Mill Spring, NC – May 5, 2017 – Brianne Goutal (USA) and Onira made quick work of the $6,000 Horseware® Ireland 1.45m CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), as the duo took the class with a jump-off time of 34.64 seconds. Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z captured second place with a time of 35.26 seconds, while Darragh Kerins (IRL) and Silteplait de Circee finished in third after stopping the timers in 38.043 seconds.
Goutal and Onira are a veteran combination and have traveled the national and international show jumping circuits for nearly fourteen years together. The 1996 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nimmerdor x G.Ramiro Z), owned by Remarkable Farms LP, has kept his youthfulness and competitive edge with Goutal piloting from the irons.
“He’s 21 now. The goals for us are just to give him some nice classes to finish out his career. I had a baby in January and he’s been a huge piece of my comeback tour,” said Goutal, affectionately describing her longstanding partnership with Onira. “We were really looking forward to this show. He feels amazing.”
Goutal and Onira competed together at TIEC throughout the 2016 season and she feels that the venue and atmosphere bring out the best in him. She explained, “He loves this horse show. He can get a little bored by the end of Florida. He got off the truck here and we could barely get him to the jog. He was so fresh, rearing and bucking, just excited to be here.”
The duo has maintained a shared desire to win and Onira looked both fit and fresh. She acknowledged the pair’s lengthy career together, noting that the care and respect she and her team have for Onira has helped to keep him happy and wanting to work, even at his older age.
“We’ve never pushed him. He’s had injuries and I think we always made sure to pay attention to the details. If they told us three months, we gave him six. If they said six months, we gave him a year,” she explained. “I don’t show him a lot, but try to keep him jumping consistently, even if it’s just cavalettis. I think that has been the best way to keep him mentally and physically motivated.”
The win was an emotional one for Goutal and she described her unique and deep relationship with Onira, which has spanned more than a decade.
“He’s always just been one step ahead of everyone else. He knows where he’s going and he knows when it’s his time. He trots into these big classes completely different. He just knows,” she said. “He has always known when to step up to the plate. He’s just different and always has been. He’s the horse of a lifetime.”
For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.
Hilary McNerney Pilots Contact to Top of $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix
Mill Spring, NC – October 30, 2016 – Margie Engle of Wellington, FL and Indigo took home top honors in $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on the final day of competition of the 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District. Engle and Indigo claimed the victory with a speedy jump-off time of 39.42 seconds, while Ilan Ferder of Wellington, FL and Hunter ST Anna Z earned second place honors with a time of 40.121 seconds. Trailing by only milliseconds to claim third with a time of 40.174 seconds was Alberto Michan of Royal Palm Beach, FL aboard Chacco’s Goldy.
Engle and Indigo, a 2000 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Indoctro x Aea Dutch Lorel) owned by Gladewinds Partners LLC, completed the track set by Guilherme Jorge (BRA) early in the order before advancing to the jump-off. The course asked technical questions of adjustability and scope. Engle detailed her specific plan with her veteran partner Indigo.
“I’ve had Indigo for a really long time so the plan was pretty set with him. The first round was built a little bigger than I expected, but it was a very good track. The plank into the double was tricky, but I felt like he handled it great,” Engle added about her first round. “He has a very adjustable stride and he knows where all of his parts are. This course allowed him to open up.”
“In the jump-off, I was hoping to leave out a stride but he jumped so hard that he landed a little shallow. He is very quick and well balanced in the turns, always right there for me. I took a shot with the long gallop down to the last fence and he handled it very well,” Engle added.
Engle and Indigo have been partners for almost a decade now, competing successfully around the world, including a career highlight of winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2004. Engle is very selective with what shows she chooses to compete Indigo in now that he is getting a little older.
“He’s been a great horse for me. He loves what he does and is such a fighter in the ring. He is actually quite hard to control in the schooling ring,” Engle added with a laugh. “He is always trying and he would hate sitting at home. In his brain he thinks he is three and he has more energy than all of my horses put together.”
Engle and her team will head down to Wellington, FL for the winter, but she hopes to return to Tryon in the future, specifically during the 2017 season. She reflected on her experiences at TIEC, saying, “It is a fantastic facility. It is a first class facility for everyone and it has everything you want. There are tons of places to ride, big schooling rings, delicious restaurants, and unbelievable crowds. We hope to be back next year.”
The $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix offered competitors the opportunity to dress in costume for Halloween. Brittni Raflowitz of Palm City, FL was presented with the “Best Costume” award dressing herself and her mount, Baloumina Du Ry, as paratroopers.
Hilary McNerney Pilots Contact to Top of $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix
Hilary McNerney of Lake Forest, IL and her own Contact collected the win in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). McNerney and Contact finished ahead of a competitive class, edging Fabio Andres Rodriguez of Colombia and Venus for the victory. The winning combination finished the track in George H. Morris Arena with a time of 30.809 seconds, while Rodriguez and Venus collected second place after crossing through the timers in 31.529 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and Belita took third place honors, completing their jump-off round in 31.72 seconds.
