani (ITA) course raised questions that even some of the most seasoned combinations couldn’t answer, and only seven riders advanced to the second round.
The pressure was tangible in Eckermann’s reins, but she negotiated the intricate course with speed and precision. They were the only pair to break the 41 second barrier, which ultimately sealed their second epic win.
“What can I say, I did it again and I have no words. Being here on the beach, with top horse sport I am thrilled,” said a teary-eyed Eckermann.
“After a tricky start [to the week] for all, with the weather a big thank you to the whole Global Champions team, and to Jan Tops, all conditions were really perfect in the end.”
It’s clear that Eckermann thrives in the unique south Florida conditions. Where some horses took a second look at beachgoers hanging over the rail in their swimsuits, or children balancing on shoulders, Cala Mandia was focused the jumps ahead. Perhaps even energized by the buzzing atmosphere.
Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) would have to settle for second place with 12-year-old gelding Bentley De Sury with 41.22 seconds. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and 13-year-old gelding Beauville Z N.O.P finished respectably with 41.35 seconds, securing the third step on the podium.
