Cassio Rivetti (BRA) and Neil Jones Equestrian, Inc’s Genesis (Eldorado VD Zeshoek TN x Buminka B) proved victorious in Saturday’s $250,000 STX Vans Grand Prix with an impressive jump-off time of 39.707 seconds. Earning the reserve honors was Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms, LLC’s Brighton (Contendro II x Van Ed) with a time of 41.118 seconds and finishing the podium was Eric Navet (FRA) and Signe Ostby’s Cadillac Jack (Cantoblanco x Cordina) for their time of 46.893 seconds.
Cassio Rivetti on Genesis. Photo by ESI.
“Genesis is a nine year old gelding. I started riding him at the beginning of this year in Florida. He’s a super horse, he has so much talent,” shared Rivetti about his partner. “He’s improving so much, the last shows have been so consistent. I’m really happy with him.”
The course, designed by Manuel Esparza (MEX), tested 58 pairs and nine returned for the shortened course. “When I walked the course, it was really technical,” noted Rivetti. “I think it was a Grand Prix that was good for California because it put us on the same level as the rest of America and Europe.”
Cassio Rivetti on Genesis in their presentation ceremony. Photo by ESI.
In addition to the six month STX Van lease from today’s Grand Prix sponsor, the pair earned twenty points for their placing in today’s Grand Prix towards the $50,000 rider bonus as part of the $500,000 West Coast Jumper Event Series. “We are going to do the Riders Cup [in two weeks] and then come back here and try to get the riders bonus,” Rivetti commented.
About the Desert International Horse Park
With nearly 1.3 million square feet of competition and riding space, the Desert International Horse Park is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America. Offering multiple weeks of world-class equestrian competition from October through March, the facility is a destination location for thousands of equestrians, their horses, family and friends for several months annually. Competitors from all over the world travel to Thermal, CA to not only compete but to enjoy everything the desert has to offer.