Wellington, Florida -
Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen, an accomplished American show jumping rider, has had a successful few weeks at the Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) Spring 2 and ESP Spring 3. Competing on multiple horses, Vanderveen earned several top finishes in various CSI3* classes, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Forever SFN
Photo: Hannah Stephens
During ESP Spring 2, Vanderveen and Forever SFN jumped to a sixth-place finish in the CSI3* $39,000 Florida Coast Equipment Power and Speed. The pair were double clear with a jump-off time of 32.9 seconds, just fractions behind the first-place finisher. Vanderveen also earned a top-ten finish with Gideon, placing eighth in the CSI3* $146,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix.
Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Gideon
Photo: SportFot
Vanderveen competed in the hunter ring aboard APG Stables’ young mare, APG Livory, earning Champion in the Green Hunters 3’3” and winning all three jumping classes. “Lucy has been knocking on the door all WEF circuit, receiving not one score lower than an 86,” said Kelli of her hunter mount. To top off their week, Kelli piloted the mare to second place in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
APG Livory
Photo: SportFot
One of Vanderveen's standout performances at ESP Spring 3 was aboard Forever SFN. The pair took home the win in the CSI3* $39,000 Perfect Products 1.45m Speed Stake, delivering a flawless clear round with a jump-off time of 30.73 seconds. This was a testament to Vanderveen's training and the gelding’s talent, proving that they make a formidable team in the ring. Speaking of her ride, Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen said “I was really excited when I walked the course because it played to Forever’s strengths and I knew he would enjoy the speed phase. Cindy [Cruciotti] has really been working on his rideability at home and increasing his fitness. He feels the best he’s ever felt thanks to her hard work.”
Cindy Cruciotti and Forever SFN
Photo: Hannah Stephens
Vanderveen also rode the talented mare Isabella Van De Zuuthoeve to multiple top-ten finishes. In the CSI3* $39,000 Perfect Products 1.45m Speed Stake, the pair were double clear with a jump-off time of 32.27 seconds, earning an eighth-place finish . In the CSI 3* $39,000 Equine Tack & Nutritionals 1.45m class, Vanderveen and Isabella Van De Zuuthoeve delivered another impressive performance, finishing in sixth place with the fastest four fault jump-off.
Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Isabella Van De Zuuthoeve
Photo: SportFot
In addition to her success with the other horses, Vanderveen also had a strong showing with the gelding APG Gangster. In the 1.30m Open Jumper class, the pair jumped double clear to earn a seventh-place finish. This further showcased Vanderveen's ability to excel with a variety of horses in different classes.
Reflecting on her performances at ESP Spring 2 and ESP Spring 3, Vanderveen said, "I am so proud of all my horses and their performances. We have been working hard and it's great to see our efforts paying off in the ring. I'm excited to see what the rest of the season holds."