Category Archives: Tryon

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Nicole Bellissimo & Casino Top $35k 1.45m Sunday Classic CSI 2* at Tryon Summer III

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Nicole Bellissimo and Casino. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – July 1, 2018 – Competition concluded on Sunday, July 1, at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), with a swift victory for Nicole Bellissimo (USA) and Casino. The duo rounded out a successful week by finishing first in the $35,000 1.45m Sunday Classic CSI 2*, crossing through the jump-off timers in 42.762 seconds. Second place honors went to Tracy Magness (USA) and John Bartko’s 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare, Intenz Van HD (Elvis Ter Putte x Nabab de Reve), completing their fast-track round in 46.075 seconds, while third place was awarded to Samuel Parot (CHI) and his own Atlantis, a 2003 Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo x Royal Bravour L), after achieving a time of 78.95 seconds in the first round.

The win was the second podium placing of the week for Bellissimo and the Bellissimo LLC’s 2007 Holsteiner (Cassini II x Carano), as the 24-year-old also guided the stallion to a second-place award in Friday’s Tryon Resort $5,000 1.40m Speed Stake CSI 2* class. Of her mount, she explained: “I got him at the end of his nine-year-old year, and he was doing the high-jumper classes out in California. We slowly moved up; I’ve ridden him in several CSI 2*s at this point, and he’s just been a really excellent horse for me. He’s exceptionally careful, and I always have to think a little bit more when it comes to time allowed with him, but he’s gotten quicker about that.”

The first-place result also happened to be the pair’s second blue ribbon of the Tryon Summer Series, with both victories taking place on the Derby Field at TIEC. “The grass is really fantastic,” said Bellissimo. “I think that the most important thing that you can say about a grass field is that you can’t feel that you’re riding on grass. Not once, during either of the weeks, did I feel him slip out there. He jumped really solid rounds. Sometimes when they’re on grass, as they leave the ground they may slip, but with the security of this field, it’s like you’re riding in a sand ring.”

The partnership between the two has grown over the past few years, and getting to know the stallion has given Bellissimo an appreciation for his minimal antics. “He is a stallion,” she elaborated, “so he can be a bit fresh on the ground. But he has an amazing groom, Alex Mullen, and she does an incredible job with him. However, for the most part he’s pretty sweet, and really isn’t too bad. He’s just a really special horse.”

Bellissimo plans to give Casino some time off over the next week, and then will return to the show ring ready to tackle the Tryon Summer V CSI 2* competition. She concluded, “He’ll get his break, and then we will come back for week five and hope for the same result then!”

Elizabeth Smith and Double Gold Come Up with Blue in $10,000 Pony Hunter Classic

Tryon Summer III competition boasted the Pony Spectacular, with pony classes featured throughout the week and many hosted in the George H. Morris Arena to help competitors prep for USEF Pony Finals later in the summer. Friday’s highlight class, the $10,000 Pony Hunter Classic, saw a win for Elizabeth Smith of Spartanburg, SC piloting her own Double Gold after their two-round score of 164. Just behind in reserve was Maddie Tosh aboard Smallwood Mystic for Peacock Ridge LLC out of Milton, GA, scoring 163, while Lauren Lomel (Ocala, FL) and Woodlands Lightning Thief, owned by Megan Galloway, achieved a score of 158 to finish third.

Smith has been riding “Nugget” for three years, but was a first-time competitor at Tryon’s Pony Spectacular. One of 12 called back for a second round, Smith knew she had a lead and said that she knew she had to take advantage of the arena’s space with her trustworthy mount:

“I just wanted to have fun and do what my trainer told me. I didn’t want to panic – I wanted to make sure I was relaxed,” said Smith. “I knew that going into the second round I had to carry a forward pace because the lines were riding a little forward. My trainer always tells me to take a deep breath and have fun no matter what, so I knew I had to give my pony leg, and then stay out of his way and he would take care of me.”

