Category Archives: Tryon

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Pony, Show Jumping, Tryon

Emma Jolly Guides Mischief Managed to $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Win

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Emma Jolly and Mischief Managed. Photos ©Sportfot.

Andrew Bourns and Ninparo Top $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 2*

Mill Spring, NC – June 30, 2017 – Emma Jolly of Keswick, VA and Mischief Managed rode to victory in the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, the highlight of the first annual USHJA Foundation Pony Spectacular at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Jolly and Mischief Managed secured a two round score of 335 to capture the win. Leigh Ashby of Lincolnton, NC and Onyxford’s Blue Magic finished in second place with a two round score of 326, while Erica Felder of Lenoir, NC and Elegance secured third place with a final score of 320.

Jolly and Mischief Managed, owned by Rhiana Hughes, performed brilliantly together throughout the two rounds, earning a 167 in the first round, before taking the win with a 168 in the handy.

“This was such a fun experience. I think it really got the ponies and the riders ready for the finals later this summer. The big ring let you get them out in front of you, but then bring them back in,” said Jolly. “It was a great atmosphere to relax and just have a blast.”

Speaking to both courses, in which Jolly collected an impressive two round score from the judges, she commented that Mischief Managed handled each of the questions presented with a sense of ease and consistency.

“I thought the first course was really nice and there was a difficult broken line, but I think it made the ponies think a bit more in the ring,” she added. “The first jump in the handy round always rides a bit interesting, but I thought my pony handled it really well and jumped up nicely. Overall, I thought it was a very fun course.”

Jolly, who is fifteen years old and trains with Brooke Kemper of Culpepper, VA, noted that their barn tailored their entire show schedule around coming to TIEC to compete this week, specifically to participate in the USHJA Foundation Pony Spectacular. Jolly commented, “We came to Tryon this week for the derby. All of the other horses joined as well, but that is what really brought us here.

“I’ll be riding Mischief Managed, who is owned by Rhiana Hughes, and I can’t thank her enough for allowing me to ride him and then I’ll also be riding a Medium Green Pony Hunter named Sunset Sparkle too,” explained Jolly, when speaking about her plans to attend USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, which will be hosted in Lexington, KY later this summer.

“I just wanted to have a fun time in Lexington with Mischief Managed because he knows what he’s doing. With my Medium Green pony, I want to give her a positive experience and let her get used to the big atmosphere,” concluded Jolly.

Andrew Bourns and Ninparo Top $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 2*

Andrew Bourns (IRL) and Ninparo took a well-earned victory in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 2* at TIEC, kicking off competition in the George H. Morris Arena for the day. The duo added four faults to their jump-off time of 46.765 seconds for the win ahead of Deborah Stephens (USA) and Everest, who also added four faults to their jump-off time of 53.317 seconds. Michael Morrissey (USA) and La Lopez 3 rounded out the top three, adding eighteen faults and finishing with a time of 63.093 seconds around the short course.

Andrew Bourns and Ninparo

Twenty-three entries opened the day of competition in George H. Morris Arena, while only the top three finishers advanced to the jump-off round. Both tracks, designed by Ken Krome (USA), tested riders against the clock as seven combinations finished with one or two time faults on the morning.

Ninparo, a 2008 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding (Nintender x Caspar) owned by Richard Bourns, is stepping into the international spotlight with Bourns piloting from the irons and the duo looked sharp around the tough track.

For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Santiago Lambre and Ibabco Win $35k 1.45m Suncast Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 2*

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Santiago Lambre and Ibabco. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 29, 2017 – Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Ibabco rose to the top of a massive class to take top honors in the $35,000 1.45m Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The pair finished the jump-off track in 37.194 seconds ahead of Abigail McArdle (USA) and Chuck Berry 8, who finished just behind the winning duo with a time of 37.223 seconds. Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Cocq A Doodle rounded out the top three, stopping the timers in 37.753 seconds.

The class saw 82 entries contest the first round track set by Ken Krome (USA), with 29 pairs advancing to the jump-off round. Only 12 combinations secured a double clear effort on the afternoon. Lambre and Ibabco went 22nd in the original order and held their lead through the remainder of the jump-off round.

“I thought it was a difficult course. There were a lot of clears for the first day of the week, but that’s okay,” said Lambre. “From the second vertical to fence fourteen in the jump-off was where I felt like I made up the time. Also, to the last fence I left out a stride. We were at a full gallop and he was great.”

