Rodrigo “Maverick” Pessoa is the Top Gun Ace of the $63,000 Accumulator Class CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 2025-10-25

Upper Marlboro, United States – October 24, 2025 – MARS Barn Night, presented by Walkenbach Equestrian, packed a full slate of entertainment and competition in a full house of spectators on Friday at the 2025 Washington International Horse Show, presented by MARS Equestrian™. Starting the night off with a blazing-fast win in the $63,000 FEI Accumulator Costume Class CSI 5*-W was Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Corrie 9, owned by Artemis Equestrian Farm. The class was followed by special awards, a stunning exhibition by Sylvia Zerbini and her 12 Arabian horses in “Grande Liberté,” and the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase, sponsored by Artemis Farm.

Twenty-three costumed riders and their horses took to the course in the $63,000 FEI Accumulator Costume class designed by Nick Granat (USA), and they accumulated points for every jump cleared. Eight were clear over the entire course, including the final joker jump, for 65 points. The fastest over that course was Rodrigo “Maverick” Pessoa (BRA) riding Corrie 9 in 47.32 seconds.

“Mr. Incredible” Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Incredible, owned by Coyle and Ariel Grange, were second-fastest in 47.51 seconds.

Finishing third with a time of 49.13 seconds was McLain “American Flag” Ward (USA) and First Lady, owned by Robin Cleary Parsky.

Pessoa only chose his outfit earlier in the day while sightseeing with his daughter Lucia and a friend in downtown Washington, D.C. Noting that Corrie is “like a little fighter jet,” he chose an appropriate costume.

Continuing to describe his mount, Pessoa said, “She’s very, very careful and very fast as well. She’s always game. She had a fun schedule this week and jumped a bit lower than normal. With a third place last night and winning today, I was super pleased with her. Going in the ring, you know that you always have a chance with her.”

**Rodrigo Pessoa** (BRA) & **Corrie 9** during the awards ceremony

Despite not having a horse for the grand prix, Pessoa made the decision to attend as it’s a “traditional horse show on the calendar.” He added, “The facility is really good. We still wanted to come and compete. The atmosphere tonight at Barn Night was great. It’s always a pleasure to compete here.”

Action at the 2025 Washington International Horse Show will come to a head tomorrow on Saturday, October 25, as the venue comes to life in anticipation of the evening’s $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™️ Washington CSI5*-W, presented by Maryland Sports Commission. Daytime competition will highlight the pony hunters before junior and amateur riders once again vie for the win in the junior/amateur jumper classics. The country’s best junior equitation riders will close out daytime competition with the final jumper round of the WIHS Junior Equitation Final, and the top 10 work-off will start the evening session competition. Outside of The Show Place Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a variety of activities will take place during Kids’ Day, presented by Delta, including face painting, pony rides, horseless jumping, crafts, and more.

Final Results – $63,000 Accumulator Costume Class CSI 5*-W

1) Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) & Corrie 9 – 65 – 47.32

2) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Incredible – 65 – 47.51

3) McLain Ward (USA) & First Lady – 65 – 49.13

FULL RESULTS

COURSE MAP

Source: Press Release from Jump Media for the Washington International Horse Show