When Jordan LaPlaca traveled to Hagen, Germany, to shop for a Grand Prix prospect at Hof Kasselmann, Gold Play wasn't even on the roster. Younger than LaPlaca had in mind, the bay gelding was pulled out almost as an afterthought at the very end of the visit. 

It took about thirty seconds in the saddle to change everything. 

"It was like Avatar and the tails connecting," LaPlaca said. "I stepped up on the mounting block, threw my leg over the saddle, sat down and was like, ‘oh my god.’ It was an electric feeling, honestly." 

Gold Play, known affectionately around the barn simply as “GP,” is an 11-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding by Grey Flanell, and out of Shangra La, who is by Sir Donnerhall II. Bred for dressage in mind, he is the kind of horse that commands attention the moment he enters the ring: expressive, electric, and very much aware of his own star power. 

"We are mere staff in this horse's life," LaPlaca said with a laugh. "I am his eternal servant and cater to whatever he wants." 

For the record, what GP wants are Stud Muffins horse treats and bananas. In that order, please. 

A Season of Firsts 

The 2026 season has been nothing short of extraordinary for the partnership. LaPlaca and Gold Play made their international Grand Prix debut at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla., in February and wasted little time making their mark. Just weeks later, during Week 7 of AGDF, LaPlaca was the very first rider down the centerline in the Dutta Corp. Grand Prix CDI3*, posting a personal best 68.910% to lead the class and claim their first CDI win at just their second show at the level. The pair earned an impressive 8.5 for their final passage on the centerline. 

The wins kept coming. In Gold Play's second-ever CDI Grand Prix Special, LaPlaca guided the gelding to their first plus-70% CDI score, topping the podium twice in a single week and announcing themselves as a combination to watch on the international stage. 

Then came Week 11. 

A Nations Cup Debut to Remember 

Selected to represent The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team at the 2026 FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ USA CDIO3* — just his third CDI ever — Gold Play and LaPlaca took to the ring with the kind of confidence that belies their limited international experience. Their effort helped the team in ending a five-year winning streak by Team Germany in a dramatic, wire-to-wire battle that saw the U.S. edge out Germany (205.043%) and Canada (204.196%) with a combined score of 205.631%. The duo closed out the competition on a high with a second gold medal, this time individually, in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDIO3*. LaPlaca piloted “GP” to a new personal best score of 71.000% and a third CDI win this season.  

For LaPlaca, it was his senior Nations Cup team debut. For Gold Play, it was simply another day at the office. 

"Each day for me is a win just being on him," LaPlaca said at the post-competition press conference. "To be on a team that is so strong, to gain this experience with everybody — you can't beat it." 

Chef d'Equipe Christine Traurig was equally effusive about the young combination's potential. "Gold Play is an extremely talented horse," she said. "It was a fabulous experience for the two of them and they have a great future ahead." 

 

 

The Making of a Partnership 

What makes the Gold Play story particularly compelling is the journey LaPlaca took to get here. A multi-disciplined horseman who has competed in everything from Western to jumpers to combined driving, LaPlaca credits his diverse background, particularly his time behind the reins in combined driving, with deepening his understanding of the horse. 

"In the carriage, I get to sit and look at the horse rather than feel it in my body," he explained. "To understand bend and the horse’s rib cage, as well as the biomechanics of the hind legs, the top line, and the horse’s pole from the perspective of driving; I think it 100% has affected my ability to train and develop Gold Play." 

That patient, horsemanship-first approach has been central to how the partnership has developed. LaPlaca is quick to credit his co-owner, Nancy Hutson, for allowing the process to unfold at its own pace. 

"I have an owner, Nancy, who's been so generous and gracious to allow me the process due to getting here," he said. "And I think that's showing." 

At home, GP is exactly who he thinks he is. The gelding is consistent, expressive, and utterly unbothered by the world around him. The bond between horse and rider, LaPlaca says, is something he doesn't take for granted. 

"He and I are one," LaPlaca said. "I can't stand being away from him, honestly, and he really hates being away from me. We have a really strong bond. We've had the privilege of time to develop that." 

Next up for the pair is the CDI in Ocala at the World Equestrian Center in April, where LaPlaca will look to continue building on what has already been a season that has exceeded every expectation. 

"To take a young horse from the beginning all the way to Grand Prix is always a special thing," he said. "The goal was obviously to hit the international level, and to be able to do that this year with a really strong streak has been above and beyond my expectation." 

Onwards and upwards. As LaPlaca himself would say: “Into a lifetime of refinement.”