07/19/2026
Access…and support…
I often am asked the question …does my child have Olympic potential?
As we start rounding the corner toward the Olympic Games this is a common theme that we hope to see our BEST athletes…
I know of many extremely talented and wonderful equestrians who will never see a podium because it takes more than just talent
Access to the right horses
Support - financial and owners who invest not only in their string of horses but also rider(s) who can develop those strings of horses.
It’s something to think about …no matter what you do in life.
I feel strongly that each person should always have a mentor that is ahead of them on the road of life …and should also be mentoring someone who is not yet that far down the road …this builds a network of strength that gives deep roots to allow all involved to grow.
Who are you mentoring?
Who is mentoring you?
Are you willing to invest AND take the RISK that some may not prove to be made of the cloth needed to finish the garment?
Interesting history here …that may have never happened without this complex relationship.
🐎 Nelson Pessoa & Mrs. Arline Givaudan: A Partnership That Helped Shape Show Jumping History 🌍✨
The history of show jumping is filled with legendary riders and unforgettable horses, but behind many great champions are people whose support helped make success possible. One such partnership was between Brazilian show jumping icon Nelson "Neco" Pessoa and Mrs. Arline Givaudan, a talented Swiss horsewoman whose vision helped launch one of the greatest careers in equestrian sport. 🏆🐴
In the early 1960s, international show jumping was dominated by Europe's finest riders. For a young Brazilian rider dreaming of competing on the world's biggest stages, breaking into that elite circle was no easy task. Then came an opportunity that would change everything.
🇧🇷 A Life-Changing Invitation
In 1960, Mrs. Arline Givaudan invited Nelson Pessoa to relocate from Brazil to her equestrian estate near Geneva, Switzerland. Arline, an accomplished rider herself and the wife of Léon Givaudan of the renowned Givaudan family, believed in Pessoa's extraordinary talent and offered him access to quality horses, training facilities, and the chance to compete across Europe. It was an offer that transformed his career.
Accepting the invitation wasn't a simple decision. Pessoa had just married Regina de Paula, and the couple embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon voyage to Europe—with three horses travelling in the ship's hold, including the legendary Gran Geste. 🚢🐎
🐴 The Rise of Gran Geste
One horse would become inseparable from Nelson Pessoa's name—Gran Geste, the remarkable grey gelding who developed into one of show jumping's greatest horses.
Together, Nelson Pessoa and Gran Geste dominated Europe's most prestigious competitions. Their partnership combined athletic brilliance, trust, and textbook riding technique. Fellow riders admired Pessoa's quiet hands, balanced position, and remarkable ability to bring out the best in every horse he rode. 🌟
🏅 A Historic Year: 1963
The year 1963 proved unforgettable.
Riding Gran Geste, Nelson Pessoa won the prestigious Hickstead Derby in England, one of the most demanding and respected competitions in world show jumping. It was only the third running of the famous Derby, and Pessoa's stylish performance immediately earned international recognition. He and Gran Geste would win Hickstead again in 1965, cementing their place among the sport's greatest partnerships. 🏇🏆
During the same era, Mrs. Arline Givaudan was also competing successfully at the highest level. She rode Huipil to a silver medal at the 1963 European Show Jumping Championships, highlighting her own outstanding abilities as an international rider.
🤝 More Than an Owner and Rider
The relationship between Nelson Pessoa and Mrs. Arline Givaudan went far beyond horse ownership. She provided the environment, horses, and confidence that allowed Pessoa to compete against Europe's best, while Pessoa rewarded that trust with victories across the continent.
For nearly a decade, he rode both his own horses and those owned by Mrs. Givaudan, building a reputation as one of the world's finest horsemen. His extraordinary ability to understand difficult horses even earned him the nickname "The Brazilian Horse Whisperer." ❤️🐎
🌟 A Lasting Legacy
Nelson Pessoa would go on to become one of the greatest show jumpers in history, winning countless Grand Prix events, Derbies, and representing Brazil at multiple Olympic Games. His influence continues today through his son, Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa, extending one of equestrian sport's greatest family legacies. 🥇🇧🇷
The famous 1963 photograph of Nelson Pessoa standing beside Mrs. Arline Givaudan and one of their magnificent horses captures more than a moment in time—it celebrates a partnership built on trust, ambition, and a shared love of horses. Their collaboration helped redefine international show jumping and inspired generations of riders around the world.
Some partnerships are remembered for trophies. Others are remembered because they changed the course of history. Nelson Pessoa and Mrs. Arline Givaudan achieved both. 🐴✨
