Thermal, United States – February 01, 2026 – No one could catch Cassio Rivetti (BRA) on Sunday, February 1, as the Brazilian rider galloped away with both first and second place in the $40,000 FarmVet Open Classic – 1.45m. Rivetti took the top honor in the class – held as part of Desert Circuit 4 at Desert International Horse Park – aboard AGS Casallida, and he finished in second with Golden Cygano JAP.
With “Casallida”, Rivetti was the first of ultimately 11 entries that jumped clear over the course designed by Alan Wade (IRL) and Colm Quinn (IRL).
As the clear pathfinders, Rivetti and Casallida were also the first to return for the jump-off, and they laid down a time to beat of 37.586 seconds that would prove uncatchable by the remainder of the field.
“Cygano” cleared the finish in 38.967 seconds for second place, and Allison Lajoie (USA) rode her own Botero to a time of 39.402 seconds for third.
Rivetti’s win with Casallida is particularly impressive as he only partnered with the 10-year-old Holsteiner mare last week.
“I first jumped her last week doing a little bit for Laura Hite. Normally Laura rides her,” said Rivetti of the horse owned by HF Farms. “She’s amazing I think! She’s an impressive mare. She’s fantastic and easy – so easy to ride. She’s very nice and smooth and don’t need to do too much.”
Rivetti continued, “In the jump-off, my mare has a huge stride, so I was sure that she could go in seven to the last [to get the win].”
With Golden Cygano JAP, Rivetti has had a few months more experience, having jumped the 14-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding owned by Monarch Farms LLC, in CSI 2* competition during December 2025’s Desert Holiday competition at Desert International Horse Park.
“He’s really nice,” said Rivetti. “[At the end of last year], he was jumping clear, being consistent. He’s competitive and always there. It’s fun to ride him.”
Now, both Casallida and Cygano will enjoy a few weeks off before returning to Thermal, Calif. for Desert Circuit 7’s CSI3* competition.
With 10 weeks of top-caliber competition, Desert Circuit at Desert International Horse Park continues through March 15, 2026. To learn more, visit deserthorsepark.com.
Final Results – $40,000 FarmVet Open Classic – 1.45m
1) Cassio Rivetti (BRA) & AGS Casallida – 0 / 0 – 37.586
2) Cassio Rivetti (BRA) & Golden Cygano JAP – 0 / 0 – 38.967
3) Allison Lajoie (USA) & Botero – 0 / 0 – 39.402
Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / High Desert Sport Photo / Megan Giese Media
Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News Brasil