Smith didn’t seek out a palomino pony, she revealed, but fell in love with him and his steadfast nature. “My favorite thing about Nugget is his personality. He’s the same pony every day and he loves me so much, and he’ll get me out of anything I put him in,” said Smith. “But he hates having his tail braided.”

Despite the big atmosphere, Smith commented on Double Gold’s tolerance for the arena’s size and energy, as well as his talent contributing to the win, saying, “In this big arena, I can open up his stride more and he doesn’t get too antsy, so he’s good for this ring. Yes, I’m excited for the win, but it’s all my pony,” she concluded.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Shulman Glides to First in $70,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 2* at Tryon

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Sydney Shulman and Ardente Printaniere. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 30, 2018 – The $70,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2* congratulated Sydney Shulman (USA) and Ardente Printaniere for their victory Saturday night after completing the jump-off test in 37.765 seconds at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), highlighting Tryon Summer III CSI 2* competition at the venue. Jack Hardin Towell (USA) and Ann Thompson’s 2006 Holsteiner gelding (Casall x Landlord), Carlo, claimed second place honors, stopping the jump-off timers in 38.602 seconds, while Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) and his own 2009 Westfalen gelding (Coronas 2 x Lenardo), Colorado 210, received the yellow rosette for their efforts, finishing on a time of 39.513 seconds.

Thirty-eight horse-and-rider pairs tested the Ken Krome (USA)-designed track, with seven pairs returning to prove themselves over the short course. Shulman and the 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare (Joyeux Ardent x Ramiro) owned by Jill Shulman have been partnered for a year and a day.

“I got her from McLain Ward exactly a year ago yesterday, actually,” Shulman said of the mare, whose barn name is “Prima” for her talent. “She’s a fantastic horse. She knows her job. She’s extremely unconventional, but she tries every way to do her job and do it right. And it doesn’t bother me at all,” she continued. “She’s a bit long and low, and of course the other horse I have is really short and high, but again, she uses herself to the best of her ability, and she’s super quick. I love her.”

The course was predicted to be more ideal for her second mount of the night, Jill Shulman’s 2009 Warmblood mare (Diamant de Semilly x Kasina) Villamoura, Shulman admitted, due to the mare’s smaller build and quick stride. “The course was really good – it was actually better suited for my smaller horse [Villamoura] rather than her [Prima], because the lines were a bit short, but she jumped beautifully. The jump-off was made for her, really, to leave out the strides and kind of take a chance at the in of the double and the steady line, so she performed perfectly.

“The more you dare her, the better she jumps,” Shulman said of her jump-off strategy with the brave mare. “I had added one more stride to the wall, which was the second jump, and then also one more stride to the Spy Coast vertical than I had planned, so then I thought, ‘Okay, gallop over, and take a shot at the Horseware line, she’ll come back,’ and she did it beautifully. And then the last jump I also took a shot – she’s super brave, and I knew she wouldn’t back off the liverpool.”

Shulman plans to return to Grand Prix competition with Ardente Printaniere in next week’s $132,000 Horseware® Grand Prix CSI 3* following this week’s momentum, and complimented her mount’s effort. “It was as hard as I expected, to be honest, for her. It’s a lot of work to jump a first round clear with her, since she’s really a good speed horse. So it was quite a lot of work, but she responded well,” Shulman concluded.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Bedoya Races to Blue in FEI $35,000 Welcome Stake CSI 2* at Tryon Summer III

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Daniel Bedoya and Abracadabra WKT. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 28, 2018 – It was a blue ribbon for Bolivia as Daniel Bedoya and Abracadabra WKT conjured up a victory in the FEI $35,000 Welcome Stake CSI 2* during the first days of Tryon Summer III competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Bedoya and the 2008 Holsteiner mare (Casall x Romino) owned by Monica Hanks sped through the jump-off track in 41.215 seconds to best the day’s competition. Sydney Shulman (USA) and Jill Shulman’s 2009 Warmblood mare (Diamant De Semilly x Kasina) Villamoura claimed second-place awards after a quick jump-off round that resulted in an accumulation of 42.466 seconds, while Javier Fernandez (MEX) rounded out the top three riding Miguel Madero’s 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Mr. Blue x Caretino), End Good All Good, stopping the timers in 42.648 seconds.

