December 9, 2023 
Winston Churchill, a vehement supporter of the afternoon nap, believed that it wasn’t nature’s design for mankind to work all day “without the refreshment of blessed oblivion which, even if it only lasts 20 minutes, is sufficient to renew all the vital forces.”
USA’s Kevin Kohmann employed a similar strategy ahead of Friday’s Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W at World Equestrian Center Ocala.
“I woke up and had never been so relaxed before a show in my life,” he said.
He’s also never been so successful. Riding Dünensee, a 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Dancier x Davignon 3, Kohmann rode to first-ever freestyle victory and a personal best score of 77.720%. His high score of 79.250% came from the judge at H.
“Wow, I am still shocked,” said Kohmann. “I have never gotten a score like this, never won a freestyle. So, a lot of firsts. What an amazing week. It doesn’t matter what happens tomorrow, I am winning.
“The atmosphere was amazing, but we were both very relaxed. He only got nervous when we put the winner’s blanket on him. Otherwise, the horse was 1000% on my side.”
More impressive still: Kohmann’s only got his final music on Wednesday before the sound check.
“It was mostly Avicii, which is my favorite DJ,” he remarked. “I always wanted an Avicii freestyle, and now I have the right horse to ride to it. It worked out much better than I thought. The music sounded so crisp and good in there. It was an awesome feeling.”
Jennifer Williams (USA) and Joppe K took second with a score of 75.680%. Anna Marek (USA) and Fayvel scored 75.253% to finish third.
