Olivia Cliver Closes Out Pin Oak Charity Horse Show with Commanding Victory

The 79th annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show wrapped up with a thrilling finale as Olivia Cliver and her longtime partner Connor 69 delivered a flawless performance to win the $100,000 Hildebrand Family Grand Prix on Saturday night at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center.

Cliver and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding entered the ring last, already holding a grand prix win from the previous weekend’s $50,000 Southern Way Farm Grand Prix. But this time, the stakes were even higher—and the path to victory even more dramatic.

With no clear rounds on the board from the previous 20 entries over Bernardo Costa Cabral’s technical track, the challenge was clear: jump clean, and the win was hers. Rising to the occasion with confidence and poise, Cliver and Connor 69 left all the rails in place, navigating the Main Indoor’s tight turns and difficult lines with effortless precision. As they soared over the final oxer, the crowd erupted, celebrating the only clear round of the evening and Cliver’s second major grand prix win in as many weeks.

Rounding out the podium was Avery Griffin, who claimed both second and third place. Griffin earned the red ribbon aboard Oh My Star Van Strytem with four faults in 72.218 seconds and took third with Bodega Semilly, also finishing on four faults in 74.432 seconds.

Adding to the moment, all of Connor 69’s owners were ringside to witness the win—making Cliver’s victory all the more meaningful.