Pan American Championship 120km Seniors & Juniors — Haras Albar, Campinas, BRA | 17–20 July 2025

The Pan American Endurance Championship, held every two years, returned in style this July 17–20, 2025, for its second-ever hosting in Brazil—this time at the stunning Haras Albar and Fazenda San Vicente in Campinas. Known for its top-notch facilities dedicated entirely to horses, this private venue offered spacious, well-ventilated stables and a lush setting perfect for world-class endurance competition.

Riders and horses began arriving the previous Friday, with Uruguay’s equine exports particularly in the spotlight. Known for leasing horses internationally, several riders from the USA, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador competed on Uruguayan mounts, adding an exciting international flair to the competition.

Though originally planned for 36 riders, last-minute withdrawals from Argentina meant the championship kicked off with 27 determined competitors representing seven countries. Colombia sent a lone rider, while all other nations fielded full teams. The opening ceremony set the tone with a spectacular sunset vaulting display followed by a spirited parade of nations.

The course itself challenged riders with its technical nature and dusty stretches. While the ground was generally good, uneven patches kept everyone alert, especially as the morning chill gave way to soaring midday heat.

Senior 120km: A Nail-Biting Finish

The senior field was strong with 33 starters, but it was the young Brazilian star, 25-year-old José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães, who claimed the top spot. Riding his 12-year-old stallion Stud Brasil Itajara, José showcased incredible pace and partnership to finish at an impressive average speed of 20.1 kmph. This dynamic duo also impressed two years ago at the Pan American Championships in Chile, where they took bronze — and this time, they went for Gold!

José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães said:

"First of all, I would like to start by thanking the FEI for the opportunity to talk about endurance and the 2025 Pan American Championship held in Brazil.
I believe that the result we achieved that day is the outcome of years of dedication to the sport and, above all, to the horse. The Stud Brasil Itajara and I had been on a great run — we won the individual senior bronze medal at the Pan American Championship in Chile 2023, we became two-time Brazilian champions in the 160 km category (2023 and 2024), and since then, all of our efforts were focused on bringing home the gold medal and the Best Condition for Brazil. And we did it.

The event itself was spectacular. The organization was meticulous in every detail — the trails were carefully planned and prepared to ensure the best possible performance from the horse-rider combinations. I truly believe the Pan American Championship couldn’t have been more successful — it was a historic day for endurance community.

As for Itajara and my team, I lack words to fully express my gratitude and describe what they mean to me. More than the gold medal, they represent a feeling of home and belonging — something truly priceless.

Now we continue working hard to represent Brazil once again in future championships. The World Championship in Al Ula is just around the corner. The selection process and the challenge ahead are huge, but we are fully committed to do our best so that, once again with luck and hard work, we can have the honor to be part of Team Brazil and travel the world through horses and endurance."

The silver and bronze were hotly contested. Uruguay’s Nicolas Peyronel, riding AR Confianzudo, crossed the line a mere 2 seconds behind José, with fellow Uruguayan Isha Judd aboard Ashva Tigresa just 4 seconds further back.

Nicolas Peyronel passes the final vetting

Team Triumph for Uruguay

In the team competition, only Uruguay managed to field a complete team of three riders to the finish line. With Nicolas Peyronel, Isha Judd, and Santiago Martín Cabrera combining their efforts, Uruguay proudly took the team gold. Other strong nations including the USA, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and hosts Brazil all fell short of finishing with the full team of three riders required — testament to the tough conditions and competitive nature of the race.

Young Riders Show Great Promise

Over in the Young Riders division, 16-year-old Brazilian Lavinya Lacalvia Ferreira made her mark, winning aboard Baruc do Triunfo at a solid 19.1 km/h average.

Lavinya Lacalvia Ferreira crosses the line in 1st place

Not far behind was compatriot Jheniffer do Rocio Silva de Lara on RG El Cid securing second place, and the USA’s Avery Betz-Conway riding Zendaya Rach completed the podium in third.

The Pan American Championship 2025 proved to be a thrilling celebration of endurance riding, talent, and international camaraderie. Congratulations to all riders and horses who took part — here’s to many more exciting chapters in the story of Pan American endurance!

it was the first time Mexico had a full team, but only one rider finished. The track wasn't suitable for riding very fast; on other occasions, they had averaged 18, but here the first three stages were done at 19-20. The leading group was always large, with 8-10 horses that ended up filtering through to the final stage, which was decisive. The three horses in the lead finished in a sprint. The Pan American was on Friday, and on Sunday was the Open, which is a competition on the same route as the Pan American, generally with horses that did not qualify for the Pan American. It was also very exciting. It was won by a young man from Ecuador Felipe Andres ANDRADE REPETTO with his horse, FILOSOFO, brought from Ecuador. He always ran at the front.