McNerney and Contact bested the three-horse jump-off after riding a forward and accurate round to finish ahead of Friday’s $5,000 Under 25 Welcome winners Rodriguez and Venus. McNerney has had a strong campaign at TIEC, finishing 10th aboard Z Acodate DDL in the $130,000 Asheville/Greenville BMW Centers’ Grand Prix CSI 3*.
Sunday’s competition marked the conclusion of the 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District. For more information on TIEC and to see full results. please visit www.tryon.com.
Mill Spring, NC – October 29, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Casper made a quick dash to the finish in the $130,000 Asheville/Greenville BMW Centers’ Grand Prix CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to top the final FEI Grand Prix of the season at the venue. Wordley and Casper bested the class after crossing through the timers in 40.614 seconds, while Conor Swail (IRL) and Hetman of Colors took second place with a time of 42.372 seconds. Wordley then added to his first place finish, taking third place honors aboard Barnetta after completing the jump-off track in 43.37 seconds.
Wordley was one of two riders to bring back two mounts for the jump-off alongside Hardin Towell (USA) who finished in fourth and fifth, respectively. Aboard Casper, Wordley fought to outpace Swail and finished the course nearly two seconds ahead of the leading time. The class saw 36 original entries take to the first round in George H. Morris Arena, while nine combinations progressed to the jump-off round. Guilherme Jorge (BRA), who led course-designing responsibilities at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, built both tracks.
“The first round was another very good course done by Guilherme. He’s just a fantastic course designer. I felt like it suited the class very well and it was technical enough but also was flowing and smooth,” commented Wordley. “I thought he was spot on with the number of clears.”
Attesting to the difficulty of the jump-off track, Wordley noted that both of his horses handled the pressure of the second round with ease, but also jumped exceedingly well in the first round, which set both horses up for a strong finish.
“The time allowed was certainly tight but it just happened to suit both of my horses. They both went pretty quick in the first round,” he explained. “It was a good because I think a few got caught out because of the time.”
Touching on the differences between Casper, a 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet du Rouet) and Barnetta, a 2004 Westphalian gelding (Baloubet du Rouet x Polydor), both owned by Sky Group, Wordley discussed his unique approach to each horse as they both take a different style of ride in the jump-off.
“Barnetta isn’t the quickest horse in the jump-off, but I went about as fast as I could with him to ensure that we went clean,” he said. “I was just lucky enough that a few of the guys had a rail down. I think I was a bit slower in the combinations, both of them are a bit green there, but they’re getting better.”
“You really have to read the jump-off and ride it the way that suits your horse depending on who’s in the jump-off and how fast they’re going,” he detailed. “I’m 42 and the ego has gone out of it a bit. I just try to scoop up as much prize money as possible and I don’t try to outdo the horses and what they’re capable of.”
The conclusion of the class marked the end of international show jumping at the facility for the 2016 season. Wordley leaves TIEC as one of the most decorated riders at the venue this year, guiding his string to more than fourteen top five finishes in FEI competition. Wordley took a moment to reflect on his achievements and explain what makes this venue so special to him as a competitor.
“Some people just have shows that they do well at and this one happens to be mine. The top riders in the world have been here and we’ve still won classes. It’s one of the shows where the horses enjoy it and I enjoy it,” he smiled. “I love atmosphere and there is always so much great atmosphere here. I love it and it’s just absolutely fantastic.”
Casper and Barnetta have proven to be influential mounts for Wordley, who has represented his home nation of New Zealand well in major FEI competition this season, currently sitting in 57th on the FEI World Ranking List.
“Both of these horses have had a phenomenal year. Casper has one more show, which will be Holiday & Horses CSI 4* in Florida and then Barnetta will go to The Royal Winter Fair in Toronto,” elaborated Wordley, discussing his plan for both mounts looking forward. “They both have a lot of time off after that. They’ve both had a very busy and successful year.”
“I pretty much have every class planned out for them looking into 2017. We’re going to be very strategic with what we do, but I already have a schedule for where I’d like them both to be at certain points in the season,” he added.
“I have to thank the Sky Group for their continued support and dedication to these two horses. We have a few other horses together, but they’re just the most fantastic supporters,” he detailed. “They’re brilliant. They let me make a plan for the horses that I think is best. They’re both horse people so they understand the good times and the bad and I can’t thank them enough.”
Margo Thomas, Wordley’s groom, was recognized for her passion and hard work as the recipient of the Grooms’ Initiative Award presented by Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP). Thomas oversees the care of Barnetta and Casper, playing an integral role as a valued member of Wordley’s team.
Meg Atkinson of Town & Country Realty presented Tracy Fenney (USA) with the Leading Lady Rider Award for her success in FEI classes throughout the week aboard MTM Reve Du Paradis.
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Colin Syquia and Soon to Be Claim Blue Rosette in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Mill Spring, NC – October 28, 2016 – Fabio Andres Rodriguez, who represents the nation of Colombia in competition, guided his mount Venus to a first place finish in the $5,000 Under 25 Welcome at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), taking the class with a jump-off time of 33.336 seconds. Hilary McNerney of Lake Forest, IL and Contact earned second place after crossing through the timers in 34.116 seconds. Viggo Bjorklund of Wellington, FL and Abu Dhabi Gold collected third place with a time of 34.362 seconds.
