Thermal, California, USA – December 08, 2024 – The final win of a banner week of competition at Desert Holiday 1 went to Mexico’s Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX). On Sunday, December 8, at the Desert International Horse Park, Vallejo piloted Fellow van’t Moerven to victory in the $40,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic.

With a sizeable field of 64 entries taking on the class, Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) set a challenging track with a relatively tight time allowed that resulted in seven horses qualifying for the jump-off – and five entries accruing just time penalties to keep them out of jump-off contention.

Of the seven horses returning for the short course, Vallejo’s mounts accounted for two of them, and of the two, he returned first on “Fellow.”

While the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by C & M Partnership LLC, is a relatively new ride for Vallejo, the pair looked every bit a veteran partnership as they blazed through the timers in 35.888 seconds to ultimately take home the win.

Vallejo was also the final rider to return, this time aboard his own Elios du Marais, and a time of 37.260 seconds secured them third place. Edging his way in between Vallejo’s two entries for second place with a time of 36.467 seconds was Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) aboard Belle de Muze, owned by San Francisco Stables.

“I am happy that I was able to win today,” said Vallejo, who is currently riding for Durango Farms. “[David Bustillos] is giving me the opportunity to ride him, and I am very happy with the horse and with the result, because the course was a little difficult because there were so many riders and in the jump-off because there were fast riders.” 

The $40,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic also offered a U25 competition, held concurrently. Earning the U25 win was Amanda Paul, who finished in 15th place aboard Captain Crunch.

While Sunday marked the conclusion of Desert Holiday 1, competition resumes on Wednesday, December 11, with Desert Holiday 2. For a complete schedule, click here, and learn more at DesertHorsePark.com.

Final Results – $40,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic

1) Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX) & Fellow van’t Moerven – 0 / 0 – 35.888

2) Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Belle de Muze – 0 / 0 – 36.467

3) Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX) & Elios du Marais – 0 / 0 – 37.260

Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park

Photos: © DIHP / High Desert Photo

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Tumblr