Category Archives: Tryon

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Hunter Holloway and Donnalaris Take Top Honors in $20k Hollow Creek Under 25 Jumper Classic

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Hunter Holloway and Donnalaris. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 4, 2017 – Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS and Donnalaris captured the win in the $20,000 Hollow Creek Under 25 Jumper Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to conclude a successful first week of competition to start the 2017 Tryon Summer Series. Holloway and Donnalaris secured the victory with a jump-off time of 28.2 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and Clouwni took second place after stopping the timers in 29.497 seconds ahead of Brittni Raflowtiz of Palm City, FL and Hope Van’t Zorgvliet, who finished the jump-off track in 30.024 seconds.

Holloway had a busy afternoon with four rides in the class, besting seventeen combinations to rise to the top of the leaderboard with Donnalaris. Eight entries moved forward to contest the short course, while Holloway also guided I Love Lucy into the top five finishers of the class, earning two fantastic placings on the afternoon.

“It was nice because the course was the same one that we did last night in the grand prix, so I had a little bit of an advantage having jumped it already,” said Holloway. “It may have changed from last night just a little bit, but it was pretty similar. I was excited about it.”

Donnalaris, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Virginia Bartholomay, is a young, talented mount and Holloway is eager to continue working on their partnership together, as she is anticipating success with the striking grey mare. The duo topped a competitive class in the George H. Morris Arena and Holloway was pleased with the duo’s performance.

“She is owned by Virginia Bartholomay. Diane Carney helped find her and produce her, and I got the ride at the end of the Florida circuit,” explained Holloway. “We’ve just been growing as a pair and I’m very excited about what the future holds with her.

“She’s a pretty quick horse in general. She’s quick across the ground and over the jumps, so I think today I was able to be smooth everywhere and chew off some time. She’s an amazing horse and doesn’t really have any gaps or anything, so it was exciting to be able to go out there and give it our all,” she added.

Holloway is planning to continue competing Donnalaris in the national Under 25 Grand Prix classes before stepping up to the international FEI levels at some point in the future. She explained, “We’re going to see how all of this goes. We are going to keep going and do the Under 25 Grand Prix classes and hopefully get into some of the FEI classes with her.”

Jumper Highlights

The $10,000 High Junior Amateur/Owner Jumper Classic was championed by Andrea Torres Guerreiro of Waterford, VA and Evermine, owned by Santa Catalina Farm, with a jump-off time of 27.131 seconds. Kaely Tomeu of Wellington, FL and Contenance 15, owned by Siboney Ranch, collected second place with a time of 29.612 seconds. Ali Boone of Lexington, KY and Like A Dream, owned by Sterling Equestrian, followed in third with a time of 29.893 seconds.

Alexandra Welles of Wellington, FL and her own XM earned top honors in the $5,000 Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Classic after completing the jump-off track in 27.21 seconds. Lily Hahn of Columbus, NC and her own Karenina secured second place with a time of 27.656 seconds. Rafael Contreras of Wellington, FL and his own Florence A rounded out the top three placings with a time of 28.053 seconds.

The $3,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic saw Victoria Zelch and Sniper, owned by Musical Woods, LLC, rise to the top of the class, as the pair completed their jump-off round in 33.006 seconds. Catie Boone of Lexington, KY and Akatschino, owned by Sterling Equestrian, finished in second place with a time of 29.521 seconds, adding four faults to their score. Ashley Pace of Aiken, SC and her own ZZ-Top VH Schaarbroek Z finished in third with a time of 31.882 seconds, also adding four faults to their final trip around the track.

Deborah Perkins of Wellington, FL and her own Chivu rode to victory in the $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Children/Adult Classic after completing the jump-off in 30.951 seconds. Maggie McCormack of Wellington, FL and Capall Zidane, owned by Marker’s Make LLC, finished in second place with a time of 32.066 seconds ahead of Stephanie King of St. Augustine, FL and her own Co-Starr, who rounded out the top three finishers with a time of 32.671 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

The Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Division saw Tracy Treace of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and her own King rise to collect champion honors ahead of Caroline Faith Kornegay of Raleigh, NC and her own Adoration, who followed in reserve.

The Children’s Hunter Horse 14 & Under was championed by Marshall Broadfoot of Charlotte, NC and As You Wish, owned by Haley Rogers, while Josie Evans of Covington, GA and Mandolin, owned by Lynn Laird, were presented with reserve champion.

Elizabeth Smith of Spartanburg, SC and her own Double Gold performed consistently throughout the week to take top divisional honors. Raine Whitman of Monroe, NY and her own Rollingwood’s Give ‘EM L took reserve champion.

The Platinum Performance 3’3″/3’6″ Performance Hunter Division saw Christina Kelly of Aiken, SC and her own BeforeAnythingElse ride to top divisional honors ahead of Caroline Willard of Oak Ridge, NC and Sky Pilot, owned by Alex Stevens, who were presented with reserve champion.

The USHJA Hunter 2’6/2’9/3’ Division was championed by Ashley Conkle of Wellford, SC and Hidden Lane, owned by Page Tredennick, take home the tri-color ribbon, while Deborah Perkins of Wellington, FL and her own Rise and Shine finished in reserve.

Jessica West of Charlotte, NC and her own Life In Color finished atop the Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division after a week of strong performances. Lindsey Rigney of Waxhaw, NC and her own Calypso took home reserve champion.

The Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division was championed by Beverly Davis of Harrisburg, NC and her own Alchemist, who took home the tri-color ribbon ahead of Caitlin Hooper of Canton, GA and her own Why Not, as the pair finished in reserve. Davis and Alchemist also took home top honors in the $1,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter Classic 3’3″/3’6″ with a two round score of 159.

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

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Vanderveen and Faustino De Tili Shine in Asheville/Greenville BMW Centers’ Grand Prix CSI 3*

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

Mill Spring, NC – June 3, 2017 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili impressed once again in the international spotlight at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), taking top honors in the $130,000 Asheville/Greenville BMW Centers’ Grand Prix CSI 3* in front of an electric crowd. Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili stopped the jump-off timers in 39.05 seconds to edge Deborah Stephens (USA) and Condor C, who secured second place as the only other double clear effort in the jump-off, finishing in 42.864 seconds. Eric Navet (FRA) and Catypso earned third place with a jump-off time of 37.122 seconds, but added four faults to their final score.