The morning welcomed forty-two horse-and-rider combinations into the George H. Morris Arena to contest the course designed by Ken Krome (USA). With 16 entries returning for the jump-off, Bedoya claimed the top spot after maneuvering two mounts around the short course. “Obviously, I liked the course today,” he commented. “I had two horses in the jump-off. It was fun and suited them. I thought we made up time with the liverpool. I was running full speed and I tried to do the same with my second horse, but that didn’t work out so well. I was going for the win and a second place, but I’ll take the win!”

The Texas-based rider has been through the levels with Abracadabra WKT, who had a successful stint in the hunter rings before switching her training to become a show jumper. “She’s a mare that we bought as a four-year-old to be a hunter,” Bedoya noted. “She’s Texas bred and born and has really good breeding, but we bought her as a hunter for her owner. The highest scores I’ve ever earned riding a hunter were actually on her.

“When she turned six she became quite impossible in that ring,” Bedoya continued. “She started jumping too big. She was kicking and acting up, so we decided to turn her into a jumper. Her first class as a jumper was here, a year ago. She’s come a long way.”

The pair has had an abundance of success at the venue this season and Bedoya has hopes of a promising future for the mare. He explained, “Hopefully by next year she can start doing the big Grand Prix classes. She’s going to jump this Saturday night and that’s going to be her first FEI Grand Prix under the lights. She’s done a couple of National standard classes and a few of the FEI Sunday Classics, but hopefully we can start to push for the bigger ones now.”

With a string of horses competing here at TIEC this week, Bedoya concluded, “I love the venue. We come here every year; this is my fifth year and definitely my favorite horse show. It’s the best facility by far. This year we are also going to come back in October for FEI competition. I’m also trying to qualify for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 with my other horse.”

Competition at Tryon Summer III commenced on Wednesday, June 28, with a steadfast win for Jack Hardin Towell (USA) in the FEI $5,000 1.40m Power & Speed CSI 2*. Towell piloted Vlock Show Stables LLC’s 2008 Oldenburg stallion, Sandetto (Sandro Boy x Chellano Z) to the first place position after crossing through jump-off timers in 29.39 seconds. Second place went to Chile’s Samuel Parot, who rode his own 2003 Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo x Royal Bravour L), Atlantis, across the fast track in 30.277 seconds. Third place was captured by David O’Brien (IRL) aboard Spy Coast Farm’s Kir Royal SCF, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Amaretto D’Arco x Nabab de Reve), ending with a jump-off time of 30.461 seconds.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Pony, Tryon

Second Annual Pony Spectacular Features Expanded Lineup of Classes and Special Events

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Mill Spring, NC – June 21, 2018 – The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) Summer Series is excited to present the return of the second annual Pony Spectacular as part of Tryon Summer III competition hosted June 27 through July 1 at the venue, which will include fun entertainment and events for competitors and their families, as well as spectators and fans. The week is a fantastic way for riders to prepare for competition at the USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm in a big arena atmosphere.

The second annual Pony Spectacular will be highlighted by the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Classic in the George H. Morris Arena at Tryon Stadium beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29. The winning combination from the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Classic will be honored during the $70,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday evening in front of an enthusiastic “Saturday Night Lights” crowd. The concept of the Pony Spectacular was created to help give competitive pony riders additional experience in a major competition atmosphere.

Pony Divisions will be hosted in the George H. Morris Arena throughout the day on Saturday, featuring twelve classes and several pony jumper classes will be highlighted as well, giving youth the chance to showcase their talents in TIEC’s biggest arena.

Pony Spectacular Events & Activities

Friday, June 29 at 12:00 p.m. – Stall Decorating Contest

Another new addition to the Pony Spectacular is a stall-decorating contest that will be held throughout the week, with a winner will be crowned through votes on Instagram. The TIEC team will host a special Instagram live session on Friday, June 29, and the contest is a great way for barns to show their spirit and excitement for the Pony Spectacular. The theme of the stall decorating contest is “Welcome to Summer” with one contest winner being selected by a group of judges to win VIP seating for six in the Legends Club for the movie showing of Moana and six pool passes to Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club.

