Caroline Roffman may only be 22, but her reserve championship in the 4-year-old division on Bon Chance proved that she knows how to ride with seasoned professionals.

“Everyone is so welcoming and helpful, and I’m so happy to jump up from young riders with such an amazing group of riders,” said Roffman, Wellington, Fla.

Bon Chance (Bellisimom—Wintersong, Weltmeyer) won the warm-up class with 85.00 percent and put in another great test in the final to finish in second with 86.40 percent.

“Moto” was discovered by Tim Dutta and Lars Peterson, and Roffman fell in love with the chestnut gelding while riding him for the two men. She said she will never forget seeing him walk off the trailer for the first time.

“He was weedy and skinny, had no muscle and a lot to learn,” said Roffman with a laugh. “He’s a quick learner, and he tries really hard. I really like that he had a look-at-me attitude but really stayed with me in the ring, even though he was nervous and intimidated by his surroundings.”

Roffman also competed Barcarole (Baroncelli—Waldfee, Wolkenstein II) in the 4-year-old division, but the lovely chestnut mare had a little trouble staying inside the letters. Despite the elimination, Roffman maintained a cheery attitude.

“I stayed in the ring [on Bon Chance],” she said with a laugh. “That was the best part.”

It was fitting that a horse owned in part by Dutta earn a title, since Dutta’s business, The Dutta Corporation, sponsors the developing horse division along with Performance Sales International.

“I love the program for bringing the horses up,” said Roffman. “I qualified two 6-year-olds last year but didn’t get to go. I’m so lucky to have a horse like this. He’s a horse I hope to have in the FEI ring down the road.”