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili managed to secure the last spot in the jump-off, as the final pair on course in the first round. Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) set a flowing, but technical track, which saw rails fall throughout the evening. Thirty horse and rider combinations contested the first round track, while seven pairs returned to try and secure a victory in the jump-off round.

“We love it here. He felt great from this morning on. He was in a great mood all day and it felt like it was going to be a good class,” smiled Vanderveen. “When I walked the course I thought it was really nice. It was one of those courses where it was set so nice, that you can easily make silly errors because you’re floating around, so I knew I had to pay attention.”

The duo has secured a number of FEI wins at the venue, with a highlight victory last season in the $380,000 Horseware® Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5*, the first FEI CSI 5* competition ever hosted at TIEC. The pair also secured a second CSI 3* win earlier this week, taking the $35,000 1.45m Suncast® Commercial Welcome CSI 3* on Thursday.

TIEC also holds a special place in Vanderveen’s heart, as she earned her first-ever international grand prix win, which came aboard Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, in the $127,000 Kingsland Grand Prix CSI 3* in July of 2015.

“He was very excited under the lights and was pulling me to the jumps a little bit more than he usually does. He felt really relaxed and this is home for him. He loves this ring and he loves this atmosphere,” she added. “He always performs here. He builds on this atmosphere instead of getting nervous from it, which is great. It is so beneficial for us because he continues to get positive experience under the lights.”

Vanderveen noted that their draw to go last in the class worked to their advantage in the particularly tricky jump-off round, which caught a majority of the contestants with at least four faults.

“It was an advantage to go at the end. It was a great draw. I got to see that Debbie [Stephens] was the only clean, so I knew I could go at a medium pace and see if I could beat her time without taking any huge risks,” explained Vanderveen. “I feel like many of the riders who had to go at the beginning laid it all on the line and took some risks that we ended up not needing to take.

“I thought it was a great jump-off. There was a lot of galloping that then transitioned into some roll-back turns, which surprised some of the horse with the jump. I think that’s probably where a lot of people got caught off guard,” she added.

Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili has amassed an impressive record with Vanderveen and the duo is still only in the early stages of their career and partnership together. The 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Darco) owned by Bull Run Jumper’s Five LLC, is transitioning back to the larger grand prix classes, after Vanderveen studied and worked on their speed and agility this winter in Wellington, FL. According to Vanderveen, their training has paid off, as she now feels that he has strengthened his awareness and agility in the ring.

“This is a horse who likes to have fun, which is why we really have focused on speed with him. When the sport gets too serious he starts to lose his shine and personality. I think those classes got him back to a point where he was having fun with what we were doing,” Vanderveen detailed, describing her training program with the flashy stallion. “I’ve tried to rein him back in a little bit because he was starting to get strong, but that’s the way he likes to go. He likes to pull into the bridle and go. That’s where he feels confident.

“He’s gotten quite careful. Before, I felt like I was maybe holding him thinking he may need the pressure off of the ground, where now, after these speed classes, he’s automatically looking for the next jump and standing off of it on his own. It’s been a huge improvement,” she added.

The duo will return to the main arena at TIEC next week as they are set to contest the FEI CSI 4* hosted at the venue and welcoming Tryon Summer II. Vanderveen commented on her plans for Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili following their anticipated start next week.

“He’ll do next week and then I think we’re going to give him some downtime. I’ll focus on some of the younger horses that we’ve just imported and let him take a break and reset before what we hope is a productive and busy fall season,” she said.

Vanderveen also received the Leading Lady Jumper Rider Award presented by Meg Atkinson of Town and Country Realtors, while her groom, Luis Salvaras, was awarded with the Absorbine FEI Groom’s Award, for his care and dedication to the evening’s grand prix winner.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Daniel Bedoya and Ragtime’s Bellissima Win $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

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Daniel Bedoya and Ragtime’s Bellissima. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 2, 2017 – Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX and Ragtime’s Bellissima, owned by Loreanna Andrepont, took home top honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby hosted on the Grass Complex at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The pair secured the win with a total score of 172. Michelle Whitman of Raleigh, NC and her own C’Van De Helle earned the red rosette with a score of 164.5, while Laurel Tinney of Cary, NC and Falido, owned by Amelia Zahn, claimed third place honors with a two round score of 162.

Bedoya and Ragtime’s Bellissima have had an outstanding two weeks at TIEC, taking home a win in the $1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive offered ahead of their derby win this morning. The first round was a test of skill and handiness and Bedoya guided Ragtime’s Bellissima to a well-deserved win in their first appearance on the Grass Complex.

“I thought it was pretty complicated and wasn’t your typical first round for a derby. It was more like a handy round than a first round with a lot bending lines, tight roll backs, and cantering around the huge field,” explained Bedoya. “It was this mare’s first time on the grass and it was fantastic.”

Bedoya described how the impressive derby field, one of the newest additions to the facilities at TIEC, handled the class, saying, “The field is awesome. I hope they keep having classes out there and even add some jumper classes. The footing was perfect. We did not put any studs in the horse’s shoes and no one slipped. It was awesome, such a nice ring.”

Ragtime’s Bellissima, a 2008 Hanoverian mare, not only competes in the Green Hunter Divisions and USHJA National Hunter Derby classes with Bedoya, but also shows in the Long Stirrup Division with her owner Loreanna Andrepont. Bedoya spoke very highly of Ragtime’s Bellissima and his hopes for the pair’s future together, commenting, “She is a really good mare. She does really well with me and takes great care of her owner.”

Ragtime’s Bellissima’s owner, Loreanna Andrepont, who was present for the duo’s derby win, touched on how the mare is an excellent dual fit for her as an amateur rider and Bedoya as a professional.

“I feel very confident when I ride her. She is a very safe and sweet mare, but really just a babysitter for me! We started out in the Cross Rails Division and now we are in the Long Stirrup Division. My goal would be the Modified Hunter Divisions, but Daniel thinks we will go higher than that. I think Daniel’s goals are a little higher than mine,” Andrepont said with a laugh. “It was very exciting watching her out on the big grass field this morning and take such a great win.”

Santiago Lambre and Hip Living Pick Up Win in $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 3*

Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Hip Living crossed the timers in an impressive 31.577 seconds to secure the victory in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Classic CSI 3*, ushering in the third day of FEI competition at the venue during Tryon Summer I. Stefano Baruzzo (ARG) and Anemone’s Vicky earned a close second place finish with a time 32.715 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade (VEN) and Garinco van de Lijnsaerd rode to third place position with a time of 33.056 seconds.

