Tag Archives: Tryon Summer Series

Competitions, Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Tryon

Podium Finish for Gabriela Reutter and Maharees Rock in Tyron Summer 5 FEI CSI2*

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Gabriela Reutter and Maharees Rock (Photo by Nicole Schultz)

Mill Spring, NC (July 21, 2022) – Gabriela Reutter of Lumière Horses found herself on the podium this week at Tryon International Equestrian Center. She and her Grand Prix mount, Maharees Rock (OBOS Quality x Ballysimon), put in their second top 3 FEI CSI finish of the summer during Tryon Summer 5’s $75,000 Grand Prix CSI2-star out of 50 entries. The pair has been proving their mettle at the top of the sport, once again delivering a top finish after doing the same in Traverse City’s CSI3-star in June. The 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare also known as Rocky has been with Reutter for three years, making her FEI debut and subsequent top placings under Reutter’s guidance.

Reutter’s success at Tryon also marks her first podium finish in a nighttime Grand Prix, cheered on by a stadium full of spectators. Their double clear effort and jump off time of 40.21 secured their spot on the podium for Chile, finishing third behind USA’s Caitlyn Connors (37.86) and Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur (38.76). Reutter and Rocky also jumped to 4th out of 44 entries in the $6,000 1.40m earlier in the week.

“It was incredibly special to finish 3rd in a CSI2-star class, and to stand on the podium under the stadium lights,” said Reutter. “The evening classes have an amazing atmosphere, and I was so pleased with Rocky’s performance. She has amazing athleticism and scope, and when we are working together and on our game, she really delivers for me.”

Reutter also campaigned three top jumper prospects during Tryon Summer 5. Lumière Horses’ Here I Am Z, who was imported by Reutter from South America in 2020 placed 2nd and 3rd in the Open 1.30m Jumpers. Known as Hero around the barn, this sporty bay gelding has been placing consistently in the 1.30m divisions with Reutter and would make an exceptional Junior mount. Reutter also jumped the gray mare Joselind L.A.T., a.k.a. Jojo, to a 3rd, 5th, and 13th finish in the 1.15m & 1.20m divisions, and took Billy Lincoln, a new import, to a double clear finish in the $2,000 1.30m Open Jumper to finish 10th in their first show together.

Jojo and Hero are offered for sale and available for trial this week at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Reutter’s passion for equestrian sport began at a young age, and has since taken her to the upper echelons of show jumping. Combining talent, horsemanship, and dedication to her dreams, she rides with the aspiration of representing Chile at the pinnacle of show jumping sport. Born in Santiago, Chile, Gaby began riding at only four years old. At 17, she moved to the United States to pursue a professional show jumping career. Since 2014, she has ridden under the guidance of Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Chris Kappler, and completed her undergraduate degree in Economics and Business Studies at NYU.

To date, Gaby is currently the #1 female Chilean show jumper, and has multiple top finishes in international FEI classes, including her Nations Cup accomplishments, European tour, the U25 Grand Prix divisions, and victory in an FEI 4-star event. She currently campaigns her anchor show jumper, Maharees Rock (a.k.a. Rocky), and a string of sales horses. Her international equestrian CV also includes Spruce Meadows, The Hampton Classic, and several junior/young rider South American Games. She and Rocky were in the top 3 in the $30,000 Pilates Rock Grand Prix during WEF 1, and in 2018, Reutter received her certificate of capability for the Pan American Games following a top 3 finish in the FEI 3-star 1.50m Captive One Classic.

For more information on Reutter, her horses, and Lumière, visit www.LumiereHorses.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Brittni Raflowitz and Safira Start Summer Series with $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix Win

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Brittni Raflowitz and Safira ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 20, 2021 – Brittni Raflowitz (Palm Beach, FL) and Safira raced their way to a first-place finish to kick off the 2021 Tryon Summer Series, winning Sunday’s $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC). The pair claimed victory over the field with a jump-off time of 34.897 seconds. Darragh Kerins (Wellington, FL) and Delight M-G C De Leuze, the 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Armitage x Unknown) owned by Trefoil Farm LLC, took second place with a time of 34.966 seconds, while David Blake (Wellington, FL) claimed third, stopping the timers at 35.307 seconds on Nixon van D’Abelendereef, the 2013 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Toulon) owned by JP Stables B.V.

Raflowitz and the 2012 Mecklenburger mare (Stylist x Carina) owned by ESI Show Jumpers are a new partnership, and the class was the mare’s first Grand Prix, she revealed. “We’re all really excited right now, and I’m so happy with her. She was unbelievable. I’ve only had her for a few months.” After deciding to challenge the Grand Prix to “just see how it would go,” Raflowitz was thrilled with the way her ride responded. “She felt like she was ready to go and was jumping out of her skin. It’s very exciting!

“The course actually felt really nice,” Raflowitz relayed of the Skip Bailey (Loxahatchee, FL) design. “You were able to move up in some spots and then you had to pull in some spots. He didn’t challenge us [too much], but he made us think a little bit. I was happy with it.” Raflowitz was one of six entries who qualified for the jump-off test, after 14 pairs toured the first-round course.

