WILLIAMSBURG — Olivia Sweetnam claimed the first FEI Grand Prix victory of her career on Saturday, riding Epic, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, to victory in the $116,500 Four G Surfaces CSI3* Grand Prix during opening week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, at Flintfields Horse Park.
A field of seven returned for the jump-off over a course designed by Guilherme Jorge. Sweetnam (USA) and Epic delivered the fastest clear effort of the tie-breaker, stopping the clock in 35.46 seconds.
Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) finished second aboard Lorona in 35.95 seconds, while Hunter Holloway (USA) claimed third aboard Mon Fattan N in 36.57 seconds.
The victory marked another milestone for Sweetnam and Epic in Traverse City. One year ago, the pair earned their first CSI3* international victory together in the AVID Hotel CSI3* Welcome Stake during opening week of the 2025 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival.
“I don’t even think I’ve processed it yet,” said Sweetnam. “I’m really happy. I think my horse deserves this a lot. We’ve really grown in the past year as a partnership. I’m just happy I stuck to my plan today. Everything was there, and I was able to show up for him.”
Sweetnam credited the win to a plan built around Epic’s strengths.
“My horse is so amazing and powerful, but he’s got a lot of blood and he’s so excited to jump,” said Sweetnam. “I think it’s just about keeping it smooth. The strides we choose all have to suit him properly. I know in detail how I need to ride each line, so it’s about following through with that.”
Before the jump-off, Sweetnam received some final advice from her father, Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam, who had also qualified aboard Pegina VD Bisschop.
“He told me to do the same thing that he did, but don’t have the rails,” she laughed. “That gave me reassurance because I was second-guessing a number in the course. Once I did it, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, no problem for him.'”
The win was particularly meaningful given Sweetnam’s long history at Flintfields Horse Park.
“It means a lot to me,” she said. “Last year, I had my first three-star qualifier win here, and I think my first ranking class win as well. I’ve come to this show for, I think, 10 years since I was eight years old. I’ve done ponies, equitation classes, junior jumpers, and now FEI. The weather is beautiful. The show is beautiful. The horses love it here. We love it here. So I’m really happy I was able to accomplish this at Traverse City.”
Competition continues Sunday at Flintfields Horse Park with the $20,000 Jumper Classic. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.