Lambre and Hip Living, a 2009 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Hip Hop x Quite Easy) owned by Aurora de Alba, have been partnered together since this past March, and the duo has placed consistently in international competition up to the CSI 4* level. The pair made an efficient effort around the track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) and Lambre was aware of the time they needed to beat to secure the win.

“The course was very good today. This course designer always asks a lot of questions. You can do one more stride or do one less,” explained Lambre. “I saw the first two horse and riders complete the jump-off and knew their times were roughly between 32 and 33 seconds. I knew I had to beat that. I was lucky to go in third in the order because typically when I go in the beginning of the class I don’t go as fast.”

The duo was able to edge a competitive class that boasted a number of speedy combinations and Lambre executed his quick plan in the jump-off round to perfection. Lambre included a major leave out, which is where he felt they shaved the remaining time off of the clock.

“I took one less in the jump-off to jump two. I think I was the only one to take that risk and I think that’s how we won the class,” Lambre detailed.

Lambre plans to continue competing Hip Living in international ranking classes while their partnership solidifies. Lambre has taken his time to get to know the gelding and feels that there is significant potential in the pair’s future together.

“He is only eight and I bought him at the end of the winter circuit in Wellington, FL. Next week he will jump a little bigger in the 1.50m class and we’ll see where he goes,” Lambre said. “He’s a fantastic horse and I thought he performed very well today.”

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

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Eric Navet and Catypso Dash to Win in $35,000 1.50m Tryon Challenge CSI 3*

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Eric Navet and Catypso. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 1, 2017 – Eric Navet (FRA) and Catypso made a quick run up the leaderboard in the $35,000 1.50m Tryon Challenge CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on the second day of FEI competition during the 2017 Tryon Summer Series. Navet and Catypso clocked their jump-off finish in 38.209 seconds ahead of Hunter Holloway (USA) and VDL Bravo S, who were narrowly edged by Navet and finished in 38.485 seconds. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Testify rounded out the top three place finishers, adding four faults to their jump-off time of 36.926 seconds.

Navet and Catypso have had a whirlwind of a spring season together, earning top finishes across the country since the start of 2017. The pair amassed 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.

“He had a few good finishes last year, but has stepped into his own. He had a very successful season in Thermal, CA this winter and finished in fifth in the million there,” explained Navet. “We showed in Omaha, NE for the FEI World Cup™ Finals and I thought that it was an incredible performance for lack of experience at that level.”

The pair has only continued forward in good form after competition in the spring, as they collected a grand prix win in their first outing back in Lexington, KY before capturing their first win at TIEC. The pair navigated the track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN), which only saw five combinations advance to the jump-off round.

“I think that the course was well-designed and very well-built. Michel, in my opinion, is one of the best course builders at the moment. The track was nice to ride all around,” said Navet. “It was also subtle. I didn’t look terribly difficult when you walked it, but I think that is how the best course builders shine.

“I didn’t see Hunter’s round so I didn’t know how fast she was, but wanted to go into the ring and do our own thing. I didn’t want to go too fast before the class on Saturday, but I was lucky because it was very tight,” he added.

Catypso, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Catoki x Calypso II) owned by Signe Ostby, has been a labor of love for Navet and business partner Karl Cook, as Cook purchased the gelding in December of his five-year-old season. Navet explained, “It has been a process to bring him along to this level. It’s been about four years and he only started jumping the grand prix classes last fall. He needed to adjust to the system, but is flourishing and it’s been a good journey.”

The duo will head back to the West Coast after contesting this week’s CSI 3* and next week’s CSI 4* at the venue. Their East Coast tour has gone exceedingly well and Navet is hopeful for the future with Catypso.

“I’d like to do the grand prix next week as well. We’ll go back to California after that to work with some of the younger horses and competing there through the summer and fall. My goal would be to have both Karl and I qualify for the FEI World Cup™ Finals next year in Paris. That’s my hometown and it would be very special to compete there with Catypso,” concluded Navet.

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

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili Win 1.45m Suncast Commercial Welcome Stake CSI3*

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

Brittni Raflowitz and Hope Van’t Zorgvliet Earn Win in $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Power & Speed CSI 3*

Mill Spring, NC – May 31, 2017 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili were the pair to beat in the $35,000 1.45m Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 3*, stopping the timers in 32.039 seconds for the win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). This starts the first of two weeks of FEI competition, boasting world-class show jumping at the venue to kick off the 2017 Tryon Summer Series. Second place honors were awarded to Andrea Torres Guerreiro (COL) aboard Fifty Shades, who completed the track with a time of 32.539 seconds, while Kaely Tomeu (USA) guided Gentille to the third place position with a time of 33.675 seconds.

Vanderveen and her flashy grey mount made quick work of the track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN), besting the twelve entries that advanced to the jump-off round. Seven combinations finished the afternoon with a double clear effort in both rounds.

Vanderveen was thrilled with how the pair’s first day of competition finished and detailed the course, saying, “I thought today was really nice as a welcoming course for our first class here. There was a lot of space between the jumps, so for my horse he was quite excited to be here. He was a little bit strong, so the space gave me time to get him back and set him up well, especially for Saturday. The jump-off also had a lot of right turns and I favor the left turns, so it was good practice for me.”

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili have been a very successful team over the past three seasons, with a major highlight win at TIEC in the $380,000 Horseware® Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* in June 2016, the first CSI 5* event hosted at the venue. Vanderveen continued to elaborate on Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili’s strengths, as the pair has only grown together this season.

“He has really come a long way. He is so fast for such a big horse. Everyone looks at him and thinks he’s not going to be quick enough, but he is probably one of the fastest horses I’ve ever had. He listens so well and everything is right on cue.”

At first, Vanderveen was skeptical of riding the 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Darco), owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC, but she described how special he has become to her and her team.

“He is really like a puppy,” she said. “He is such a nice boy for being a stallion. I’ve always been a little hesitant to ride the stallions because I didn’t grow up riding them much, but is very kind in the stall and overall is quite sweet.”

After her win, Vanderveen is already looking forward to the highly anticipated class of the week, the $130,000 Asheville/Greenville BMW Centers Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 8:00 p.m. She is hoping to have two horses entered in the class. The pair amassed several solid results in Wellington, FL during the winter circuit at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Vanderveen is preparing Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili to take on a larger role in the competitive grand prix classes throughout their summer schedule.