Rodriguez and Venus, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood mare (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Julius) owned by Raylyn Farms LLC, made easy work of their time in the George H. Morris Arena, completing two solid rounds to mark their first major victory at TIEC this season.
“I had already jumped a horse in the class earlier and I made a small mistake,” he explained. “I work for Andrea King and we made a plan for the next ride. We kept it very organized and at the same time I think the plan we made was very effective.”
Venus has valuable experience in the ring and has jumped with a number of top professionals at the highest levels of the sport. Rodriguez feels honored to jump such a class mare and feel that they have a great partnership beginning to grow.
“She’s a very experienced horse. She’s been ridden a lot by Angel Karyoli and Marilyn Little. She’s just very nice,” he elaborated. “She’s a bit hot and she really wants to go all of the time. She’s very quick and she’s clean so I don’t have to worry about the rails. I just need to be effective and accurate.”
Rodriguez is an emerging talent for his home nation of Colombia and described his ideal ride, which he believes is a perfect fit with the demeanor of his new ride Venus. He stated, “I’m very relaxed with the horses and I like to wait. She’s the kind of horse I think I would do very well with.”
“I think that we will be in Ocala, FL or Wellington, FL this winter, which will be good for us both. I think looking forward I’d like to be prepared to begin the process with the Colombian team to potentially be able to go to the next Olympics. That would be the best place for us to start.”
Colin Syquia and Soon to Be Claim Blue Rosette in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Colin Syquia of Wellington, FL and Soon to Be, owned by Jennifer Smith, captured top honors in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, topping the class with a two round score of 175. Syquia guided Samba’s Secret, also owned by Jennifer Smith, to second place with a final score of 167. Sara Ketcham of Columbus, NC and Oh Brother, owned by Christian Oliver, rounded out the top three with a final score of 163.
Colin Syquia and Soon to Be
Syquia was ecstatic with the flawless rounds from Soon to Be and the duo’s ultimate placing in the derby. The pair earned an 86 in the first round and returned to receive an 89 from the judging panel in the handy to secure their victory.
“I thought the class was nice. It was very inviting. I went first on Soon to Be this morning and there was an option on the first line that ended up being a bit forward. The rest of the class did nine and I did eight there, but the rest of his round was just beautiful.”
The talented gelding has amassed an impressive record with Jennifer Hannan, who typically rides Soon to Be for Smith in the Performance Hunter divisions. Syquia happily took the ride this weekend and perfected the duo’s time in the ring.
“He jumped incredibly throughout and in the handy, we did all of the inside turns and I thought he handled it beautifully. I’m only riding here because Jennifer Hannan is prepping the horses for Kentucky next week. I’m just here to keep the saddle warm,” smiled Syquia.
“His appearance is one-of-a-kind. He always carries head and his neck in the most beautiful way and always has his ears pricked forward. He’s so talented that he’s able to do any distance and any turn without looking like it’s work. His technique is unbelievable. I think this is one that’s going to do it all,” he added.
Syquia also piloted Samba’s Secret to a second place finish in the class after the pair secured scores of 81 and 86 to conclude with a total of 167. Syquia was pleased with the mare’s performance and the way she handled the derby atmosphere.
“Samba’s Secret is just great. She’s another one of Jennifer’s horses and is a full sister to her past mount, As Always, who just won at Washington International this week,” he explained. “She’s just a little green and this is one of her first derbies, but in the second round she came out beautifully. We did all of the high options in the second round and she was really good. She stepped right up to the plate and answered all of the questions.”
The owner of Soon to Be and Samba’s Secret, Jennifer Smith, also competed in the class aboard Olympic Fire, owned by Roger Smith, finishing in seventh place.
“I am so grateful to Jennifer Smith for allowing me to ride these two horses in this class and would like to congratulate her on a top finish in her first ever derby today,” concluded Syquia.
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Mill Spring, NC – October 27, 2016 – The $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) saw Hardin Towell (USA) and New York claim top honors in the second FEI class of the week during Tryon Fall VI. The duo earned the win with a jump-off time of 35.298 seconds ahead of Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Casper who completed the second round track in 37.627 seconds. Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Reve Du Paradis rounded out the top three finishers, crossing through the timers in 37.764 seconds.
Towell and New York, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Verdi x Watzmann) owned by Jennifer Gates LLC, earned an early trip to the jump-off round after securing a double clear effort around the first track set by Guilherme Jorge (BRA). The pair was the first to go in the second round and maintained their lead throughout the nine horse jump-off.
“When I walked the course I thought that it would ride very nice. I thought [Gui] did a great job, as always,” commented Towell. “This horse has not shown a lot in the past few weeks. His last big class was in Vienna and then we did a training show when we got back.”
New York is naturally a fast horse with careful tendencies, which Towell felt was a major determining factor in the pair’s win. He explained what makes New York such a standout member of his elite string of top mounts.
