February 22, 2018 
Ecuador’s anthem played in the international ring at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Wednesday.
Diego Vivero (ECU) rode Bijoux to victory in the $35,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Jumpers CSI 5* in Wellington, Florida. It was a proud moment for the South American rider.
“For me, it’s very important,” said Vivero.
“Not only the five star, but to win against all of the very good riders, like McLain (Ward), all the best riders in the world here. For my country, it’s very special because my country is very small in this sport. We don’t have many international riders. I was very, very proud. To see your flag is very nice.”
Of the 67 entries in the power and speed class, Vivero and the 12-year-old KWPN mare posted the fastest time in 30.35 seconds.
“She’s very quick and she doesn’t lose time over the jumps,” he explained. “She’s very flat in the jump and in her canter. She turns very good. We did a very good turn to the liverpool, and I did a good job after the double and had really good time in the last line. I am very competitive, so I like the speed!”
Vivero moved to Wellington from Ecuador five years ago and works with Mexican sponsor Javier Estrada.
Second place went to Andy Kocher (USA) and Kahlua in 30.74 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) and Cerise were third in 30.92 seconds.