“At WEF, I really just used him as a speed horse, so I am excited to use him again in the big class as my main horse because he considerably faster than my other rides,” Vanderveen detailed. “We love it here. The horses stay happy, the clients love it, and I like it! Everything is set up quite well here, and everything is very close. It is so convenient and my feet don’t get too tired walking around here,” Vanderveen added with a smile.

Brittni Raflowitz (USA) and Hope Van’t Zorgvliet, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Chacco Blue x Darco) owned by Brittni Raflowitz & ESI Show Jumpers, took top honors in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Power & Speed Opener CSI 3*, after finishing with a time of 32.442 seconds. Schuyler Riley (USA) and Take Me 2 rode to second place with a time of 35.02 seconds, ahead of Todd Minikus (USA) and Sancento, who completed the track with four faults and stopped the timers in 33.49 seconds.

To learn more about TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Hayley Waters and Uppie De Lis Victorious in $50,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix

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Hayley Waters and Uppie De Lis. Photos ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 30, 2017 – Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Uppie De Lis sped to the top of the class in the $50,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix on Saturday, May 27, after crossing through the timers in 36.594 seconds in the jump-off round. Manuel Torres of Leesburg, VA and Christofolini H rode to second place with a time of 38.508 seconds, while Nicole Shahinian-Simpson of Wellington, FL and Cassi earned third place after stopping the clock in 38.779 seconds.

Waters, one of the youngest riders competing in the class, made a quick and efficient effort around the track designed by Michele Ismalen, which featured 23 entries. Four combinations returned to test their efforts against the short course, which saw three of the combinations complete the evening with a double clear effort in both rounds of competition.

Uppie De Lis, a 2001 Dutch Riding Horse gelding, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Waters, has a breadth of experience at the international level with several top riders, but has found his stride with Waters piloting from the irons. The pair has already accomplished several career defining feats in 2017, and Waters is looking forward to the rest of their season together.

“I’m really excited. He’s such a good horse. I’ve only had him since the beginning of the Ocala circuit this past winter,” she explained. “I love how dependable he is. He’s a great partner and a great teammate. He fights for you at the jumps and he’s been such a good teacher for me.”

The pair will look to contest both national and international competition this season, and Waters feels that their relationship and partnership will only get stronger as they continue to solidifying their communication with each other. While winning the class came as an unexpected victory for Waters, she noted that she wanted to keep her plan simple by deconstructing each fence and riding the course jump by jump.

“I jumped my first big class on him this past winter and he’s given me a great feeling. I was just trying to go one jump at a time tonight. There were a few things that changed when we were in the ring from my original plan, but he took it all in stride. I just wanted to keep everything organized.”

The pair will head north to contest a few other major competitions before re-evaluating the rest of their summer and fall schedule. She explained, “He is so scopey and has such a good heart. I want to thank my team, my parents, my family, for their help and support. I feel like we’re at such a good point and I think that there are only good things to come from here.”

Waters Takes $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake aboard Quirnt

Waters also took top honors in the $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake aboard Quirnt, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Waters, who completed the jump-off track in 34.999 seconds. Andrea Torres Guerreiro of Waterford, VA and Emilia, owned by Santa Catalina Farm, rode to second place with a time of 35.228 seconds, ahead of Jorge Andres Barrera, who competes for the nation of Colombia, and his own Cartouche, who rounded out the top three with a time of 39.166 seconds.

Waters of Sparr, FL and her longtime mount Quirnt dashed through the jump-off track, finishing just a hair ahead of Guerreiro to take top honors. Eleven combinations moved forward to contest the jump-off track, while only the top four competitors finished with a double clear effort around both courses. Waters also finished in sixth place with Uppie De Lis, who would move on to win the $50,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix later in the week.

Tina Yates and Zelote VDL

Jumper Highlights

The $20,000 Hollow Creek U25 Grand Prix was topped by Tina Yates of Wellington, FL and Zelote VDL, owned by Highpoint Farm, LLC, with a jump-off time of 40.514 seconds. Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Bull Run’s Ultimate Fire, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Waters, earned second place, finishing in 40.731 seconds. Yates also secured third place aboard Campitello 5, also owned by Highpoint Farm, LLC, in 45.562 seconds.

The $8,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was championed by Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Idalie Van Doperheide, owned Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Waters, with a jump-off time of 39.674 seconds. Second place honors were awarded to Thaisa Erwin of Middleburg, VA and Evita, owned by Hollberg Equestrian, with a jump-off time of 44.936 seconds. Andrea Torres Guerreiro of Waterford, VA and Evermine, owned by Santa Catalina Farm, finished in third place with eight faults and a time of 76.193 seconds.

The $5,000 Ariat® Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was dominated by Hannah Newton of Houston, TX aboard her own Athena with a jump-off time of 37.301 seconds. Carly Dvorkin of Parkland, FL took home second place honors aboard Acetto Du Lys, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, in 39.484 seconds. Dvorkin also claimed the third place position, this time aboard Carlotta 168, also owned by Pine Hollow Farm, with a time of 41.855 seconds.

Ty Simpson of Royal Palm Beach, FL and Indiana 127, owned by Hollow Creek Farm, won the $3,000 Low Junior/Amateur Classic with a jump-off time of 36.703 seconds. Lauren Palko of Roswell, GA and her own Copy Cat collected second place with a time of 36.983 seconds, while Christi Israel of Ocala, FL and her own mount, Carry Me Over Z, took home third place honors with a time of 38.956 seconds.

The $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Child/Adult Classic was topped by Maggie McCormack of Wellington, FL aboard Finale, owned by Marker’s Make LLC, with a jump-off time 36.175 seconds. Sarah Fisher of Ft. Wayne, IN and her own Casanova W secured second place position stopping the timers in 38.671 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Grace Krueger of Cumming, GA and her own mount Gladiator with a time of 40.882 seconds.

Hunter Results

The $2,500 USHJA National Pony Hunter Derby saw Morgan Ashby of Lincolnton, NC and her own Beatrix Potter take top honors in the class. Second place was awarded to Mary Hunter Millet of Hillsborough, NC aboard her own Just 4 Me, while by Alexandra Ryden of Cary, NC was presented with third place aboard her own Celtics Creek Friar Tuck.