“I think more so than any other horse that we have, this horse can win any size class anywhere in the world,” he elaborated. “Anywhere from 1.40m to 1.60m this horse can be competitive. I have horses that can jump big and that are quick, but this horse can just win anything. He’s very talented that way.”
With two horses entered in FEI competition this week, Towell is hoping for strong result from New York and Emilie De Diamant A S. Towell has steadily moved up the FEI World Ranking List over the past two years and now schedules his competitions with careful consideration.
“I went quite quick today. I got a little greedy today and really wanted to win this class, but we truly came to try and get a top result on Saturday night,” he said. “I’m hoping that we can have some good finishes. I have two horses here so it’s a great opportunity.”
Currently sitting just outside of the top 40 riders in the world, coming in at 41, Towell is determined to continue rising through the ranks. He talked about his recent successes and commented on the mentality and drive he has to reach the top of the sport.
“When you’re in that top 50 it really changes everything. Two years ago, I would try to win every ranking class I could and now I have a really great string of horses and we shoot for the bigger classes. We have a great team behind us. My staff, my barn manager, and of course Jennifer [Gates] who is studying abroad right now, but watching very closely. We have a great team.”
Towell grew up only a few hours from TIEC in Camden, SC and is happy to be back, close to his family this week, a major factor in his team’s decision to compete at the venue this week.
“This is our first time at Tryon and it’s just fantastic. We’re so happy to be here and are looking forward to coming back many times in the future,” commented Towell. “I’ve wanted to come here since the facility opened and it’s nice to be here and be able to spend time with my family.”
“I had obviously heard a lot about this place, watched a lot of videos on the venue, and I have to say that I was still impressed when I pulled up. I had some high expectations and it surpassed them,” he concluded.
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Eugenio Garza and Lawfull Z Take $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix
Mill Spring, NC – October 23, 2016 – Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Reve Du Paradis bested a large and competitive class in the $86,000 1.50m Suncast® Classic CSI 5* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), concluding competition of Tryon Fall V. Fenney and MTM Reve Du Paradis dashed through the track set in George H. Morris Arena to complete their jump-off round in 43.011 seconds. Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Brighton captured second place with a time of 43.565 seconds, while Ali Wolff (USA) and Quirie 2 were presented with third place honors after crossing through the timers in 44.163 seconds.
Fenney guided MTM Reve Du Paradis, a 2005 Selle Francais gelding (Crown Z x Adelfos) owned by MTM Farm, around the track set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) to capture top honors in the final class of the CSI 5* week at TIEC. Hosting 41 original entries, only ten combinations advanced to contest the short course on a beautiful fall day in the Carolina Foothills.
“I felt like it was good that I got to watch a few people go before me today. I went early in the class last night and I wished I had the chance to go a bit later to see how the rest of the course was playing out. I think the whole week was built great and very fair,” elaborated Fenney. “There was always a good turnout for the jump-off rounds and it’s always fun for the crowd to watch a good jump-off.”
The win highlighted the duo’s first victory together at TIEC and Fenney felt the course suited MTM Reve Du Paradis, providing an element of added confidence heading into FEI CSI 3* competition next week.
“He has a lot of blood and doing two to three classes a week is not so difficult for him,” she elaborated, as she discussed her competition routine with MTM Reve Du Paradis. “I felt like I could enter him in the class today and he would still jump well, which he did.”
Fenney is motivated by good competition and always sets her sights on success in the ring. Entering the final day of competition this week, Fenney noted that MTM Reve Du Paradis has continued to progress throughout the week and felt the pair had the opportunity to place well in the class.
“I always try to go for it. I think that this is probably the most prestigious win that I’ve had on him. I’ve had him for maybe a year and a half. He’s a funny horse that has a lot of personality. He is always ready to go and has never had a dull day. He’s always exuberant and is a great horse to have around the barn. We’re already looking forward to next week and hopefully can continue with this success,” she added.
Eugenio Garza and Lawfull Z Take $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix on The Grass Complex
Eugenio Garza of Wellington, FL and Lawfull Z, owned by El Milagro, claimed top honors in the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix hosted on The Grass Complex at TIEC, as the pair narrowly edged reigning champions Taylor Alexander of Castle Rock, CO and Gipsy King, who finished in second place. Garza and Lawfull Z rode a quick and efficient jump-off round, tripping the timers in 39.054 seconds to secure the win. Alexander and Gipsy King collected second place honors with a time of 39.46 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL guided Bon Jovi to third place after completing the jump-off track in 39.57 seconds.
Eugenio Garza and Lawfull Z
Garza and Lawfull Z have steadily gained experience together this season, as the talented young rider who represents the nation of Mexico in international competition, obtained the ride on the 2007 Zangersheide gelding (Lawito x Carefull) this past year. Garza also competed aboard Armani SL Z in the class and the pair took home fifth place.