Ibabco, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Nabab de Reve x Darco) owned by Lambre, has started to shine in international competition with Lambre over the past year. The duo connected last spring after Lambre purchased the gelding and the duo have finished with top placings since their partnership began.

I bought him at the end of last year and when I was in Wellington this season, I was jumping a few classes with him at the 1.45m and 1.50m height. The idea is that this is a horse for the future and to maybe jump the FEI World Equestrian Games™ here next year,” explained Lambre. “I also think maybe at the end of the second part of this year, I’d like to jump some of the CSI 5* shows with him to see where he is before heading into the winter season.”

The duo will forgo the $86,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, instead to contest the $35,000 1.45m Tryon Challenge CSI 2* class on Sunday. Lambre explained, “He’ll jump again on Sunday. The other horse that I rode in the class today, I didn’t want to go to the jump-off today, but he’ll try to go into the big class on Saturday.”

Speaking of the talents of Ibabco, Lambre touched on the athleticism and carefulness of the gelding, which are qualities he believes will make him a star in the coming months.

He added, “He’s a very brave horse and he has super technique with his front end. He’s very fast in front and quite athletic. He’s just careful and very nice all around.”

Todd Minikus and Incitatus Victorious in $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Power & Speed Opener CSI 2*

Todd Minikus (USA) and Incitatus, a 2009 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding (Stakkatol x Con Air) owned by Alice Lawaetz, captured the win in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Power & Speed Opener to kick off FEI competition at Tryon Summer V. The pair took the class with a jump-off time of 31.45 seconds, ahead of Abigail McArdle (USA) and Chuck Berry 8, who stopped the timers in 31.964 seconds. Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Cocq A Doodle collected third place with a jump-off time of 32.13 seconds.

“It seemed like a nice opening class for the FEI horses. It left some room to make horses confident and get them going on the course. This is one horse I haven’t shown much before. He was the first horse in the class and did very nicely. Most of these horses are either young or inexperienced, so it was a good way to start the week for them,” commented Minikus.

Incitatus is a young horse who Minikus is priming for a move up the levels and noted his excitement with the pair’s performance to start the week. He explained, “He’s eight and has just started to move up in the ranks here this summer. That’s my first win with him, so I’m excited that he’s starting to catch onto my system.”

As for the pair’s goals, Minikus is planning on taking it slow through the summer months to help Incitatus find confidence in the larger FEI classes before a jump to some of the more competitive classes later on in the year and looking toward the beginning of 2018.

“I think he’s going to have a big future. We’ll just see how much he can learn this summer and hopefully do the bigger classes this winter,” he concluded.

To learn more about Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), please visit www.tryon.com.

JRPR, Show Jumping, Tryon

Team Minikus Scores Again with Wins at Tryon Summer II CSI4*

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Tori Welch (right) and Sniper pictured with Trainer Todd Minikus (far left) and his son Colt Minikus (middle) after winning two Low Jumper 1.2 classes and reserve in the $3000 Low Junior Jumper Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Tryon, NC (June 15, 2017) – Once again, Team Minikus has showed what it’s made of with wins and top finishes at the Tryon Summer II CSI4* at the Tyron International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina. Minikus and two of his students, Victoria (Tori) Zelch and Catherine Wachtell, all pocketed blue ribbons along with top placings on several mounts.

Minikus’ promising eight-year-old bay mare, Juju VDM, showed her mettle once again, winning the Nutrena 1.4 Open Jumper class. Juju VDM is coming into her own after having two foals. Even though she has only shown half a dozen times, her natural talent in the ring indicates a bright future ahead of her. Her illustrious bloodlines include her dam Derly Chin De Muze, who was the Bronze Medalist at the 2009 FEI World Championship at Lanaken and also Eric Lamaze’s mount at the 2012 London Olympics.

Along with his win on Juju VDM, Minikus finished second in a field of 19 horses on VDL Excel in Wednesday’s Nutrena 1.40m Open Jumper class. The following day, Minikus and Los Establos SportHorses’ Chablis S picked up a reserve in the Adequan 1.3m Open Jumper class.

Minikus also made it to the jump off with Alice Lawaetz’s gelding Incitatus, and finished a respectable seventh out of a roster of 40 entries in the Suncast Commercial FEI $35,000 Welcome Stake. “This horse just continues to improve and show his unlimited potential,” said Todd Minikus about Incitatus.