The Adult Amateur Hunter Division was championed by Betty Oare of Warrenton, VA and Zazu, owned by EMO Stables, and the reserve championship was awarded to Tricia Barr of Wellington, FL and Big Girls Don’t Cry, owned by Rodney Bross.

Betty Oare of Warrenton, VA also took home top honors in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ Division aboard Belle Glos, owned by EMO Stables, while reserve honors were presented to Chrissie Catto of St. Augustine, FL and her own Intuition.

Missy Yoder of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and her own Too Much Fun took home the tricolor in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6″ Division, followed by Julia Curtis of Villa Rica, GA and her own Ezra.

Addison Benio of Marietta, GA and her own Umako De Virginia earned top honors for the week in the Animobile Mobile Vet Children’s Hunter Horse Division, and Wiley Johannesmeyer of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and her mount Quincy took home the reserve rosette.

The Children’s Hunter Pony Division was championed by Raine Whitman of Monroe, NY aboard her own Rollingwoods Give’ Em L and the reserve ribbon was presented to Frankie Nicklaus of Duluth, GA aboard Nicely Dun, owned by Patchwork Farm LLC.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL and Longstreet owned by Barbara Risius, took home top honors throughout a week of competition in the High Performance Conformation Hunter 3’9″ Division. Reserve honors were again awarded to Shepherd, this time aboard Triompf, owned by Loretta Patterson.

The Platinum Performance 3’6″ & 3’3″ Performance Hunter Division saw Sophie Verges of San Francisco, CA and Kaspa, owned by Bernadette Mulliken, take home the championship, and Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX aboard Gabli, owned by Carlyn M. Elsey, were reserve champions.

For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Tina Yates and Cicomein VDL Rise to Top of $25k Hearthstone Grand Prix at Tryon May Series

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Tina Yates and Cicomein VDL. Photos ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 23, 2017 – Tina Yates of Wellington, FL and Cicomein VDL, owned by HKC Collection LLC, were victorious in the $25,000 Hearthstone Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) after they completed the jump-off track in 42.921 seconds to secure their first ever win at the venue. Fernando Cardenas, Jr. of Raleigh, NC and Valentine Car captured second place with a jump-off time of 43.489 seconds, while Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC piloted Basje to third place, after stopping the jump-off timers in 43.55 seconds.

Yates made quick work around the grand prix track with Cicomein VDL, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood mare (Chacco Blue x Pomein), finishing a second faster than Cardenas, Jr., who took top honors in last week’s highlight class under the lights. Yates and Cicomein VDL tackled the tough track set by Pierre Jolicoeur with ease. They were the second of five pairs to advance to the jump-off round in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The evening’s class served as the mare’s first major competition under the lights and Yates was very proud of how Cicomein VDL handled and excelled in the atmosphere.

“My plan with her was to just be efficient and also give her a smooth and accurate ride. I didn’t know if the lights would play a factor or not. She naturally has very fast foot speed, so I typically don’t have to worry about the time allowed. I had a really lucky rub at the beginning, but think that may have helped me during the rest of the course because she was paying attention,” detailed Yates.

Yates described the top qualities of Cicomein VDL, saying, “She is so fast and she loves to slice the jumps. Sometimes she gets too quick across them, so I have to think about using her foot speed. I have to keep her staying very straight and then I can let her do the rest.”

The jump-off asked a series of technical questions, testing each combination’s ability to execute tight turns then move into a forward and long gallop. The duo stopped the timers with an efficient time and their efforts remained unmatched as they ultimately took top honors in the class.

“Tonight she was really fresh and aware. I think that also helped a lot. I would have liked to find one less to number three, the white vertical, but I knew if I found one less, we may have had it down behind. I didn’t want her to get to flat. To the last fence I found exactly what I wanted. I think everything fell into place.”

Fernando Cardenas, Jr. and Valentine Car

Yates and Cicomein VDL were partnered together several years ago before the mare changed hands to another rider. However, Yates has returned to the irons and has high hopes for the pair’s future together.

“When I made the decision to sell her, she was a more quality horse then where I was as a rider at that point. I sold her to one of our owners and a few other professionals showed her before things came full circle and I ended up back with her,” she explained.

In her first trip to TIEC, Yates was able to capture a win in the coveted Saturday night grand prix class and hopes that the pair’s success will continue forward as she looks onto next week where they will once again plan to compete in the highlight classes at TIEC during Tryon May IV.

“This is our first time to Tryon and I have to say it is a world-class facility. Everything was thought through like the fans for the horses in the barns, permanent bathrooms with air conditioning, and the restaurants. It’s all just fantastic,” she commented. “Just the whole atmosphere tonight was incredible and I was so surprised with the crowd they get here. There were kids and all of these spectators who came to watch; it was just a really nice atmosphere for a win.”

Glenn Hartigan and Z Coco Cabana Win $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake

Glenn Hartigan of Alpharetta, GA and Z Coco Cabana captured the victory in the $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake to begin a competitive week of competition during Tryon May III. The pair finished the jump-off in 39.618 seconds ahead of Fernando Cardenas, Jr. and Quincy Too, who completed their jump-off round in 42.071 seconds. Angel Karolyi of Aiken, SC and April Moon finished in third with a time of 40.204 seconds.

The class featured 25 entries with eight combinations moving forward to the jump-off round, while only Hartigan and Cardenas, Jr. finished the afternoon as the only double clear efforts in the class. Pierre Jolicoeur set the track, which served as a competitive class ahead of the week’s featured $25,000 Hearthstone Grand Prix.

Jumper Highlights

The $8,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was championed by Jacqueline Ward of Seabrook, TX and her own Cayman, who finished in first place with a jump-off time of 42.327 seconds. Caitlyn Epperson of Houston, TX and Camero finished in second place with a time of 40.325 seconds, adding four faults to their score. Quinn Larimer of Mableton, GA and Bronson CR, owned by Nestledown Equine Service, LLC, finished in third after finishing their jump-off round with nine faults and stopping the timers in 43.68 seconds.

Beth Von Brecht of Dallas, TX and her own Melody were victorious in the $5,000 Ariat® Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Classic finishing in 38.354 seconds, to best the competitive class. Carly Dvorkin of Parkland, FL and Carlotta 168, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, took second place with a jump-off time of 39.554 seconds. Jesse Smith of Wellington, FL and her own Chambery 25 took third place with a time of 40.12 seconds.

