Thermal, Calif. – November 7, 2026 – Following two rounds of competition in Friday, November 6’s CPHA Style of Riding Championships – South, a field of 92 entries was narrowed down to one winner: Nico Alario. Alario rode Bellingham, owned by Olivia Dawson-Grove, to victory in the class held at Desert International Horse Park as part of National Sunshine Series 2, sponsored by Frank & Eileen.
At the conclusion of Friday afternoon’s opening round in the Grand Prix Stadium, all riders who earned a score of 75 or higher, with no rails or time faults, were invited back for the second, “jump-off” round under the lights. Among those 27 returning riders Alario set in second place.“Today was a busy day,” said Alario, who rides out of his family’s Estancia Farms. “I had a lot of rounds going all over the place. I was a little bit stressed because I had three rings going at one time, but I was able to walk this course, focus, get in my corner and it was a great round. I was super happy with [Bellingham].”
Nico Alario and Bellingham. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Alario continued, “I really liked coming back in second place. Coming back in first, there’s definitely a lot more pressure. I was really excited to put a little bit of pressure on whoever was leading, and it gave me some excitement going into it.”
Putting pressure on was exactly what Alario did as he and Bellingham laid down a seamless round over the jumper-style course.
Nico Alario topped the 2026 CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I was really excited because I thought the course would really fit my horse,” explained Alario. “So, I was going in there, and I was like, ‘I think he’s going to lay a really good round down.’ He’s a little horse, but he has a huge stride; it was more of a galloping jump-off. Obviously, you don’t want to go too fast in the equitation, but the time allowed was really tight. Honestly, I let him be him, and he got down every line just how I wanted him to. It was great.”
With Alario’s jump-off round earning him the win, second place went to Ripley Ehrlich aboard Iron Man van de Kalevallei, owned by Woodacres Stables LLC. Sabine Close took home third with her own Iceman. For full results of the CPHA Style of Riding Championship – South, click here.
Nico Alario and Bellingham. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
For Alario, the partnership with his winning mount, Bellingham, is a new one. Alario picked up the catch ride on the 11-year-old Westphalian in August, shortly after the gelding arrived in Europe, and Alario has since been piloting him through his first equitation classes.
“He’s really come a long way,” said Alario. “I really love riding him. He’s super easy, and I’m super grateful [to Olivia Dawson-Grove] for the opportunity to ride him.”
Second place went to Ripley Ehrlich aboard Iron Man van de Kalevallei. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With one major win under his belt, Alario next has his sights set on the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – West, to be held during Desert Holiday 1, December 2-6, at DIHP.
“We’re going to go home, take a little break, have Thanksgiving, and then we’ll be back in December!” concluded Alario.
To learn more about all upcoming competitions at Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.