Team Minikus’ youngest competitor, 16-year-old Tori Zelch from Ohio, tallied two first place finishes in the Low Jumper 1.2m on her handsome liver chestnut gelding, Sniper, who she purchased from Todd and Amanda Minikus. She and Sniper also claimed the reserve placing in the $3,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic. Additionally, Zelch won second and third place aboard Musical Wood’s talented mare, Mary Jane, in the Low Jumper Junior Division.

“Tori joined us during the winter season at WEF competing in the Children’s Division, and wanted to move up to the Juniors. Now, not only has she moved up to the Junior Division, but she is winning in the Juniors,” said Minikus proudly.

Not to be outdone, 21-year-old Adult Amateur Catherine Wachtell and her mount Elarina won The Equis Boutique Low Amateur Owner Jumper 1.2m, toping a class of 20 horses as well as scoring two third place finishes in the Low Amateur-Owner Jumper 1.2m and the Low Amateur Owner-Jumper Classic 1.2m.

“I am proud of these young up-and-coming horses and riders. It’s so rewarding to see their progress,” added Minikus, who celebrated his own birthday during the successful show.

In between traveling and competing, FEI Nations Cup veteran and U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist Todd Minikus is based in Wellington, Florida, where he offers sales and training services. Keep up with Team Minikus by following Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.

Contact: Amanda Minikus
amandajl16@aol.com
562-762-3762
www.toddminikus.com

Competitions, Dressage, Tryon

Tryon Resort to Feature Mustang Leadership Partners Demonstration and Freestyle Dressage

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Mill Spring, NC – June 15, 2017 – Before this week’s “Saturday Night Lights” free family entertainment and Freestyle Dressage competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), be sure to catch the wild mustang demonstration presented by the Mustang Leadership Partners at 6:00 p.m. in the George H. Morris Arena. For added value, watch the show from the comfort of the Legends Club patio overlooking the George Morris Arena as you dine on a gourmet buffet or visit one of Tryon Resort’s many other dining options.

The mustang, long an American icon, faces a serious overpopulation problem. As of 2015, more than 47,000 wild horses and burros were living in off-range corrals due to a population that was more than twice what Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Herd Management Areas could sustain. The BLM can no longer afford to gather as many wild horses and burros from public lands, since there are still so many waiting to be adopted in off-range facilities.

Currently, only the amount of horses that will be adopted are removed each year and kept in captivity, but research and implementation of birth control methods and herd management systems are still in progress, and there are still many wild horses and burros that need homes so that wild populations can remain healthy at the landscape’s carrying capacity.

Mustang Leadership Partners (MLP), founded 2010 in Chattanooga, TN, is an after-school program for students at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. It is a mentorship, leadership and STEM program created to bring hands-on experiences that lead to life-long lessons inspired by the wild American mustang. The mission of MLP is to sustain, preserve, and protect the wild American mustang. Students and mustangs will perform in the George H. Morris Arena.

Through the MLP program, students have the opportunity to develop, practice, and improve relationship skills, responsibility, social accountability, self-awareness and self-confidence-all of which are mirrored in the mustang’s behavior. Students of Mustang Leadership build lasting bonds with a mustang; the mustang becomes their mentor and their teacher. As a result, students are more confident because they have met and conquered something new and seemingly insurmountable. Don’t miss this chance to witness the magic of connection with an American mustang.

For more information about Mustang Leadership Partners, visit their website at www.mustangleadershippartners.com.

Dinner and Dressage at Legends Club

Watch the Mustang Leadership Partners demonstration and Dressage Freestyle ringside at Legends Club. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. Dinner and Dressage is open to the public, but reservations are recommended. For reservations, please contact Legends Club at legendsclub@tryon.com or by calling (828) 863-1130.

Parking and general admission is free and open to the public. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center and Tryon Resort, visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 Take $35,000 Tryon 1.50m Challenge CSI 4*

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Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 11, 2017 – Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Cyklon 1083 secured the final FEI win of the week, taking the $35,000 Tryon 1.50m Challenge CSI 4* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), as the pair stopped the timers in a blazing time of 35.583 seconds. David Beisel (USA) and Ammeretto made an impressive effort to catch the lead, ultimately earning the second place honors with a time of 36.553 seconds, while Karl Cook (USA) and Caillou 24 took home the third place position with a time of 37.736 seconds.

Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083, a 2001 Swedish Warmblood stallion (Cardento x Cortus), owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC, frequent the winner’s circle at TIEC, and proved yet again to be unbeatable, taking their second win of the week. The duo won the $35,000 Tryon 1.45m Speed Stake CSI 4* on Friday, before earning another blue ribbon in the conclusion of FEI CSI 4* competition.

Sweetnam spoke highly of the extraordinary stallion and his ability to remain consistent in the ring, which has brought the duo countless wins from around the world at the international level.

“He is an older horse and he has won everywhere. He is an unbelievable winner. The goal is always to try and win. When Cyklon comes out to show he always ends up at the top and he has a great success rate. He felt especially great today and he really is just a brilliant jumper.”

The track set by Alan Wade (IRL), who has built impressive courses throughout the week at the TIEC, tested combination’s scope and ability to perform tight rollback turns, ultimately setting the class up for an exciting finish.

Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 were the first pair to attempt the short course, proving to set the pace at an unbeatable speed, which helped to solidify their win. Sweetnam detailed his jump-off plan saying, “With Cyklon, who is a naturally fast horse, I pick up a rhythm and I have a plan. I execute it the way I wanted to do it and if someone beats me after that, it is what it is.

“I did seven in the first line as opposed to six because I thought the seven set you up well for the tight turn that followed,” he detailed. “For me and my horse, adding a stride in was the best option. After I went in the jump-off I thought my time would be hard to beat. David Beisel gave it a good run, but my round was enough in the end.”

Sweetnam and his team will head back to Lexington, KY for a few weeks before heading to Europe with several horses currently in his string. Sweetnam has his sights set on the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, which will be held at TIEC in September of 2018, and is competing at the venue in preparation for the event.

“We are planning for the games right now. I have a couple of good horses and fingers crossed I will have something when the time comes,” Sweetnam concluded.

Jumper Highlights

The $10,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was topped by Elisa Uribe Gutierrez of Madellin, FL and her own Havana De La Lande with a jump-off time of 40.505 seconds. Daniela Stransky of Wellington, FL and Wauw, owned by the Stransky’s Mission Farm Inc., earned the second place position with a time of 43.691 seconds, while Nicole Bellissimo of Wellington, FL and VDL Bellefleur, owned by Bellissimo LLC, rounded out the top three with a time of 42.667.

The $5,000 Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was won by Daniel Rihan Jr. of Mexico City, Mexico aboard his own Deperado after stopping the jump-off timers in 38.626 seconds. Jamie Buis of Wellington, FL and Bull Run’s Revelation, owned by Bull Run Jumpers, Inc., received the red rosette, following behind with a close time of 38.669 seconds. Lacey Gilbertson of Lake Forest, IL and Echo D, owned by Seabrook LLC, earned the third place with a time of 38.851 seconds.

The $3,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic was dominated by Katherine Benard of Cumberland Foreside, ME aboard her own entry Dominicus B with a jump-off time of 38.504 seconds. Victoria Zelch of Novelty, OH, aboard Sniper, owned by Musical Woods, LLC, earned themselves the red rosette with a time of 35.450 seconds and adding four faults to their efforts. Daniel Rihan Jr of Mexico City, Mexico and his own Chousa Shoz finished in third with a time of 37.037 seconds, also adding four faults to their final score.

The $3,000 Low Amateur Owner Jumper Classic was won by Catherine Wachtell of Long Valley, NJ aboard Elarina, owned by The Coverboy Group, with a jump-off time of 39.901 seconds. Mackenzie McGehee of Jacksonville, FL and her own Pegasus took home second place honors with a time of 40.577 second, while Sarah Kerins of Wellington, FL and Conero, owned by Darragh Kerins, were presented with third place after finishing the short course with a time of 42.109 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC and Eleventh Hour, owned by Brenda Mackay, rode to victory in the $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive with a score of 87. Geitner also took second place aboard Willow, owned by Andrea Guzinski, after receiving an 82. David Beisel of Goshen, OH guided The Girl from Ipanema, owned by Caron Stucky, to third place with a score of 78.

The Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Combined Divisions saw Suzanna Treske of Waxhaw, NC and her own Cabalina take championship honors in the division ahead of Emily Jones of Jacksonville, FL and her own Game Boy, who collected reserve champion.

Sally Kay of Charlotte, NC and her own Autonomous earned divisional champion honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter 36+ Division, while Page Tredennick of Wellington, FL and her own Hidden Lane finished with reserve.

Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Ocean Mist, owned by Jennifer Smith, earned top honors in the Performance Hunter 3’3″ Division, while Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC and Three Olives, owned by Anna Sharp, secured the division’s reserve champion accolades.

The Medium Pony Hunter Division saw Savannah Welch of Elon, NC and her own Mapleside Magic Wish finish atop the division after a week of top performances, while Sally Ives of Durham, NC and her own Sequin finished with the reserve champion title.

Elly Ficca of Charlotte, NC and her own Quatrain finished atop the leaderboard in the Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division, while Caroline Holland, also from Charlotte, NC, and Toulouse, owned by Coleman Holland, followed behind in reserve.

The Green Hunter 3’3″ Division saw Tommy Serio of Aberdeen, NC and Christoph take champion honors, while Meagan Bennett of Apex, NC and Bender, owned by Rebecca Ives, secured reserve champion.

For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Eric Navet and Catypso Earn Major Victory in $216k Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 4*

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Eric Navet and Catypso. Photos ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 10, 2017 – On a spectacular summer evening at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), Eric Navet (FRA) and Catypso earned the top honors in the highly anticipated $216,000 Horseware® Ireland Grand Prix CSI 4* with a jump-off time of 41.485 seconds to take the win. Hunter Holloway (USA) and VDL Bravo S secured the second place position with a time of 42.797 seconds and Kristen Vanderveen (USA) rounded out the top three aboard Bull Run’s Testify stopping the timers in 43.875 seconds, with both U.S. riders adding four faults to their jump-off score.

Fans from the across the western region of the Carolina Foothills packed the George H. Morris Arena, creating an electric atmosphere for a class featuring Olympic veterans and many of the sport’s rising stars. With only four horse and rider combinations advancing to the jump-off, Navet was the single rider to jump clear around Alan Wade’s (IRL) impressive first round course and jump-off track.

“I thought it was a very good course. Alan Wade is one of the best course designers in the world in my opinion. We were very, very glad to have him tonight and throughout the week building the courses for us,” said Navet. “It did not walk so difficult, but that is the particularity of Alan [Wade] because there is always less to jump-off than expected. In the jump-off I went early in the order of go, and I knew that the two girls behind me are both very, very fast riders, so I had to take maximum risks.”

Navet has consistently placed well at TIEC over the past two weeks of FEI CSI 3* and 4* competition, with this win being the highlight of their time here in North Carolina. Catypso, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Catoki x Calypso II) owned by Signe Ostby, has developed into a remarkable horse under the guidance of Navet. Navet and Catypso have had a whirlwind spring season together, earning top finishes across the country since the start of 2017. The pair accumulated a list of solid performances on the West Coast, before gaining valuable experience in the FEI World Cup™ Finals Omaha 2017 in Omaha, NE in the spring.

Navet spoke about the development of Catypso over the years, saying, “It is a funny story with this horse. He was very weird in the beginning and did not jump so well. We always knew he had a very big, easy scope, and he can jump anything. He never struggles. It has just taken time to really build and teach him. I am so proud of him.”

Navet and his team at Pomponio Ranch visited TIEC last year for the first time, before returning this summer. They made a point to add two weeks of showing at TIEC onto their five-week tour of the East Coast before heading back to California. ”

“We really enjoy these shows and we really enjoy the facility. It is an amazing place. It is a very good place to work with horses because we show grand prix horses as well as develop young horses. We can do everything here and that is fantastic,” he explained.

With the stands packed, TIEC was brimming with excited fans who expressed enthusiasm and support throughout the night. Navet described how the buzz in the air played a part in his win.

“The crowd is amazing. It was the same last week as well. There are so many shows here and people still keep coming and cheering for the riders. It is a great atmosphere and for us riders it is very motivating. There is a big difference in competing with empty stands than when there is a crowd like tonight’s. It is so much fun for us.”

Hunter Holloway, the youngest rider in the class, piloted VDL Bravo S in one of the biggest classes they have competed in together. Holloway detailed her special connection with the 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ephepe For Ever x Chellano Z) owned by Virginia Bartholomay and Hays Investment Corp., saying, “My horse is amazing. I have such a good partnership with him and I really trust him. This is one of the bigger classes I have ever jumped on him and he was amazing.

“My plan for the jump-off was to go smooth and clean. Following Eric [Navet] is always a challenge. He is truly a beautiful rider and I love watching him ride.”