The $3,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic saw Madeleline Gastinaeu of Holicong, PA and Limited Edition, owned by Mary Gastinaeu, take top honors ahead of Sarah Boston of Owings Mills, MD and her own Herminas, took second place with a time of 36.138 seconds. Meghann Harmon of Middleburg, VA guided her own Quastor van de Helle Z to third place with a time of 37.083 seconds.

Santiago Arenas of New Hill, NC guided Barbara Car, owned by Fernando Cardenas, to top honors in the $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Adult Amateur Classic after stopping the timers in 34.592 seconds ahead of Sienna Partipilo of Chicago, IL and her own Alanda, who captured second place with a time of 36.392 seconds. Anna Claire Smith of Atlanta, GA and her own Bilbo Baggins finished in third place with a time of 38.066 seconds.

Cayman Szegda of Marietta, GA and her own Valotti VDL finished atop the $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Children’s Classic ahead of Rose Dillon of Milton, GA and her own Baba Booey WB secured second place after accumulating two time faults in the first round to cross the timers in 85.614 seconds. Carly Hoft of Rolesville, NC and Available Ohio, owned by AvailableJumpers.com, finished in third place with four faults in the first round in 81.84 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

The Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Division was championed by Tricia Barr of Wellington, FL and Big Girls Don’t Cry, owned by Rodney Bross, ahead of Kimberly Penfold of Lake Bluff, IL and Cucinelli, owned by Glory Days Farm, LLC, who followed in reserve.

Kaitlin Porath of Charlotte, NC and her own Breaux earned the tricolor in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ 18-35 Division ahead of Alliah Kassem of Fayetteville, GA and C Beyond, owned by Bijoux Show Stables, who earned reserve champion.

The Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6″ Division saw Missy Yoder of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Too Much Fun take top honors throughout the week. Rosie Powers of Dover, MA piloted her own Carabello to reserve champion.

Frankie Nicklaus of Duluth, GA rode to victory in the Children’s Pony Hunter Division aboard Nicely Dun, owned by Patchwork Farm LLC, ahead of Stephanie Grace Fernandez of Winston Salem, NC and her own Master Plan were presented with reserve champion honors.

The Adult-Amateur Hunter 50 & Over Division saw Martin Schlaeppi of High Point, NC and his own I C London take top honors in the division ahead of Jennifer Smith of Wellington, FL and her own Ocean Mist, who captured reserve champion.

The Green Hunter Conformation 3’6″ Division saw Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Best Regards, owned by Patricia Fulchino, earn top honors after a week of consistent performances ahead of Liza Boyd of Camden, SC and Unexpected, owned by Lindsay Maxwell, who captured reserve champion.

The High Performance Hunter 4′ Division was championed by Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Flamingo-K, owned by Equinimity LLC, who edged Gabrielle Strigel of Durham, NC and Cosmeo, owned by DK-USA Sporthorse, LLC, who took reserve.

Morgan Ashby of Licncolnton, NC and her own Beatrix Potter finished atop the Medium Pony Hunter Division while Helena Tourville of Milton, GA and Olympian’s Dainty Rose, owned by Emma Madison, earned reserve champion in the division.

The Platinum Performance 3’6″ Performance Hunter Division saw Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Olympic Fire, owned by Roger Smith, take top honors for their performances throughout the week while Liza Boyd of Camden, SC and Clemens, owned by Finally Farm, Inc., took reserve champion in the division.

To learn more about TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Tryon, USHJA

Liza Boyd Goes Two for Two Taking USHJA Int’l Hunter Derby and USHJA Nat’l Hunter Derby

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Liza Boyd and Clemens. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 19, 2017 – Liza Boyd of Camden, SC captured top honors in both the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and $10,000 International Hunter Derby at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), making her mark on World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at the venue. Boyd topped a class of 26 entries on her way to taking the highlight hunter class of the week, the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in George H. Morris Arena aboard Clemens.

Boyd is a mainstay at TIEC during the major hunter weeks at the venue, as her home base of Camden, SC is only a mere two hours away. With multiple rides in a number of classes, Boyd made the most of her time aboard her mounts, as she rocketed to the top of both the national and international derbies today with Clemens and Shamrock. She also took top honors in the $5,000 USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive aboard Callahan earlier in the week.

Sarah Taylor of Sherborn, MA and Carento, owned by Sherri Crawford, took second place in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with a final score of 362, ahead of Katie Cooper of Owings Mills, MD and Sandlot, owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., who finished the class in third place with a two round combined score of 360.5.

“I did put some pressure on myself to win. I thought winning all three big classes this week would be really exciting,” said Boyd. “I want to thank this horse show and the management for the hunter opportunities here and offering the prize money.”

She piloted Clemens, a 2007 Oldenburg gelding owned by Finally Farm, Inc., to victory after recording a total score of 373 from the judging panel to earn the pairs first international derby win together. The duo finished with a score of 171 in the first round to sit in the top ten before returning for a spectacular handy round and receiving a 202 from the judges, catapulting them into first place.

While the atmosphere grew a bit more intense as the top twelve re-entered the George H. Morris Arena for their handy round, Boyd noted that Clemens surprised her and felt more relaxed than she had anticipated in their second round.

“He’s only just seven and was just imported in February, so he’s only done a few hunter horse shows. The first round I think he went in there a little frozen with his head up a bit, but then came back for the handy, took a deep breath and was a made horse. I’m really proud of him.”

Boyd has been searching for her next top mount following her illustrious career with the storied Brunello and feels that Clemens may have the makings to be a top contender like his stablemate.

“Annie Walters from South Carolina imported him from Germany and she sent me a Facebook message asking if I could help her with him in Aiken. I watched him go every day and I told my dad that I thought I may want him for myself,” she laughed. “I’m really picky and when I rode him, I was like I found him.”

Aiming for a more educational round during their first tour around the course, Boyd felt confident enough to test the gelding a bit more during the handy. The pair perfected all of the low options in their first round and returned to take each of the high options in the handy, which drastically increased their score.

“I felt like it was a good opportunity for him to learn. I decided to try all of the high options and if I needed to alter my plan at some point I would. I didn’t obviously expect him to win tonight,” she elaborated. “I would have been very pleased with a top five finish and there were a lot of horses in the class who are a lot more seasoned than him, but tonight was just our night.”

