Nicolas Gamboa and Twilight Shine in the $25,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix Sponsored by Cloverfield Trail
March 26, 2026 – Katy, TX – Nicolas Gamboa and his good friend Twilight bested twenty-one other horse and rider combinations and galloped to the win in the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in the $25,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix, sponsored by Cloverfield Trail. The pair were one of only eight entries to make it into the jump off, putting in a double-clear performance over a technical track set by Bernardo Costa Cabral.
Gamboa and Twilight, the ten-year-old Danish warmblood mare by Favorit Ask out of Solvangs Brunella have jumped some big tracks together in the past six months, including FEI 4* competition and World Cup classes. They soared over the fences, clearing the jump off course in a time of 36.844s – taking the win by over four seconds. “She’s truly a fantastic animal. she tries so hard. she has some much scope, stride, and is so athletic. The most important thing with her, whether you’re going fast or slow, is keeping her mind slow and calm,” Gamboa remarked.
Alwaleed Alrashid and his teammate W Enzo, the eleven-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Vigo D’Arsouilles out of Sunset and owned by Gladwell Equestrian LLC, put in a double clear performance as well, crossing the finish line in 40.982 seconds.
Finishing up in a time of 41.799 seconds was Brandon Howard and his own HF Andiamo, the twelve-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Andiamo Z out of Zarona L. HF Andiamo is a horse Howard knows well and has brought along for a few years now.
An Under twenty-five overlay ran concurrently with the Grand Prix and saw four horse and rider combinations jumping for a chance at an additional $5,000 in prize money. Lauren Breach and her 9 year old Zangersheide partner Don Amour De Betze Z had an unfortunate rail in the first round but their time of 70.192s was good enough to take the win.
The $25,000 Grand Prix was sponsored by Cloverfield Trail Equine Development & Wellness, an equine consultancy providing 30-day fully customizable training services. Specializing in young horse development, the scope encompasses producing and maintaining top equine athletes in all life stages by using a holistic approach to wellness, soundness, and understanding based on the individuality of each horse.
Gamboa has a long and successful history at this show, “I love this show. I actually won my first grand prix here quite a few years ago. Pin Oak treats us well and it’s good to be showing here in Texas with everyone in Texas.” We know he’ll have a great group of horses to compete in the Grand Prix this Saturday, so don’t miss it.
In the meantime, Friday will bring the USHJA National Hunter Derby beginning at 9 AM as well as the USHJA International Hunter Derby beginning at 3 PM. Our Hunter riders are going to be in the spotlight and you won’t want to miss it.
Results
Placing – Horse – Rider – Owner – Faults/Time
1 – Twilight – Nicolas Gamboa – Ella Heineking – 0/0/36.844
2 – W Enzo – Alwaleed Alrashid – Gladwell Equestrian LLC – 0/0/40.982
3 – HF Andiamo – Brandon Howard – Brandon Howard – 0/0/41.799
4 – Domino Van De Fruitkorf Z – Trapp O’Neal – Cathy Potts – 0/0/42.070
5 – T-Quick Hurricane Z – Allison Kroff – TC Sport Horses LLC – 0/4/38.159
6 – Oreo FS – Trapp O’Neal – Cathy Potts – 0/4/39.256
7 – Irish Du Caillou – Allison Kroff – TC Sport Horses LLC – 0/4/40.823
8 – S & L Cesam – Brandon Howard – Elevare Equestrian LLC – 0/8/42.174
9 – Fetiche Du Lesme – Martien Van Der Hoeven – Stormy Sporthorses LLC – 4/69.594
10 – Don Amour De Betze Z – Lauren Breach – Lauren Breach – 4/70.192
11 – Sooper Trooper – Allison Kroff – Allison Kroff – 4/70.914
12 – Quite Cute 3 – Trapp O’Neal – Whitney Wickes – 4/71.274
Heureux XII
For Heureux XII Founder Lyndsy Calato, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show represents a milestone in Heureux XII’s history and Lyndsy’s equestrian goals.
Lyndsy launched Heureux XII at the 2023 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, after returning to riding from a 20-year break. She grew up in North Texas, spent her summers on her grandfather’s cattle ranch in Oklahoma, and showed quarter horses at AQHA shows.
When she returned to riding after launching a successful interior design career and starting a family, she fell in love with the style and beauty of hunters, jumpers, and dressage. She wanted to create a luxury retail line that matched the immaculate horse and rider turnout she saw in the hunter derby ring. Lyndsy leaned on her interior design background and passion for fine textiles, combining it with her renewed passion for horses, to create Heureux XII.
Heureux XII (‘heureux’ is French for ‘happy’) is a tribute to her childhood gelding Bright ‘N’ Happy and her current hunter, Baker’s Dozen. Lyndsy spent two years crafting, testing, and gathering rider feedback on her patented belt design, before introducing it at Pin Oak three years ago.
Since then, Heureux XII has grown, with two belt collections, the Icon and the Eclipse, and has expanded beyond its equestrian audience. What remains consistent is Lyndsy’s commitment to an exceptional customer service experience, whether customers select a ready-made belt or choose to design their own. Online or through select retailers, customers can select their leather color and type, elastic band colors, buckle emblem, and embossing.