Friday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. – Bow Decorating, Movie Night Featuring “Moana” & Ice Cream Social Pajama Party

New to this year’s Pony Spectacular lineup is a “Make Your Own Bow” station at the Movie Night and Ice Cream Social Pajama Party in Legends Club on Friday, June 29, at 7:00 p.m. following the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Classic. Competitors can craft personalized show bows from provided materials or bring their own, while Moana plays on the Jumbotron in the George H. Morris Arena. Popcorn, ice cream and toppings will be provided for competitors on a first come, first serve basis.

Free admission and seating for the general public will be open in the George H. Morris Arena at Tryon Stadium and concessions will be offered throughout the evening including movie theater favorites like popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade.

Saturday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. – Hobby Horse Competition

American Hobby Horse competition will return to TIEC during the second annual Pony Spectacular, offering competitors a chance to hone their skills before registered competition begins on Saturday, July 7. The American Hobby Horse Finals will take place on Saturday, July 28, during the USPC Charles Owen Championship East, presented by Flair, LLC and Airowear. American Hobby Horse competition will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, before the $70,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2*. Check-in will begin at 6:00 p.m. Maximum participant age is 14.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili Win $204k Coca-Cola Grand Prix CSI 4*

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Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 9, 2018 – The $204,000 Coca-Cola® Grand Prix CSI 4* for the Governor’s Cup at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) ended in victory for Kristen Vanderveen (USA) aboard Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, navigating the short course in 36.573 seconds to capture the highlight class of the 90th Tryon Riding & Hunt Club (TR&HC) Charity Horse Show Spring 6 competition. Aaron Vale (USA) took second aboard Finou 4, a 2006 Hanoverian gelding (Flashlight 16 x Concetto Famos) owned by Thinks Like a Horse and Donald Stewart, completing his jump-off round in 38.028 seconds, and Pablo Barrios (VEN) rounded out the podium steering his own Elana 22, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Harley VDL x Almox Prints), to third place honors in 38.807 seconds.

Thirty-one entries tested the first-round track set by Ireland’s Alan Wade, and nine horse-and-rider pairs returned for a shot at the podium. Vanderveen and the 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Udarco), owned by Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC, were sixth to go and put down a fast, clear run that could not be contested.

Vanderveen described how her crowd-favorite mount has been competing for three weeks following a four-week break, and she “just had a feeling” about her win. “I can feel it with him,” she said. “He loves this sport so much and he has a lot of personality. He had about a four-week break, and this is our third week back showing. Typically the first week he is a little fresh; the second week we work out the kinks, and by the third week he is really focused. He gave me a really good feeling,” she said.

Explaining that she initially planned to try a new mount in the CSI 4* competition, Vanderveen said, “It was actually never my plan to jump him tonight, either. I have a new horse that I am really excited about, so I thought this class was where I really wanted to try and see where we were at together as a team. However, Frosty jumped so well on Thursday, I just couldn’t not use him! He’s my main man.”

Although she went late in the short-course order of go, Vanderveen elected not to watch the riders before her. She elaborated, “My horse has such a huge stride. It is deceiving, which allows us to do things that other horses can’t do. I had my plan pretty much set before any of them went. It is crazy how much ground he can cover,” she said of the stallion’s forward stride.

“I had to really focus on not rushing him and just letting his stride help him out tonight without me trying to force the issue,” she continued. “Sometimes I get a little too excited and it’s not necessary. Every time I start to mentally rush, I rush him and I might have a fault. I have to focus on the fact that I have a super fast horse. He’s got it covered and I just have to keep my cool.”