“We had our two up-and-coming horses entered in the class today with Lawfull and Armani. Lawfull is nine and they’re both very talented horses,” commented Garza. “Basically, we loved the fact that this class was out here on the grass today. This is an amazing facility and we wanted to give them both some experience on the grass. They both jumped very well and Lawfull is a bit more experienced, so my trainer, Eddie Macken, told me to have a go for it. He’s an amazing horse and just continues to get better.”
It was a tight race between Garza and Taylor Alexander, who has dominated the series to this point. Garza was aware of Alexander’s leading time and found an approach that he felt could shave valuable time off of the clock to take the win.
“I think my turn from jump two to three was very tight and everything came up very nicely after that. Taylor was very fast and the difference between the two of us wasn’t very much,” he explained.
Garza has been very successful in the Under 25 classes across the country, always finishing well with numerous mounts and it was no different on The Grass Complex at TIEC. He explained his appreciation for the classes, stating, “The U25 classes here are amazing. It’s a great opportunity for the horses who are a bit younger, maybe eight or nine, who aren’t quite ready to do the larger FEI classes and be competitive. They give you the ability to jump a strong 1.45m class and it’s one of the best divisions out there. It gives us a lot of flexibility with the horses and we love it.”
With mounts in both the Under 25 classes, as well as in international FEI competition, Garza continues to fine-tune his own riding skills and is enthusiastic about the variety of opportunities TIEC offers to exhibitors.
“I love the stadium here too. Under the lights or during the day, it’s always one of my favorite places to compete, but this complex gives you a completely different feeling. It’s almost like you’re at a different show and it is pretty much brand new. It’s unbelievable how well done the field is. It feels amazing. It’s safe to ride on and the horses are jumping off of it very well.”
At the conclusion of his win, Garza is expecting to maintain the same consistency heading into the last week of the 2016 Tryon Fall Series, which features another week of Under 25 competition, as well as the final FEI CSI 3*.
“We’re going to stay next week to do the FEI CSI 3* and then may go to Kentucky to do the Under 25 Championships. We’ll head to Florida to do the Holiday & Horses CSI 4* after Thanksgiving as the final show of the year for us.”
Tryon Fall V Hunter Highlights
Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC and Curuba, owned by Amy Nolan, took top honors in the $1,000 Pre-Green Classic, earning a total score of 169 for the win. Caroline Weeden of Lake Forest, IL and In Time, owned by Glory Days Farm, LLC, were presented with the red rosette after securing a total two round score of 168. Taylor Ann Adams of Ocala, FL and Lusso, owned by Lee Cesery, earned third place with a final score of 162.
Alexandra Maracic of Syosset, NY piloted her own Lucky Times to the win in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic 3’3″/3’6″ receiving a 164 from the judging panel. Madeline Thatcher of West Bluffdale, UT guided Sterling, owned by Pony Lane Farm, to second place with a final score of 155. Thatcher returned to collect third place aboard Summer Place, also owned by Pony Lane Farm, as the pair earned a 153.
The $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic 3’3″/3’6″ was championed by Elly Ficca of Charlotte, NC and her own Quatrain, as the duo picked up a two round score of 163. Matilda von Guttenberg of Greenwich, CT guided Photo Shoot, owned by Laurie Elsass, to second place with a final score of 155, while C. Blair Spencer of Pinehurst, NC captured third place aboard her own Crowd Pleazarr after securing a score of 154.
Chloe Watrous of Evanston, IL dominated the $500 Pony Hunter Classic taking home the top two placings in the class. First, Watrous guided her own Page 6 to first place after receiving a 161 for the pair’s efforts before earning second place aboard Crystal Acres Chocolatier, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, with a two round score of 159. Isabella Cheers of Shallotte, NC and her own Prince Harry took home third place on a 155.
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Mill Spring, NC – October 22, 2016 – On a historical and spectacular evening at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) featuring a special performance by Grammy award-winning country music legend Lee Greenwood, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) guided H&M Harley VD Bisschop to victory in the $380,000 Rolex CSI 5* Grand Prix. The duo secured the win in front of an enthusiastic crowd, stopping the timers at 40.575 seconds. Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Cynar VA earned second place honors with a time of 41.291 seconds, while Lauren Tisbo (USA) and Coriandolo DI Ribano rounded out the top three with a time of 42.299 seconds.
Fans from the western region of Foothills filled the George H. Morris Arena, creating an electric atmosphere for a class featuring Olympic veterans and many of the sport’s rising stars. Philippaerts and H&M Harley VD Bisschop were the final pair to qualify for the jump-off, as they were the last to go in the star-studded lineup. The first round track set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) asked several technical questions, keeping the riders on their toes with a tight time allowed of 80 seconds. The first round track only produced six combinations that advanced to the jump-off round.
“I think it was a really nice course. There were not so many clear as I actually thought there would be because there were many good ones here competing tonight. Unfortunately, McLain [Ward] and Kent [Farrington] and a few others had one down leaving only six in the jump-off,” Philippaerts said.
“I had the advantage of going last, and I knew Jessica was very quick, so I had to go quick. I was lucky enough the last rail stayed up,” he detailed, explaining his strategy for the jump-off round.
