Thermal, Calif. – Karrie Rufer closed out Desert Circuit doing what she has been doing all season: winning. After already earning seven major victories in the past two months at Desert International Horse Park, Rufer picked up an eighth win on Saturday, March 14, in the $20,000 PRO Series DIHP Speed League Final.
Karrie Rufer and Shanroe Peeters. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
While Rufer has made frequent trips to the Grand Prix Stadium winner’s circle at DIHP, Saturday morning marked an inaugural visit there for her newest mount, Shanroe Peeters. Rufer and the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding were the first in the ring, and they laid down a time to beat of 71.617 seconds that would prove uncatchable.
Karrie Rufer and Shanroe Peeters were presented as the winners of the $20,000 PRO Series Speed League Final. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Coming the closest to Shanroe Peeters’ leading time was Rufer’s second mount, Mr. Europe. The 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses LLC, has been a frequent winner for Rufer this season, and this time, the gelding took home second place with a time of 72.128 seconds. Third place with a time of 72.934 seconds went to Patrick Billes and his own Chocolate Milk.
“I got [Shanroe Peeters] in September [2025],” said Rufer of the horse that was initially spotted as a prospect for Rufer in Europe by her friend and Irish rider Alex Duffy. “I’ve taken it really slow with him. We’ve been over in Jumper 1 most of the circuit. I’d push up and jump 1.35m here, 1.40m here. It was more like, ‘I’m just going to get a feel for him.’”
Karrie Rufer also finished in second place aboard Mr. Europe. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Rufer continued, “Then, on this Wednesday, I did him in the 1.35m Welcome on the Grass Field. I was like, ‘You know what? I think I need to try and test speed and see what I’ve got.’…Holy crap. He was so fast, and he was so easy fast and just fun. I actually think he likes going faster than he does me trying to hold onto him and keep him together…It’s really nice to be able to kind of push him and see like, ‘Hey, what can I get away with?’ He was so good today!”
While Desert Circuit comes to a close on Sunday, March 15, Rufer is excited – now more than ever – for what is next for Shanroe Peeters.
Karrie Rufer and Shanroe Peeters. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“Right now, I just feel like we’re on the same page,” concluded Rufer. “He trusts me. I trust him, and now I think we’re off to the races!”
For full results from the $20,000 PRO Series DIHP Speed League Final, click here.