Team KPF Captures First MLSJ Victory of 2026

The arena floor hummed with tension as Team KPF entered round two carrying four faults, a precarious weight compared to the three rivals who had cleared their first rounds without a single rail falling. It was a deficit that demanded immediate correction. The team answered with raw pace, transforming a potential stumble into a decisive sprint for the gold medal.

Karl Cook set the initial benchmark, guiding Candy to the fastest clear round of the day in 32.16 seconds. His speed forced the other teams into a reactive stance. Kent Farrington followed, piloting the nine-year-old Rexton through the course with a calm, collected rhythm that secured the team’s position as the fastest overall duo. Their combined effort left the final decision to the team’s most experienced rider.

Rivetti’s High-Stride Gamble

Cassio Rivetti approached the final jump-off with Knass B, an eleven-year-old he usually reserves for home training. The choice was a calculated risk, relying on the horse’s natural stride and their intimate familiarity. Rivetti knew the animal’s capacity for speed, trusting that the pressure would fuel rather than hinder the mount.

The Brazilian rider delivered a performance of pure efficiency. Knass B exploded through the course, covering the distance in 33.05 seconds. This time was a decisive two-second margin over Charlotte Jacobs, who rode Christiano Obolensky to 35.21 seconds for the Trelawny Trailblazers. The gap was wide, sealing the victory and placing Team KPF at the summit of the MLSJ standings for the first time in the league’s history.

Building a Winning Rhythm

The win was a product of individual brilliance and collective strategy. Farrington noted that the team’s dynamic allowed each rider to operate within their comfort zone, knowing their teammates could handle the high-pressure moments. The synergy between the riders and their horses created a seamless flow, turning individual efforts into a unified team victory.

Cook emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum, acknowledging that not every course would align so perfectly. The team remains focused on the long road to the championship, using this first win as a foundation. They intend to keep pushing, leveraging their strong horse-rider connections to secure future victories in the 2026 season.

Individual Speed Highlights

Beyond the team competition, the individual speed events showcased the league’s intensity. Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Rockwell RC claimed the $62,500 MLSJ CSI5* Individual Speed title with a time of 59.76 seconds. Daniel Bluman followed closely, finishing under the sixty-second mark on Malina, while Erynn Ballard took the third position. These results underscore the high level of competition present throughout the event.