Katy, TX – April 6, 2025 – Four years ago, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show marked Olivia Cliver’s first significant grand prix with Connor 69, and on Saturday, April 5, it marked another victory for the now accomplished duo. With a blazing-fast, double-clear effort, Cliver and Connor 69 took home the win in the $50,000 Southern Way Farm Grand Prix to conclude open jumper competition at Pin Oak Week 2.
“This is a fun show,” said Cliver. “This was our first real big grand prix when we got [Connor 69]. We’ve built up over the years and just completed our first five-star grand prix in the fall. So, coming back here and getting to win the grand prix is really special.”
To clinch Saturday night’s win, Cliver and Connor 69 had to successfully navigate the Manuel Esparza-designed first-round track and then best a six-horse jump-off. The early time to beat in that jump-off was set at 38.721 seconds by Australia’s Rowan Willis and his new mount For Dilando PS, but, as the penultimate rider to jump, Cliver knew what she needed to do to get the win.
“My plan for the jump-off was to really catch fence one on a nice angle,” explained Cliver. “I find with him if I can catch that first fence in a really good rhythm and flow, then from there, it’s pretty solid. He’s a really good jumper, and I can trust him to do his part if I can do my part.”
With both of them undoubtedly doing their part, Cliver and Connor 69, owned by On the Mark Equestrian, cruised through the timers in 37.779 seconds to take the win. Willis and For Dilando PS, owned by Just A Cheeky One, finished in second place, and Rikke Heineking and Twilight, owned by Ella Heineking, rounded out the top three with a time of 39.097 seconds.
“[Connor 69] is definitely a more forward-thinking horse,” said Cliver. “He’s pretty lazy and unmotivated until he gets in the ring, and then it’s a light switch for him. He definitely wants to be able to take you to the fence, but he wants you to support him at the base and really let him get across the back rail of those oxers.”
In addition to competing at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show on her own horses, Cliver is keeping busy at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center training her On The Mark Equestrian clients.
“We brought a big group with us this year; we have such a great group of clients,” said Cliver. “They’re really like family. So, this win is also their win. We own him with a few of our clients who are also just such big supporters of us, and so it’s really a special thing to get to share this with them.”
Cliver concluded, “This show is just really special. All the trainers from Texas have been spread out over the winter, and we all get back together here. It’s kind of a big reunion, and we all get to have a good time together.”
To view complete results of the $50,000 Southern Way Farm Grand Prix, click here, and to learn more about the 79th annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, visit www.PinOak.org.
About the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
Recognized as a US Equestrian Heritage Competition, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse shows in the United States. Today, the show features three weeks of top-caliber hunter/jumper events and one week of breed show competition at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX.