Earlier in the day, Boyd made her way to the winner’s presentation ceremony again, this time aboard Shamrock, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding owned by Finally Farm, Inc., as the duo topped the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby with a two round score of 183. The pair received a 92 in the first round from the panel to return for the handy round with the lead well in hand. They followed their impressive first round performance with a 91 in the second to secure the win.

Devin Seek of Ocala, FL and Canal Street, owned by Donald Stewart, rode to second place with a final score of 178, while Caroline Weeden of Lake Forest, IL and In Time, owned by Glory Days Farm, LLC, finished in third place with a score of 177.

“I was excited that they had the national class in the two lower rings so that it opened the space up a bit. They used all of the derby jumps for the class later and I think it’s a great stepping stone to get these horses ready for the next level,” she commented. “The first round was great. You could kind of make it your own and get creative.”

“My strategy was to go in and have a solid round. As the class went on the scores were getting higher and higher so I wanted to really make sure that we impressed,” she added.

The handy round offered horse and rider combinations the ability to showcase their agility and grace and Boyd thought her second round effort with Shamrock showcased his talent in the ring.

“It was a really good course. There were some great options. There was the ability to test things that are harder to teach at home. From a horse and rider perspective, I thought it was awesome for what we needed to accomplish today.”

The venue offered an Open Hunter class in the George H. Morris Arena on Wednesday, May 17, prior to the start of major derby competition and Boyd reiterated her excitement and thanks to the show management for allowing competitors the opportunity to gain exposure in the main ring.

“I thought that it was really a thoughtful gesture for the show management to include that in this week’s classes. What a great way to give your horse some experience before the bigger classes. I think it provides a great platform to do some kind of a welcome class prior to the derby, which is great for us as riders too,” she continued.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Tryon May II Showcases Top Talent and Thrilling Competition

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Fernando Cardenas Jr. and Valentine Car. Photos ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 15, 2017 – The Tryon May Series ushered in the second week of competition to Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), featuring hunter, jumper, and equitation competition beginning on Wednesday, May 10, and continuing through Sunday, May 14. The Tryon May Series will continue through Sunday, May 28, before the start of the highly anticipated Tryon Summer Series.

Fernando Cardenas Jr. and Valentine Car Take $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix

Fernando Cardenas Jr. of Raleigh, NC piloted Valentine Car to victory in the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix, finishing nearly three seconds faster than second place finishers Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC and Basje. Cardenas, Jr. and Valentine Car made easy work of the short course, stopping the timers in 41.53 seconds, while Chopping and Basje cleared the track in 44.351 seconds. Jorge Andres Barrera, who competes for the nation of Colombia, piloted Cartouche to third place with a time of 45.119 seconds after dropping a rail for four faults in the jump-off.

Cardenas Jr. and his own Valentine Car excelled around the difficult track set by Manuel Esparza (MEX), which saw rails drop throughout the course from numerous trying combinations. In only Valentine Car’s second grand prix event, Cardenas Jr. was ecstatic with the performance of the 2009 Warmblood gelding, who was bred by Cardenas Jr.’s father. The duo also finished second in the $5,000 Suncast Commercial® Welcome Stake earlier in the week.

“All of the lines we’re really long tonight and I was a little bit concerned about Valentine at the beginning. My first horse in the class struggled a bit in two of the lines and I thought that there may be a problem, but he was outstanding,” said Cardenas Jr. “He was just incredible today. It’s a great win for us both.”

The duo sped through the jump-off, tackling the technical turns with ease and giving the crowd an enthusiastic lap around the George H. Morris Arena after crossing through the timers to secure the win.

“I’ve always looked up to Harold and think that he’s a class rider. I thought he was pretty fast and wasn’t sure if I could catch him, but my dad always says that this horse is very fast and he is,” he explained. “He’s quick across the ground and where I took a gamble was to the Ariat jump. It was somewhat of a blind turn the way that I came into it and he jumped it easily.”

Harold Chopping and Basje

“He’s a very clean horse. It’s his number one quality. He has the will to not touch the rails,” he added.

Valentine Car is one of the younger horses in Cardenas, Jr.’s string and he has high hopes for the gelding as he hopes the pair will be considered as a potential combination for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be hosted at Tryon International Equestrian Center in September of next year.

“He’s a smart and quirky horse. He has an incredible class to him. He’s related to my stallion Quincy Car and I’m hopeful that he will follow in his shoes. We’re only planning on showing here in Tryon this season. This is home for us. Even though we’re in Raleigh, this feels like it’s in our backyard and we love it here,” he elaborated. “We want to set lofty goals with him and we would love to represent Colombia here at the FEI World Equestrian Games next year.”

Trapp O’Neal and Capitano Win $5,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake

Trapp O’Neal of Magnolia, TX and Capitano, owned by TKO Partnership, rode to victory in the $5,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake at TIEC on Thursday, May 11, after finishing the jump-off in 34.926 seconds. Fernando Cardenas Jr. of Raleigh, NC and his own Valentine Car captured second place with a jump-off time of 35.623 seconds, ahead of his second mount Quincy Too, who rounded out the top three with a time of 36.17 seconds.

The class saw 25 entries contest the track, while ten combinations advanced the jump-off round and five pairs earned a double clear effort. Jorge Ludwig of Newbury Park, CA and Lamarique stopped the jump-off timers in 33.842 seconds to collect the fastest time of the day, but dropped a rail during their round to keep them out of the top placing.

Jumper Highlights

Beth Von Brecht of Dallas, TX and her own Melody took top honors in the $5,000 Ariat Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Classic after dashing through the jump-off timers in 38.861 seconds. Fernando Cardenas Jr. of Raleigh, NC and A Calvados Car finished in second place with a time of 40.113 seconds ahead of Judy Sutton of Waynesville, NC and her own Win A Date, who collected four faults on the jump-off track and stopped the timers in 37.118 seconds for third place.

The $3,000 Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic saw Brandon Howard of Flower Mound, TX and HF Cerano, owned by Homeward Farms, take top honors in the class after completing the jump-off in 37.671 seconds. Paige Bellissimo of Wellington, FL piloted Zindora van de Kapel, owned by Bellissimo LLC, to second place with a time of 40.431 seconds ahead of her second mount, De Beers, also owned by Bellissimo LLC, who earned third place with a competitive time of 41.835 seconds.

