Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S. BRILLIANT DISGUISE (AlCookPhoto.com)

Harrisburg, Pa. - Giavanna Rinaldi, of Wayne, Illinois, beat a field of 25 starters in the $5,000 North American League (NAL) Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Final on her own G.P.S. BRILLIANT DISGUISE at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show today.

Rinaldi, just fourteen years old, was one of only eight riders to make it to the jump-off round, setting an unbeatable time of 34.993 seconds as second rider into the ring. Madeline Thatcher and ESQUILINO BAY, owned by Pony Lane Farm, were last to go in the jump-off, and put in a very exciting round, nearly parting ways at one point, but she recovered like a pro to cross the timers fault-free in 35.180 seconds to take second place.

"The class was really fun because last year I had a rail in the first round so I wanted to redeem myself this year", said Rinaldi with a laugh.

Rinaldi bought the big grey gelding in Ocala last year as a medium junior horse, but has done a grand prix recently to prepare for tonight. "He's really easy to ride", said Rinaldi. "We've been doing a lot on the flat to get him off my leg, get him a little hotter, and do lots of bounces to get him ready for this".

For winning the NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Final, Rinaldi received a custom tack trunk by David R. Fowler Custom Tack Trunks, and a pair of D-Teq Custom Boots by EquiFit.

Rinaldi will also be competing tomorrow in the NAL Children's Jumper Final - presented by EquiFit.