Press release from Wellington International 

Cian O’Connor of Ireland claimed the Overall Leading International Rider Award, presented by Martha W. Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman together with Michael and Wendy Smith, at the conclusion of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

A Leading International Rider Award was presented each week to the rider who earned the most points based on performances in that week’s WEF Challenge Cup and featured grand prix event.  Surprisingly, O’Connor did not win any of the weekly awards, but his consistent performances throughout the 12-week circuit earned him a total of 862 points and the Overall Leading International Rider title.

Second place went to Wellington’s own Margie Goldstein-Engle with a total of 823 points earned throughout the WEF season while another Irish rider, Shane Sweetnam, was third overall with a total of 800 points.

“A huge thank you to Martha Jolicoeur and Mike and Wendy Smith for sponsoring this award,” said O’Connor. “I’m looking forward to using the lovely Breakers voucher when I return to Florida next winter!”

Jolicoeur has been a long-time sponsor of the annual Winter Equestrian Festival and previously presented the popular Leading Lady Rider title, an award she initiated in 2010.

“Having previously sponsored the Leading Lady Rider Award, I was proud to sponsor a new award to recognize the leading international riders this year, alongside Mike and Wendy Smith,” said Jolicoeur, who enjoyed a successful international show jumping career before becoming one of Douglas Elliman’s top real estate brokers.  “Being the leading rider at any international show is a special achievement, and to win the overall title at the Winter Equestrian Festival after so many weeks of competition is truly a rare feat. Cian’s win was well-deserved following a fantastic season.”