Philippaerts was pleased with H&M Harley VD Bisschop, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Dulf Van Den Bisschop x Coronado) owned by Ludo Philippaerts and Ben Beevers, and how the talented gelding settled into the class after having a six-week vacation from competition. He explained, “The first few days he was a bit nervous, but today was a lot better. Hopefully next week he will be a good as well.”
At the age of 23, this win serves as a major career victory for Philippaerts, who is a lifelong equestrian and has dedicated many years training and learning into the sport. Philippaerts participated in the Rolex Young Rider Academy, which has helped to develop the rising stars of equestrian sport, both in the saddle and in the classroom.
“This show fit perfectly with our schedule and had phenomenal prize money, which is why I added it to our fall tour. It is really nice place here and I was a bit surprised to see how big the venue is,” commented Philippaerts. “You can see that they have put a lot of effort into the rings being good and the courses being challenging for riders. The organization is extraordinary. I think that more Europeans are going to come show here after they see it and the best American riders are already here.”
Springsteen and Cynar VA recently captured the win in the HITS Saugerties $1,000,000 Grand Prix at the beginning of September, before earning themselves a well-deserved second place in their first class under the lights at the TIEC.
Jessica Springsteen and Cynar VA
Springsteen commented on the technical aspects of the course, saying, “The time allowed caught a couple of riders and it ended up being a bit trickier than it walked. My horse jumped great after having a month off and tonight we were just trying to put in a nice round. He was really good.
“I heard about the fall series while I was in Wellington last year and we made it a priority to come. Everything is indoors this time of year, so it is nice to have an outdoor option. It is a fantastic venue, which was a lot of fun, and I was really happy I could come,” Springsteen smiled.
Lauren Tisbo, a veteran to competitor at TIEC piloted Coriandolo Di Ribano to third place. Tisbo and Coriandolo Di Ribano went second in the jump-off order and explained their strategy of her plan early on.
“It was a little hard being the second one in the jump-off. My horse is still pretty new at this level and tonight was his first CSI 5* grand prix. I just tried to give him the best round I could and that was as good as we could do tonight,” Tisbo said.
Tisbo is spending her third consecutive fall season competing at the TIEC and commented, “I have watched TIEC develop and I know there are plans to continue developing in the future. It is a great location and offers a lot of different options for competitors. It’s convenient for people to get to as they are leaving Florida in the spring and traveling to Florida in the fall.”
Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP), went on to speak of the special atmosphere surrounding the class and elaborated on the growth of the venue.
“Despite the cooler temperatures, we are very pleased with the outcome of the crowd tonight. We had a great field of riders and a number of Olympians who brought their top horses. There was great field of competitors for this group to emerge as the top three, which is an impressive feat. We had McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Todd Minikus, and just a whole group of horses and riders who are competitive at the top levels.
“Next year we are going to add another CSI 5* before this week to create a four to six week tour,” Bellissimo explained further. “We want to provide a number of options for people who are ready for a change. The weather is good, there is top sport, and we will give the riders an option to stay in this country with a number of FEI shows.”
Marta Masocco received the $500 Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo and the Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP), recognizing her efforts as the main care provider for Philippaerts’ winning mount H&M Harley VD Bisschop. Marsocco is responsible for the daily care and well-being of the incredibly talented gelding.
Among several other awards, Springsteen accepted the Leading Lady Rider Award presented by Meg Atkinson of Town & Country Realtors, honoring and recognizing her success and performance in FEI classes throughout the week.
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Liza Boyd and Brunello Lead the Way in $50,000 USHJA International Derby
Mill Spring, NC – October 21, 2016 – David Will (GER) and Cento Du Rouet took home top honors in the $35,000 1.45m Horseware® Ireland Speed Stake CSI 5* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) with a fault free round and a speedy time of 53.37 seconds. Just a single second separated first and second places, as Richie Moloney (IRL) and Slieveanorra crossed through the timers in 54.69 seconds, earning the red rosette. Third place honors were awarded to Laura Kraut (USA) and Andretti S with a time of 55.95 seconds.
David Will and Cento Du Rouet, a 2007 Oldenburger Springferd gelding (Chintan x Balou du Rouet), owned by Centin Güngor, set out to secure another victory, although Will was not sure of his plan after walking the course.
“There were a couple of lines that were really long and you could leave out in or that you could add one. I didn’t have a plan from the start, but then I watched the others go and I made my plan,” Will detailed, explaining his strategy regarding the track set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA).
Will knew that he wanted to win the class, saying, “I was planning on trying to win it. After yesterday, I had a few unlucky rails and then I thought today I wanted to do something good.”
The pair, who has accumulated top finishes in their two weeks at TIEC, made their mark once again. Will went on to describe Cento Du Rouet’s strengths and how they set them up to be successful specifically in the speed classes.
“Cento is always good for a win. He is naturally really fast and careful. He’s just a real fighter. He also really enjoys going quick.”
Will and Cento Du Rouet have been partners for just a few months, competing in Europe throughout the summer before traveling to New York, NY for the Rolex Central Park Horse CSI 3* and then ultimately adding a stop in Mill Spring, NC for both the FEI CSI 3* and FEI CSI 5* events. The duo will next travel to Washington International Horse Show (WIHS).