Kristen Vanderveen, one of TIEC’s most decorated riders, and Bull Run’s Testify earned the yellow rosette in the night class. Vanderveen went earlier in the first round aboard Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, winner of the $130,000 Asheville/Greenville BMW Center’s Grand Prix CSI 3* last week. However, Vanderveen found herself advancing to the jump-off with her trusted mount, Bull Run’s Testify, a 2004 Selle Francais gelding (Dollar Du Murier x Oberon Du Moulin), owned by Bull Run Jumpers.

Having the experience of riding the course once already, Vanderveen expanded on her plan to ride the course differently with Bull Run’s Testify to make it to the jump-off.

“It is always nice to go in and ride the lines because it always walks a little bit different then it rides. I was able to go more forward on my second horse to give him a better chance than I did on my first ride,” she detailed.

Vanderveen knows she can always count on Bull Run’s Testify because of their trusted partnership. The pair has amassed numerous respectable finishes together and Vanderveen was happy with their performance.

“He is like a glove to me. I am so comfortable on him and I always put him in the biggest class when I am feeling a little insecure myself. He is like my teddy bear. He has a special place in my heart because he is a steady eddy. He always goes out there and does his job every time. He is very, very reliable,” Vanderveen added.

Among several other awards, Vanderveen accepted the Leading Lady FEI Rider Award presented by Meg Atkinson of Town & Country Realtors, honoring and recognizing her success and performance in FEI classes throughout the week. Eric Navet’s groom was also awarded the $500 Absorbine FEI Groom’s Award for his exceptional care and management of the evening’s grand prix winner, Catypso.

For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon, USHJA

Schuyler Riley and Cleopatra’s Smile Earn Victory in $25k USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Schuyler Riley and Cleopatra’s Smile. Photos ©Sportfot.

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 Race to Win $35,000 Tryon 1.45m Speed Stake CSI 4*

Mill Spring, NC – June 9, 2017 – Schuyler Riley of Wellington, FL and Cleopatra’s Smile, owned by Wolfstone Stables and Sales Inc., was the winning pair in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The duo paved the way after the first round with a combined score of 181.5 and turned in another strong performance in the handy round, earning a score of 187 for a total score of 368.5. Liza Boyd of Camden, SC and O’Ryan, owned by Stella Styslinger, secured the second place honors with a two round total of 367, while Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Olympic Fire, owned by Roger Smith, rounded out the top three with a two round total of 365.

Riley and Cleopatra’s Smile were sitting in first place after the first round, returning last to test their abilities in the handy. Navigating the handy round with precision and beauty, the duo ended the day with a blue ribbon. Having only been partnered as a team since this past March, Riley was thrilled with the mare’s performance on the large derby field.

“She is new at this, so I tried to take as much time as possible to get to the first jump to allow her to take a breath by the time I was there. Everything rode exactly like I planned it,” Riley detailed.

Cleopatra’s Smile, a 9-year-old-mare, was competing in the jumpers when Riley imported her from Europe and knew the horse was destined to be a derby horse. “Whenever I go to Europe to try a horse to be a hunter, I let them loose to see what they do. A lot of them don’t understand, but she got it by the second jump. She is really smart and really easy,” she explained.

“I decided to bring her to Tryon because I just love her character. I think she has just blossomed because her character is so good. Her personality is just like a Labrador Retriever and as you watch her expression going around the course she zones in on the jump and her ears go forward. She really enjoys it,” she said.

Well-known in the jumper ring, Riley is loving her time participating in the hunters and is excited to continue contesting opportunities with Cleopatra’s Smile.

“For me, there is a lot more riding that has to go on. It is a lot more technical and you really have to be able to feel the horse because you are out there for a long time. You have to know what is happening underneath you and ride each jump separately. You also have to have a good sense of communication with the horse and they have to trust you. For me, I have as much fun in the derby field as I do in the jumper ring.”

“I am not used to looking at the jumps so far away. I saw the distance fifteen strides out and I was thinking to myself, ‘You can’t see a distance that far away,’ but it all worked out and was a lot of fun,” Riley added.

Standing out in the Team USA red show jumping jacket, Riley touched on her choice of outfit, saying, “I don’t own a shad belly and never have. Even as a junior I didn’t own one. I was reading the derby rules for proper attire and it says that if you have ridden for a U.S. team and have a red coat, you are allowed to wear it, so I thought why not? It goes with my grey mare and a blue ribbon!”

