The partnership of Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen and Forever SFN proved successful once again, finishing out the finals season with two top place finishes at the prestigious National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky. Strategically preparing last week at Tryon, Kelli brought energy and excitement to the Alltech Arena aboard her two horses, Forever SFN and Gideon.
In her first class at the National, the $37,000 1.45M International Speed, Kelli rode Gideon eleventh in the order to a beautiful clear round. Having jumped the course once already, Kelli mounted Forever SFN to shave off almost five seconds and soar into second place.
Second in the order of go for Friday’s $37,000 1.45M International Two Phase, Kelli kept up the heat with Forever SFN, jumping a clear first round. Coming back for a thrilling jump off, Kelli was one of seven to return with a double clear, bringing her into an impressive third place finish. Also competing aboard Gideon, they put in an excellent trip with a single, unfortunate rail.
Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen and Forever SFN in the International Two Phase
Photo by Phelps Sports x Jessica Brighenti
With less than nine months together, Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen and Forever SFN have proven themselves to be a force in the show ring, taking home top placings at the Hampton Classic and numerous wins including the HITS FEI 5* Grand Prix. As for Gideon, we are truly excited to watch this young horse develop, already competitive in a high-level field.
Kelli and Serenity Farm Show Stables would like to thank our sponsors for all that they do to keep us and our horses happy and healthy, including GGT-Footing, Devoucoux, Samshield, Ariat, and Weatherbeeta.