Thermal, Calif. – Skylar Wireman and Barclino B rode away with a commanding victory in February 28’s $75,000 Adequan Grand Prix, making them two-for-two on wins this week at Desert Circuit 8 in Thermal, Calif.
After topping the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic on Thursday, Wireman and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, owned by Wireman Investment Group, returned to the Grand Prix Stadium at Desert International Horse Park to tackle the Saturday night featured class. The pair was one of 29 entries to take on the first-round, Peter Grant-designed course and one of six to qualify to come back for the jump-off.
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The night’s very first duo to jump, Avery Griffin and Oh My Star Van Strytem, immediately showed how it was done, becoming the clear-round pathfinders and earning the first spot in the jump-off. They then returned to duplicate their clear efforts, this time while also setting the time to beat at 38.945 seconds.
With Wireman next in the ring, Griffin’s lead was short lived, as Barclino B galloped down to the final fence to finish on a winning 36.813 seconds. While four others would try, no one would else would keep all the jumps up while also outpacing either Barclino B or Oh My Star Van Strytem. That meant Griffin and her mount – owned by PBC Equine Investments LLC – held on to second place, while third place with a time of 39.492 seconds went to Mariano Maggi and his Quantico 23. Wireman and Barclino B were also named the winners of the $5,000 Kelcie’s Horse Treats U25 held concurrently.
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B in their winning presentation. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Of her winning jump-off strategy, Wireman says that, with “Barry,” it is generally not about the strides between the jumps but rather the gelding’s natural speed and turning ability.
“The big upside of this horse is he can go so fast to the jump and then turn so tight on the backside,” explained Wireman. “You think it, and he’s already doing it, which is an unbelievable feeling to have underneath you. I did nine in the first line. I believe Avery behind me did the eight, but then my turn on the backside can be so many feet tighter than anyone else. Then, it lets me do less strides in the turn to the next jump. So, I actually worry more about doing less strides in the turns rather than in the long gallops. I do one more sometimes, but then I turn tighter.”
Avery Griffin and Oh My Star Van Strytem took home second place. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With two wins under their belts this week, Wireman and Barry will now aim to return to the show ring during Desert Circuit 10’s CSI4* competition. In the meantime, they are likely to also enjoy some quality time back in the barns.
“Outside of the ring, my favorite part about this horse is how cuddly he is,” said Wireman. “I’ll be sitting on my trunk and trying to do anything – sitting on my phone, eating lunch, whatever – and he’s just all in my business and knocking me over. He likes to rest his chin on my shoulder. He sits there and puts his whole head on your shoulder. He’s just a total love bug.
“You wouldn’t know that he goes in there and jumps like that when you see him outside the ring,” continued Wireman. “He’ll just stand there and sleep in your lap, basically. Then he walks in the ring, and he knows it’s time to do business. He’s so amazing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for him.”
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B are Best in $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic
Feb 26, 2026
Thermal, Calif. – Skylar Wireman and Barclino B reunited just in time to take home the win in the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic on Thursday, February 26, at Desert Circuit 8, presented by Adequan.
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Wireman and Barclino B last jumped at Desert International Horse Park during Desert Circuit 4’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – before Wireman then headed to the United Arab Emirates to represent Team USA in the Longines League of Nations™ Abu Dhabi CSIO5*-LLN.
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B were presented as the winners of the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I flew in from LAX yesterday and just literally got on to come to the ring this morning for this class!” said Wireman. “I was just going for a nice, smooth round to set him up for the [$75,000 Adequan Grand Prix] on Saturday. This is kind of our first week back after a nice break for him. I was thrilled with him. He jumped so well and was just so lovely to ride.”
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Wireman and the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, owned by Wireman Investment Group, were one of 25 entries to contest the Thursday morning speed class, and their time of 64.983 seconds proved uncatchable.
Skylar Wireman and Barclino B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Second place went to Kyle King, who rode Ninja BF, owned by Richard Kirby, to a time of 65.534 seconds. Mark Kinsella and Hamilton Ex Bart 111 Z, owned by Katherine Huffstutler, rounded out the top three with a time of 65.739 seconds.
“I thought it was a nice course; it was very flowing and had some places you could shave time off here and there,” said Wireman. “In general, this horse is a very naturally fast horse. I don’t even have to think about going fast. I honestly was just thinking about cruising around and a nice, smooth round.”
Second place went to Kyle King and Ninja BF. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With Wireman and Barclino B back together, they will now be ramping up toward Desert Circuit 10’s CSI4* competition.
