Thermal, Calif. – Jessica Gleason consistently earned strong results in the 10 & Under Futurity Series throughout Desert Circuit 2025, and now she is opening Desert Circuit 2026 in the same fashion – this time aboard a new mount, Mack Wildrick.
Gleason and the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding topped a field of 22 entries to take home the win in the $5,000 DIHP 1.35m 10 & Under Futurity Series, held on Friday, January 9, and sponsored by Stal Hendrix.
Jessica Gleason and Mack Wildrick. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The pair was one of nine to navigate the first round, Ken Krome-designed course without fault to advance to the jump-off, and there, they turned in the winning time of 37.543 seconds. Finishing in second place with a time of 37.888 seconds were Kyle King and Mermoz DB, owned by Patricia Vasey. Third place went to Rachel Lindsey who rode Isa Lippman’s Imberto to a double-clear time of 38.985 seconds.
“[Mack Wildrick] felt awesome – forward, bold and scopey – and the track rode great for him,” said Gleason. “I couldn’t ask for him to be better. Every day he steps in there, he’s just a little bit better every time. Today, I thought he was careful and thoughtful and fast. I’m really excited, and I can’t wait for the future.”
Gleason purchased Mack Wildrick in May of 2025 after selling her previous young horse, Source Code, and she has been carefully bringing along the gelding since then.
“We’ve been developing him kind of locally until [National Sunshine Series] and [Desert] Holiday and now here at the Desert Circuit,” explained Gleason, who hails from Oregon. “He’s got a great personality. He’s brave with lots of power and lots of scope. It’s a bit of a new ride for me to ride such a big horse. I’m not very big myself, but he’s been so great to develop. He learns every day, and we’re really excited for his future.”
Jessica Gleason and Mack Wildrick topped the $5,000 DIHP 1.35m 10 & Under Futurity Series, sponsored by Stal Hendrix. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Gleason continued, “I like seeing [the young horses] excel. I like watching them and feeling them go from not knowing much to all of a sudden going in there and feeling confident and being able to execute what the course is asking. Then, to have them go on with other people means a lot to me – getting to see them shine. I’m really happy to bring this one along, and I’m really hoping for some grand prix by the end of the year.”
For full results of the $5,000 DIHP 1.35m 10 & Under Futurity Series, sponsored by Stal Hendrix, click here.
To view a complete schedule of all competition offerings at Desert Circuit 1, presented by Barnwalkers & IDA Development, click here, and to learn more about all competition at Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.