A frequent blue-ribbon recipient at Tryon, Vanderveen relayed that she’s glad to be back winning big, and in a familiar place. “It is really exciting to win tonight. It sounds silly, but it feels like it has been a while since we have had a big win. We went and did FEI World Cup Finals™ in Paris and it was a great experience to be in Miami, New York, and all of those big places. It was a lot of traveling and good placings and going from CSI 5* to CSI 5*, so it is nice to pull in a win back here at our venue. It feels like home,” she concluded.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Luis Pedro Biraben Scores Big Win with Caillou in $70,000 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI 4*

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Louis Pedro Biraben and Caillou. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 7, 2018 – Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) and Caillou flew through the short-course timers in 38.827 seconds to claim victory in the $70,000 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI 4*, a highlight jumper class during the 90th Tryon Riding & Hunt Club (TR&HC) Charity Horse Show Tryon Spring VI at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Fernando Cardenas Jr. (COL) and his own Quincy Car, a 2004 Oldenburg stallion (Galiani Car x Amour Parfait), put in the only other clear jump-off round to earn the red rosette in 40.132 seconds, while Samuel Parot (CHI) and the Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc. entry Thriller P, a 2004 Swedish Warmblood stallion (Cardento x Lucky Night), rounded out the podium on their four-fault, 36.294 second short-course performance.

Fifty entries tested the Alan Wade (IRL) course before six horse-and-rider pairs returned to tour the short course. Biraben and the 2007 gelding were second to go and were uncatchable after putting in a fast and clear performance. Biraben complimented his mount’s success in the past year, saying, “He finished the Wellington season nicely and then [did well] in Kentucky. Now he has a win here after competing well last week.”

“It rode really nicely,” said Biraben of the track. “There were not so many clears today. When I walked it I thought there would be ten, maybe twelve clear, and to have only six return in such a big field and others with so many faults on different obstacles throughout the course is significant.”

Based on his performance, Biraben explained that he has changed his plan to include piloting Caillou in Saturday’s $204,000 Coca-Cola Grand Prix CSI 4* instead of Colorado 210, who finished on 15 faults, he joked: “I don’t know what happened with [Colorado 210], but Alan is a top course designer. It was a very nice course to ride, with distances maybe a little bit short, but still very nice.”

After competing for the past two weeks at TIEC, Biraben plans to take the next two weeks off before setting off on a tour that includes competing in Kentucky, two additional weeks of competition at TIEC, and tentative appearances at competitions in Michigan, Chicago and New York.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping, Tryon

Parot Jumps to Success during Conclusion of Tryon Spring V CSI 3*

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Samuel Parot and Quick du Pottier. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 3, 2018 – Chile’s Samuel Parot concluded competition at Tryon Spring V on a high note, guiding his own 2004 Selle Francais gelding Quick du Pottier (Hurlevent de Breka x Silnette de Menell) to a first place victory on the Derby Field at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in the $35,000 1.45m Sunday Classic CSI 3*.

Parot piloted his mount across the fast track in 39.44 seconds, besting more than 25 combinations and riding more than two seconds ahead of second place pair Aaron Vale (USA) and Cassevel, a 2007 Holsteiner gelding (Cassini II x Quidam de Revel) owned by Hays Investment Corp., who claimed the red rosette after a jump-off time of 41.57 seconds. Third place honors were awarded to Manuel Torres (COL) aboard Santa Catalina Farm’s Alejandro, a 2009 Rheinlander gelding (Acorado’s Ass x Continue), who rode through timers in 41.7 seconds.

Parot and the gelding have been competing at the FEI level together since 2016 and have notched several top finishes at the venue. Of his turnout for the day’s class, Parot explained, “This horse has a lot of experience out on the grass. I’ve taken him out on it a lot in Europe at shows over there. It’s easy for him to come out here. This footing is fantastic.”

The duo competed throughout the course of the week, placing fifth in the $35,000 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI 3*, after riding to the fastest jump-off time of 33.505 seconds, but adding four faults to their score.

“He jumped out here the first day and we had a fast jump-off, but knocked a rail,” exclaimed Parot. “Yesterday he competed in the Grand Prix, but had two down very quickly, so I retired him to save him for today. That was the right choice and today he was fantastic.”