Riley looks forward to the future with Cleopatra’s Smile and she was very thankful of the opportunity to ride on the Grass Complex at TIEC, saying, “I just really appreciate that Tryon has made such a big effort to make the jumper venue special, but also with hunter events too. The footing rode fantastic and we appreciate all of the effort that the management and organization has made into putting these types of classes on.”

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 Race to Win $35,000 Tryon 1.45m Speed Stake CSI 4*

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Cyklon 1083 secured the win in the $35,000 Tryon 1.45m Speed Stake CSI 4*, stopping the timers in a blazing 60.230 seconds. Eric Navet (FR) and Basimodo finished in the second place position with a time of 62.080 seconds, while Kyle Timm (CAN) and Javas Georgie B earned third place honors with a time of 62.730 seconds.

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083

Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083, a 2001 Swedish Warmblood (Cardento x Cortus), owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC, have been frequent visitors to the winner’s circle at the TIEC. The track set by Alan Wade (IRL), who has built impressive courses throughout the week at the TIEC, tested the horses’ speed and agility.

“Alan [Wade] set a really nice track today. The way the course was set made everyone do the same route and there was not a big gap in any of the times. I was early in the order so I went as fast as I thought I needed to, to win the class and my time held up.” Sweetnam described.

Giving credit to his longtime partner Cyklon 1083, Sweetnam commented, “Cyklon is naturally a quick horse and I made a tidy roll back to fence four and fence eight. I think that made the difference and how I won the class.”

Sweetnam spoke highly of the impressive stallion, Cyklon 1083, and his ability to win all of the world, as well as here in North Carolina at TIEC. “He has won everywhere. He is sixteen years old now and I have had him for six years. When he comes out to compete he always has a chance to be at the top. He is one of my favorites. He can do everything. He is a great horse and his record speaks for himself.

“This is a great facility, and the atmosphere is always fantastic. There is a great competition here this week and Alan [Wade] will for sure build tough enough tomorrow night. It will be a great class for the spectators,” Sweetnam concluded.

For more information, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili Win $35k Tryon 1.50m Challenge CSI 4*

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

Mill Spring, NC – June 8, 2017 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili were unstoppable once again in the $35,000 Tryon 1.50m Challenge CSI 4* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), completing their jump-off track in 32.921 seconds. Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Doloris claimed the second place honors with a time of 33.990 seconds, while Vanderveen also secured the third place position aboard Bull Run’s Testify with a time of 34.349 seconds.

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili are no strangers to the winner’s circle at TIEC. The duo amassed back-to-back wins last week in the $35,000 1.45m Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 3* and the $130,000 Asheville/Greenville BMW Centers’ Grand Prix CSI 3*.

The track, set by Alan Wade (IRL), saw 38 entries in the class with ten pairs advancing to the jump-off. Vanderveen described the course, saying, “It was definitely built bigger than last week. Everything rode pretty nice, and showed up well. The course designer did a great job because everyone had a nice round and there were plenty of clean horses. The bigger jumps were definitely nice to jump before Saturday night.”

Vanderveen relied on Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, a 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Darco) owned by Bull Run Jumper’s Five LLC, to get the job done, as the duo took their first major win since last week’s grand prix. The pair is continuing to build confidence and racking up wins as they head into their competitive summer season.

“Last week I had the advantage of jumping off last and this week I went first. He is so fast and I was definitely trying. I had trouble in one roll back turn that I thought was going to cost me, but he made up for it. He got me out of that, which was really great,” she said.

“Lately he’s been doing this funny thing in the warm-up ring where he shakes his head a little bit and it’s really cute because I scratch his neck and tell him he’s the man. That’s how I know he’s feeling it,” Vanderveen added with a laugh.

Vanderveen and her second mount, Bull Run’s Testify, a 2004 Selle Francais gelding (Dollar Du Murier x Oberon Du Moulin), owned by Bull Run Jumpers, completed the jump-off track later in the order of go. Vanderveen detailed that ride, saying, “He is a little more steady eddy and a little bit slower. I normally go a touch slower, but double clean with that one.”

Vanderveen is looking forward to defending her title win from last week and will jump both horses again on Saturday night in the highlight class of the week, the $216,000 Horseware® Ireland Grand Prix CSI 4* staring at 8:00 p.m.

“The plan for this week is to jump both of them on Saturday, which I am very excited about. For the rest of the summer we plan to stay here at TIEC. I have some young horses who are coming in from Europe to compete the national weeks and then we look forward to the FEI classes in July.”