“Tryon is fantastic!” Will exclaimed. “This place is perfect for the riders and the horses. The organization is really good and it is just great for riders to be here.”
Fan Favorites Liza Boyd and Brunello Lead the Way in $50,000 USHJA International Derby
Liza Boyd of Camden, SC and Brunello, owned by Finally Farm, Inc., upheld their reputation as the pair to beat in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, topping a field of nineteen entries in front of a supportive hometown crowd on The Grass Complex at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Moving into the handy round, Boyd and Brunello amassed a total first round score of 184, which placed them atop the leaderboard. The duo earned a total score of 192 in their handy round effort, adding up to a final score of 376. The final tally solidified the win, amassing another historic and impressive victory for the duo. Kelley Farmer of Wellington, FL and Kodachrome, owned by Nina Moore, finished in a close second place with a total score of 374 points, while Erica Quinn of Maineville, OH and Celtic Fire, owned by CF Partners, scored a total of 362 to take third place honors.
Liza Boyd and Brunello
This was the second time that Boyd and Brunello have competed together this year. On a crisp fall day at TIEC accompanying a beautiful derby track set on the Grass Complex, Boyd was feeling positive about showing with her veteran partner and three-time USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion.
“Today I just had fun. I enjoyed every moment and I really just enjoyed this horse. I actually wasn’t really even nervous. I was also really pleased with how the footing held up,” said Boyd.
After the first round, Boyd held an 11-point lead ahead of Kelley Farmer, which she used to her advantage when deciding how to approach the challenging handy track. Knowing that Brunello always has a knack to win, Boyd cantered onto the field for her final round with a dedicated plan to take home the blue ribbon.
“I think in these derbies you really have to strategize the final round and know what you have to do. I thought the handy rode quite nice and presented us with some really good options. I knew I could take one low option and I knew there was one inside turn I didn’t have to do,” Boyd added.
With another successful handy round under her belt, Boyd shared her tricks of the trade, opening up about her competition routine with derby mounts, who she competes in the jumper classes ahead of the highlighted hunter class.
“I do it for the horses but I also do it for myself as a rider,” Boyd explained. “It just gets me back in the groove of bending lines and turning, instead of the typical hunter round of inside, outside, inside, outside. Doing the jumper classes with the more technical and advanced tracks sharpens me up, as well as sharpens the horses.”
Boyd was thrilled with the opportunity to compete on the grass field with Brunello and her second mount, Shamrock, who earned tenth place honors on in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Boyd continued on to thank the Bellissimo family and Tryon Equestrian Partners (TEP) for allowing hunter riders and horses the opportunity to show on the new Grass Complex.
“If this class hadn’t been on the grass field, Brunello probably would not have shown. It’s really great for our sport and our industry. It was so much fun riding out there and it felt really special” she elaborated.
Receiving the loudest of cheers throughout the day, Boyd talked about riding Brunello in front of his home crowd, commenting, “Janet Peterson, Brunello’s owner, lives here and the Breyer celebration that was held in his honor took place here. He has a lot fans at TIEC and this class was calling his name.”
Boyd mentioned the talk surrounding Brunello’s retirement, but said, “I selfishly cannot retire him yet. Brunello makes me feel like a really, really, really good rider,” she smiled. “He makes it so easy; nothing ever looks big or hard when I am riding Brunello.”
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
Todd Minikus and Quality Girl (Liz Crawley Photography).
Mill Springs, NC (October 20, 2016) – Two could be a lucky number for international Grand Prix show jumper Todd Minikus, who is aiming for nothing less than the number one spot in the $380,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Springs, North Carolina. Minikus will enter two horses in the October 22 class – his famed mount Quality Girl, owned by the Quality Group, and Itile Horta, an eight-year-old mare owned by Martin Hudgens.
The Rolex CSI5* is the most highly anticipated Saturday Night Lights show jumping event of the year at the venue. The expected electric atmosphere will feel like home for Minikus and Quality Girl, who are no strangers to the TIEC winners’ circle. This past July, the pair won the $216,000 Tryon Estates Grand Prix CSI4* during the 2016 Tryon Summer Series.
Minikus, who was named to the Short List for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping squad for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, closed his impressive summer season in New York. At HITS Saugerties, Minikus and Quality Girl had a blazing fast win in the $75,000 UlcerGard Grand Prix. “She’s a pure winner. I’m lucky to have her,” Minikus said of the 13-year-old Oldenburg (Quidam’s Rubin x Dubrock) mare. Then, at The Hampton Classic Horse Show in Southampton, New York, Minikus won the $10,000 Shamrock Ventures Open Jumper with one of the talented mares owned by Two Swans Farm – Vita 24, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Carinjo x Rocca I).
After the upcoming competition at the TIEC, Team Minikus will focus on the two top indoor shows in America – the Washington International Horse Show on October 25-30, then the National Horse Show on November 1-6.