Tracey Gorin-Byrne of Wellington, FL and Daphnie, owned by Fiach Byrne Inc., topped the $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Adult Amateur Classic, as the pair finished the day as the only pair to go clear in both the first round and in the jump-off. Suzanne Suttles of Flower Mound, TX and Galmiro vh Schaarbroek, owned by DGS Farms LLC, were presented with second place after finishing the jump-off in 46.963 seconds and adding four faults to their score. April Derienzis of Gramik Falls, NC guided her own Bella de la Rose to third place, completing the course in 44.587 seconds with twelve faults.

The $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Children’s Classic saw Jaclyn McGhee of Chapel Hill, NC and her own High Hickstead take first place as the fastest four fault round in the jump-off. C. Blair Spencer of Pinehurst, NC and Argentum finished in second place with a time of 57.726 seconds, while Rose Dillon of Milton, GA and her own Baba Booey WB took third place with a first round time of 72.514 seconds.

Roger Smith of Wellington, FL and his own Darco Two rode to victory in the $300 CWD Child/Adult Jumper Stake after finishing their jump-off round in 38.017 seconds ahead of Amy Hebert of Aiken, SC and her own Major Dee, who completed the track in 38.207 seconds. Allison Scott of Wellington, FL and Dahlia finished in third place with a time of 42.451 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

Lindsay Maxwell of Beverly Hills, CA and her own Catalyst took first place in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby after amassing an impressive two round score of 188. Heather Steinman of Canton, GA and Hannahlea, owned by Kelly Sims, secured second place after receiving a score of 186. Courtney Boyd of Wellington, FL and Castino 6, owned by Allison Scott, finished in third place with a final score of 179.

Maxwell and Catalyst earned a score of 93 in the first round before returning for the handy to earn a 95 from the panel. The duo’s performance in both rounds earned them the highest scores of the class. The derby saw fourteen entries, while four combinations scored above a 177, making for a competitive showing.

The Adult Amateur Hunter 36 & Over saw Jennifer Smith of Wellington, FL and her own Ocean Mist earn the divisional championship for their performances throughout the week. Karen Bruce of Lewisville, NC and her own Out of Vogue took the division’s reserve champion honors.

The Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ 18-25 saw Lindsay Maxwell of Beverly Hills, CA and her own Kingston ride to the top of the division ahead of Tess Fortune of Greendale, WI and her own MVP who finished with reserve champion accolades.

Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Stoli, owned by Jane Olson Fisher, rode to victory in the USHJA Hunter 2’6″/2’9″ Division ahead of Sara Taylor of Sherborn, MA and Enqirue, owned by Craig Phillips, who finished the week as the division’s reserve champion.

The Platinum Performance 3’6″ Performance Hunter Division saw Amy Momrow of Wellington, FL and Aeroplane, owned by Melissa Wight, take the divisional championship ahead of Colin Syquia of Wellington, FL and Jennifer Hannan of Wakefiled, RI, who split rides aboard At Last, owned by Ally Marrinan, for reserve champion.

The Children’s Hunter Pony Division saw Elizabeth Smith of Spartanburg, SC and her own Double Gold earn the division’s championship honors for their performances during the week. Jessica Bader of Bluffton, SC and her own Kygo took reserve champion in the division.

To learn more about Tryon International Equestrian Center and to view a full list of weekly results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Show Jumping, Tryon

Samuel Parot and Atlantis Capture $86,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2*

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Samuel Parot and Atlantis. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 6, 2017 – Samuel Parot (CHI) and Atlantis jumped to the top of the leaderboard in the $86,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), marking the first “Saturday Night Lights” victory of the 2017 show season. The duo finished the two-horse jump-off with a time of 47.851 seconds for the win, ahead of Leslie Howard (USA) and Gentille van Spieveld, who were the only other combination to advance to the jump-off. Howard and Gentille van Spieveld finished the short track in 50.042 seconds, while Ignacio Maurin (ARG) and Thriller P collected third place, as the fastest combination in the class with a time fault and completing the first round track in 90.79 seconds.

Parot and his talented mount Atlantis secured an early spot in the jump-off round and were only matched by veteran U.S. rider Leslie Howard and Gentille van Spieveld. Thirty-four combinations contested the course designed by Richard Jeffery (GBR). Three pairs collected a single time fault as they navigated the track, while majority of the class finished with four faults or more spread throughout the technical course.

“This track was tough. It was very technical,” said Parot. “My horse has a lot of experience, but it made you work for a clear round. I thought you had to shorten and lengthen your horse a lot and those adjustments caused many people to have rails.”

The established pair of Parot and Atlantis, a 2003 Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo x Royal Bravour L) owned by Parot, have competed around the globe and are mainstays at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) during the winter circuit, as well as at TIEC during FEI weeks in the summer and fall over the past few years. The duo has picked up a number of quality wins together and Parot proved once again why he and Atlantis remain one of the toughest combinations to beat.

“He’s just a fast horse, so fast,” he commented. “We know each other well and it makes it better to have a good round. I know when to ask for more and when to ask to slow down. Today was difficult, but he handled it well. I’m very happy with the win and we love to show here. We have good results and the horses really enjoy it.”

The pair earned several top place finishes in international competition at the venue in 2016 and Parot is looking forward to continuing his success with Atlantis, as well as developing a relationship with his newer mount, Dazzle White, who also competed in the class.

“Atlantis is very good. He knows his job. Dazzle White is a newer and younger horse for me, but is also very talented. We’re working on rideability. He is very careful and has a lot of scope. I think he is the horse that I would like to try and take to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ here next year.”

Parot and team will now head further west to continue on with their season before contesting elite competition at Spruce Meadows ahead of their return to TIEC later this season.

“This is a good win for us,” continued Parot. “It is good for us to do well here so that we are set up well for the rest of our season. Atlantis and I have a good friendship with each other so winning these classes always feels good. He is a great horse and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Brianne Goutal (USA) was honored with the FEI Leading Lady Rider Awarded presented by real estate agent and broker Meg Atkinson for amassing the most points of any female rider in FEI competition this week. The Absorbine FEI Groom’s Award was presented to Russell Rodriguez, who is the full-time groom of Atlantis. The Absorbine FEI Groom’s Award recognizes the hard work, dedication, and commitment of FEI grooms to their horses, who perform at the highest levels of the show jumping discipline.

To learn more about TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.