Parot plans to continue on with competition next week during the CSI 4*, and will stay at the venue until the end of July. He concluded, “For the summer I will stay here and then I will figure it out from there!”

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili Capture $35k 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI 3*

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Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Hardin Towell and Sandetto Open Week with Win in $6,000 1.40m Power & Speed CSI 3*

Mill Spring, NC – May 31, 2018 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili jumped to the top of the leaderboard during the $35,000 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI 3* of Tryon Spring V at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Vanderveen and the 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Udarco), owned by Bull Run Jumper’s Six LLC, blazed through fast-track timers in 33.662 seconds, claiming first place in the competitive class.

Of her well-known mount, Vanderveen commented, “He’s been feeling really good for the past couple of weeks, but it just hasn’t really gone our way the last few times. Today, he felt great. I had a great warm-up and I thought that going in. The course was really well done. It was just enough that it was fun and competitive, but not entirely out of control.”

Second place honors were awarded to Carlos Ramirez (COL) and his own 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion Happy Wandor Van’t Roosakker (Wandor Van de Mispelaere x V Cento), after riding to a jump-off time of 36.933 seconds around the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) designed course. Samuel Parot (CHI) and Dazzle White, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Calvino Z x Narcos II), rounded out the top three, jumping the short-course in 38.788 seconds.

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili have become fan favorites at TIEC as the pair have amassed an impressive record at the venue over the past few years. Vanderveen plans to continue her season in Tryon, competing in next week’s CSI 4*, before taking a small break.

“I’ll be competing here in next week’s CSI 4*,” she explained, “and we’ll actually take a break for two weeks after that. It’s been a while since we’ve had that kind of break and then we’ll be back here for a few weeks. My fall season really picks up this year. I’m trying to develop some of my eight- and nine-year-old horses, so that I have some coming up behind Frosty.”

The pair is coming off an intense spring campaign that included representing the United States at the FEI World Cup Finals™ in Paris, France at the end of April. Of her first European experience, Vanderveen said, “It was great and it was my first time going over to Europe, so that in and of itself was great to experience. I think you realize once you’re there that when you’re here in Tryon, you compete with just as good a quality of riders. It was helpful to have that to keep expectations realistic and to understand that it’s not necessarily a whole new sport over there. It’s the same.”

The $6,000 1.40m Power & Speed CSI 3* competition hosted on Wednesday, May 30 to start the week awarded the blue ribbon to Hardin Towell (USA) and Vlock Show Stables LLC’s Sandetto, a 2008 Oldenburg stallion (Sandro Boy x Chellano Z), after the pair crossed through the timers in 28.872 seconds. Santiago Lambre (MEX) and his own 2008 Belgian Warmblood stallion Ibabco (Nabab de Reve x Darco) clinched second place, riding to a time of 29.654 seconds. Daniel Bedoya (BOL) and Carolyn M. Elsey’s 2004 Zangersheide mare (Quasimodo Z x Nimmerdor) Quilona V Z took third, marking 30.005 seconds.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Rowan Willis and Everse W Finish on High Note at Tryon Spring 4

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Rowan Willis and Everse W. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 27, 2018 – Tryon Spring 4 competition concluded Sunday at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) with a win for Australia’s Rowan Willis aboard Everse W in the $35,000 1.45m Sunday Classic CSI 3*, stopping the short-course timers in 40.162 seconds. Daniel Bedoya (BOL) claimed second place honors with Carolyn M. Elsey’s 2004 Zangersheide mare, Quilona V Z (Quasimodo Z x Nimmerdor), clearing the course in 41.6 seconds, while Deborah Stephens (USA) rode Cairo B, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Vermont x Mr. Blue) owned by Centennial Farm Inc., to third place after their 41.865-second performance on the short track.

Willis and Dinah Posford’s 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lexicon x Carthago) were last to go after 16 entries toured the first round and six pairs returned to test the short track. Willis also achieved eighth place aboard his own Shark, a 2008 Anglo European Sport Horse gelding (Arko x Pilot), after a speedy four-fault first round.