When not competing internationally, Todd Minikus Show Stables offers sales and training services just minutes from Wellington, Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Follow Team Minikus on Facebook or Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or click www.ToddMinikus.com for show action and the news that keeps the show world jumping.
Taylor Alexander and Gipsy King Ride to Another Under 25 Victory
Mill Spring, NC – October 20, 2016 – Laura Kraut (USA) and Nouvelle took home their first major win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), placing atop the $130,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 5*. The pair completed the track in 37.749 seconds to take the well-deserved victory, while Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Testify earned second place with a time of 38.012 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala collected third place, completing the track just seven-tenths of a second behind Vanderveen, crossing through the timers in 38.731 seconds.
The winning duo of Kraut and Nouvelle surpassed a jump-off of eleven combinations, while the class featured 55 entries who tested the first round track set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) in the George H. Morris Arena. Kraut and Nouvelle sped to victory, chipping away time at each of the inside turns available on the jump-off track.
“I jumped all three of mine who are here this week in the class, but all for different reasons. The first horse, Confu, I’m planning on jumping maybe one more class with him this week and then he’ll go to Washington next week,” said Kraut. “Nouvelle is the ride I’m targeting this week and my plan was to jump clear and then be competitive in the jump-off. She’s had a long layup with injuries so this is her comeback.”
Kraut and Nouvelle also showed last week at TIEC in the CSI 3* competition, finishing eighth in the $130,000 Suncast® Grand Prix CSI 3*, which Kraut felt was a good learning experience ahead of the duo’s anticipated success this weekend. She explained, “Last Saturday she was clear in the class, but felt like she had no energy in the second round. Today felt like a dramatic improvement.”
Quick to point out the speed of combinations featured in the jump-off round, Kraut’s plan revolved heavily around the round of Lauren Hough and Ohlala, who were one of the fastest combinations in the class.
“The only thing I could focus on was that Lauren had gone into the lead when I went into the ring. Since we show together week in and week out, I know that Ohlala is very very fast. I also knew I had to go as fast as I could and hope for the best,” she explained. “It was one of those fun days where it all works out.”
As for Nouvelle, Kraut said the 2004 Dutch Warmblood mare (Solitair x Contango) owned by Evita Group is feeling better than ever after having several medical mishaps over the course of her career.
“She feels really good. I rode her back from the prize giving and it felt like she could have jumped two more rounds. I’ll save her for Saturday night and I’m very excited to jump the big class,” elaborated Kraut.
The success of Kraut and her students has been unmatched, as strong showings in the FEI classes, as well as the Under 25 division for several clients has highlighted the week for Kraut’s team to this point.
“It was really nice to be able to come and do this show. I’m so happy for my students. For them to be able to do these classes and the Under 25 is really nice. It’s a beautiful facility and it’s just great. It’s always so nice to have another CSI 5* in America,” she concluded.
Taylor Alexander and Gipsy King Ride to Another Under 25 Victory at TIEC
Taylor Alexander of Castle Rock, CO piloted Gipsy King, owned by Alexander LLC, to another Under 25 win at TIEC during the 2016 Tryon Fall Series, this time finishing atop the $5,000 Under 25 Welcome, which was hosted on the new Grass Complex at the venue. Alexander topped the class, guiding Gipsy King through the finish in 34.49 seconds for the win. Taylor Land of Atlanta, GA and For Edition picked up second place with a time of 37.191 seconds, while Alexander guided her second mount, Ryanair de Riverland to third after competing the track in 37.191 seconds.
Taylor Alexander and Gipsy King
“The goal with both of them was to have a solid and clear first round so that we could get more competitive in the jump-off,” explained Alexander.
Alexander has formed a strong partnership with the 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Wandor van de Mispelaere x Lys De Darmen) owned by Alexander LLC, and the pair has dominated the Under 25 classes at Tryon so far this season, taking top honors in last week’s $10,000 Under 25 Welcome and finishing second in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix.
“He’s really a super easy horse in the barn, which is really nice. In the ring, I am really confident on him. I always know that he’s going to be really careful so I can always test him a bit in the jump-off,” she elaborated. “I got him at the end of March. Nick [Skelton] was riding him at the end of WEF in the 1.40m and 1.45m classes. We worked a lot on our partnership throughout the summer.”
Both of Alexander’s horses have performed well at TIEC and she feels the experience they’ve gained will be valuable looking towards the end of the season, as well as the approaching winter circuit.
“I’ve had Ryan a bit longer. I started riding him in December so I’ve had longer to get to know him and it’s really starting to come along recently,” explained Alexander. “He’s pretty quick too so that’s what I’ve been trying to focus on with him.”
Riding a gutsy jump-off round, Alexander sealed the win with a first class performance aboard Gipsy King. Commenting on her intense strategy for the second round track, Alexander stated, “I feel like we’ve really capitalized on these past two weeks and I’m really looking forward to riding in the class on Sunday.”
The 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District offers six weeks of hunter and jumper competition, including three weeks of internationally recognized FEI show jumping featuring two FEI CSI 3* weeks and an FEI CSI 5*. For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and surrounding amenities, please visit www.tryon.com.