The breadth of FEI horses Vanderveen has produced have all performed well at TIEC, as she remains one of the most successful riders to compete at the venue to date. With the majority of their summer schedule based at Tryon, Vanderveen feels that the show has become somewhat of a summer home for her team.

“It is great showing here at TIEC. It is convenient, everything is set up really well and the horses feel at home here. The footing has been great, and everyone is very nice and accommodating. You’re just in a good spirit all the time and it is nice to be around happy people.”

For more information, please visit www.tryon.com.

Hunter/Equitation, JRPR, Show Jumping, Tryon

Todd Minikus Racks Up More Top Finishes at Tryon Summer 1 CSI3*

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Photo Courtesy of JRPR.

Tryon, NC (June 7, 2017) – Todd Minikus kicked off the 2017 Tryon Summer 1 CSI3* competition with a flurry of blue ribbons for top finishes on a fleet of horses at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina.

The talented bay mare Juju VDM opened up strong with Minikus at the helm, coming out on top with a blue ribbon in the Nutrena 1.4 Open Jumper class. Minikus also scored wins in Asheville BMW Center’s 1.2m Open Jumper class, turning in a sizzling first place ride aboard Mary Jane, owned by Musical Woods LLC, and placing third in the same class on KWPN mare Chablis S, owned by Los Establos SportHorses.

Demonstrating why he’s currently ranked second on the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) list of lifetime earners, Minikus added even more to his earnings by picking up additional prize money on Alice Lawaetz’s geldings Sancento and Incitatus, Alex Verlooy’s Carvelo Z, VDL Excel owned by the CoverBoy Group, and Minikus’ own I Dottori VD Richter. Minikus’ horse Exceptional outdid his previous week’s stack of reserve ribbons by cleaning up in the green hunter division, scoring four first place ribbons and some additional cash.

When not on the road competing, FEI Nations Cup veteran and U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist Todd Minikus offers sales and training services in his hometown, Wellington, Florida. Stay tuned for more triumphs at Tryon and check out where Team Minikus is next by following on Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.

Contact: Amanda Minikus
amandajl16@aol.com
562-762-3762
www.toddminikus.com

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Lacey Gilbertson and Baloppi Dominate $35k Suncast Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 4*

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Lacey Gilbertson and Baloppi. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 7, 2017 – Lacey Gilbertson (USA) and Baloppi dominated in the $35,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 4* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), stopping the jump-off timers in an impressive 35.029 seconds. Eric Navet (FRA) and Basimodo secured the second place position with a time of 35.480 seconds, and David Beisel (USA) and Call Me Hannes earned third place honors with a time of 35.867 seconds.

The first round of competition boasted 40 entries, with nine advancing to the jump-off set by Alan Wade (IRL). With the top three finishers completing the jump-off track within the exact same second of each other, Gilbertson, who went late in the order, knew she had to be quick to secure the win.

“It was nice getting to watch Eric go first in the jump-off because he is always a very fast rider and watching what he did, I knew what I had to do to go a little bit faster,” Gilbertson detailed about the technical jump-off.

Gilbertson continued to describe how she was able to trust Baloppi, a 2007 Danish Warmblood owned by Seabrook LLC, in the jump-off. The pair navigated the track efficiently and took the necessary risks to ultimately take the victory.

“It is nice because she is very careful, so I don’t have to worry about her getting too flat at the verticals. The first fence in the jump-off was a vertical, so I knew I could just gallop up to it. Then there was the long run down to fence two and she covered so much ground.”

“She is strong and hot but she’s not too strong, so I don’t have to start setting her up too far ahead of the jump. I keep getting there and then a stride or two away if we need to go more forward or slow down, she listens. She is very intuitive to what I tell her to do,” Gilbertson explained.

The pair has only been partnered together a few months, but Gilbertson is excited about their future. Smiling after their win, she said, “I have clicked with her faster than I have with any other horse. I haven’t had her that long, but everywhere we’ve gone she has won a class.

“She is so brave and very forgiving. I can take chances on her because I know it is not going to scare her if I make a mistake, which I believe has made me an even better rider. I don’t get scared of the mistake anymore,” Gilbertson added.

Gilbertson felt as though she had a little luck on her side, as a lucky charm in the warm-up ring potentially played in the pair’s favor. She explained, “Today in the schooling ring I found a horseshoe on the ground and gave it to one of the stewards. She swore it was good luck, so it must have been good luck!”

For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.