“The course was strong enough, actually, and it rode how it walked for me,” Willis said of the track set by Hector Loyola (PRI). “I thought it was going to be a little bit easier being a 1.45 meter on Sunday, but [Hector] builds a tough, but nice course. It was a competitive enough jump-off. I was lucky to go last because Everse W has been drawn first all week, so that was nice. When you let him off and go fast he’s got such a big stride and just covers the ground easily.”

Entering the class with two mounts that also tested the $70,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix CSI 3* Saturday night was a last-minute but fruitful decision, Willis explained, as he was hoping to improve his rides on both mounts before leaving the venue.

“I’m off to Spruce Meadows next. I was actually going to start driving there today, but after I didn’t ride so well in the Grand Prix last night, I thought we had to stay and jump today,” said Willis of his two mounts Everse W and Shark.

Willis has been named to the Short List for the Australian Jumping Team ahead of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) hosted at TIEC September 11-23, 2018, and while he’s not aiming Everse W at the Games, Willis commented that his first experience as a competitor at the venue was positive, and he hopes to carry this momentum forward.

“It’s a great facility. I’ve been very impressed,” he emphasized. “It’s lovely, and I’m really excited about coming back in September. [Everse W] is a great horse, but I’m not aiming him at this WEG since he’s only nine. I’ve got my older one Blue Movie here that I’m hoping to bring back. Maybe [Everse W] for the next one!”

Everse W started off Eventing before Willis acquired the ride for owner Dinah Posford and plans to continue building the gelding’s experience at Spruce Meadows as he prepares for potential WEG contention, he noted. “Hopefully next time I’m back here I’ll be winning, too!”

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Holloway and Eastern Jam Win $70k Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix CSI 3* during Tryon Spring 4

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Hunter Holloway and Eastern Jam. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 26, 2018 – The $70,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix CSI 3* hosted at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during Tryon Spring 4 saw Hunter Holloway (USA) and Eastern Jam secure top honors after the pair flew around the short course in 45.06 seconds ahead of Santiago Lambre (MEX) and his own Cetano Van Aspergem Z, a 2009 Zangersheide gelding (Clinton x Ahorn Z), who finished in second with a time of 45.525 seconds. Richie Moloney (IRL) claimed third place aboard Rocksy Music, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding (ARS Vivendi x Diamond Serpent) owned by Equinimity LLC, with a time of 44.876 second and a four-fault finish.

The field of twenty-two entries saw four pairs return to test the short course designed by Hector Loyola (PRI), and Holloway was last to go in the jump-off. Lambre had just finished the first clear round in the jump-off, but Holloway felt she could complete the fast track just a tiny bit quicker than Lambre.

“I knew I could shave off a little time on Santiago’s round and [Eastern Jam] is a really quick horse on his own, so he helped me out a lot. He was a great boy,” said Holloway of her jump-off strategy.

“This horse is amazing,” she said of the 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lexicon x Monaco) owned by Hays Investment Corporation. “I got him about two years ago now and have just brought him along slowly. He’s really developed into an amazing Grand Prix horse. He just won the Grand Prix in Omaha, so to come back and win his second Grand Prix in a row is super. He just moved up to the FEI level mid-circuit in Wellington, so I’m really proud of him.”

Holloway complimented the course designer on a “lovely” course, saying, “I thought it had a good flow and it was fair. It was set really well and rode nicely,” she explained. “There was a question about how many strides to do in the five to the six – I did six to seven on mine, and on my other ride I did six to six, so I think it required knowing your horse there, but overall I thought it was a great track.”

Though her mount is still new to the international competition action, he took well to TIEC’s electric atmosphere and Holloway added that Eastern Jam actually enjoys the spotlight.

“In general, this horse is a winner. He likes to win and to be in the arena and have it be all about him – so he’s pretty straightforward,” she said. “We’ll keep developing him since he’s still fairly green. We’ll show the next two weeks here and then he’ll have a week or two off before we go to Spruce Meadows and see how he is there,” she concluded.

Please visit www.tryon.com or call (828)-863-1000 for more information.