Profiles
Three-time Olympic medal winner Rodrigo Pessoa began riding aged 4 with his father Nelson Pessoa, an Olympic level equestrian and show jumper. Now with over 70 Grand Prix victories and more than $7,000,000 in prize money to his name, the Brazilian star counts winning the World Championships in Rome in 1998 as his most memorable career moment.
He won the World Cup Final in 1998, 1999 and 2000 on Baloubet du Rouet, making him the first rider to claim victory at the event three times consecutively with the same horse.
His father and Ludger Beerbaum have been his biggest career influences, and his advice to other riders is to "keep going, no matter what." Special Envoy, Lianos and Baloubet have been his favourite horses.
If he had to describe Global Champions Tour in 5 words he’d say ‘modern, innovative, competitive, exciting and glamorous’.
Fast Facts
2004 Olympic Champion with Baloubet du Rouet
2000 Olympic Bronze Team medallist with Baloubet du Rouet
1996 Olympic Bronze Team medallist with Tomboy
Competed in 1992, 2008 and 2012 Olympics
1998 World Champion with Lianos Z
Competed in the 1990, 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Championships
2011 Pan Am Games Team Silver medallist with HH Ashley
2007 Pan Am Games Individual Silver and Team Gold medallist with HH Rufus
Competed in 13 FEI World Cup Finals, winning in 1998, 1999, 2000
2014 LGCT Cascais, Estoril Grand Prix Silver medallist with Status FRH