For more info and results, visit www.Tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

VanderVeen Wraps Up Tryon Summer 6 with Bookended Podium in $25k Sunday Jumper Classic

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Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Almighty ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – July 21, 2020 – Kristen VanderVeen (Wellington, FL) added her name to both ends of the podium after the $25,000 Sunday Jumper Classic to conclude Tryon Summer 6 competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), grabbing first with Bull Run’s Almighty in a time of 40.435 seconds, and earning third aboard Bull Run’s Prince of Peace after their four-fault, 40.285-second jump-off performance. Second place honors went to David Blake (Wellington, FL) and Don’t Touch Du Bois, a 2009 Belgian Sport Horse mare (Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Indoctro) owned by Pine Hollow Farm, stopping the clock in 41.855 seconds.

Rowan Willis and Ekita Eindeken Z Zip to $6,000 Speed Stake CSI 3* Win

July 17, 2020 – Rowan Willis (AUS) continued his hot streak in the Speed Stake at TIEC with a win aboard Ekita Eindeken Z, Martine Lamesch’s 2010 Zangersheide mare (Emilion van T Schaaphof x Codex), stopping the clock in 62.95 seconds for the win over the Ken Krome (USA) course. Second went to Todd Minikus (USA) and the Todd Minikus LTD entry Calvalou, a 2007 Oldenburg gelding (Calvaro F.C. x Baloubet du Rouet), stopping the timers in 67.89 seconds, while third was awarded to Sean Jobin (CAN) and Darius, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Warrant x Calvados) owned by Foxridge Stables Farms, after their 81.15-second performance including one time fault over the Ken Krome (USA) course design.

Colin Syquia Takes First and Second in $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

July 17, 2020 – Colin Syquia (Wellington, FL) demonstrated winning consistency once again in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at TIEC Friday, piloting two mounts to top two placings within a half point of each other in total scores: in first, Syquia rode Magic Lady H, the 2012 Belgian Warmblood mare (Cumthago C x Chita H) owned by Fiach Byrne Inc., to a two-round score of 183.5 after walking into the handy round with a 91, while Durant, the 2011 Hanoverian gelding (Stakkato x Chamira) owned by Eurasia Inc., scored a 94 in the handy to end up on a total score of 183 for second with Syquia in the irons. Third place was named to Megan Wexler (Ocala, FL), who rode Blue Moon, the 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Durango VDL x Venneyfee), to a total score of 180 to round out the podium for the Dean Rheinheimer (Sheridan, IN)-designed track that tested 26 entries.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping, Tryon

Alexandra Pielet and Helene Ve Scoop Up $25,000 Sunday Classic Win

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Alexandra Pielet and Helene Ve ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 28, 2020 – Alexandra Pielet (Highland Park, IL) and Helene Ve claimed their first national Grand Prix win together on Sunday, flying around the jump-off course in a time of 41.815 seconds to earn the win in the $25,000 Sunday Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to conclude Tryon Summer 3 competition. Gavin Harley (Wellington, FL) and the Wolfstone Stables & Sales Inc. entry Corbawido PS, a 2012 Oldenburg gelding (Cornet’s Balou x Annette), sliced their way to second on a time of 42 seconds, while Taylor Land (Atlanta, GA) and Liroy 30, a 2009 Warmblood gelding (Levistano x King Kate) owned by Pinetree Farms Inc., earned third on a time of 42.133 seconds.

The course set by Peter Grant (Alberta, Calgary) saw 27 trips test the first round, with ten horse-and-rider pairs returning for the jump-off round. Pielet and the 2007 Belgian Warmblood mare (Diamant de Semilly x Tiffany) owned by Co-Pielet, LLC have been partnered for five years, “from the Children’s Jumpers to this, which is actually my first Grand Prix win,” she revealed. “She’s like my pride and joy.”

Roberto Teran Tafur and Dena Sienne Conquer $6,000 Speed Stake CSI 2*

Roberto Teran Tafur (COL) and Dena Sienne, the 2008 Dutch Warmblood mare (Van Gogh x Animo) owned by Waldman Horses BV, sped to a 66.05 second win in the $6,000 Speed Stake CSI 2* Friday in Tryon Stadium. Fernando Cardenas Jr. (COL) and Calvados, the 2010 Danish Warmblood gelding (Chellys Z x Casir Ask) owned by Fernando Cardenas, claimed second place in 69.39 seconds, while Eduardo Menezes (BRA) piloted Caruschka 2 to third, in the irons for Tailormade Stallion ApS with the 2003 Oldenburger mare (Careful x Cento).

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Todd Minikus & Amex Z Secure Back-to-Back Victories at Tryon Summer 1

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Todd Minikus and Amex Z ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – June 14, 2020 – Todd Minikus (Lake Worth, FL) and Amex Z secured a double victory during Tryon Summer 1 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), winning both the $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix and the $25,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake. In Saturday’s Tryon Resort Grand Prix, Minikus and Amex Z stopped the jump-off timers at 35.096 seconds. Kristen VanderVeen (Wellington, FL) and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili, a 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Darco) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC, took second place on a clear jump-off performance of 35.243 seconds, while Shane Sweetnam (Lexington, KY) and his own Indra Van De Oude Heihoef, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood mare (Casantos x Action-Breaker), claimed third-place honors in 36.262 seconds.

The first grand prix of the Tryon Summer Series welcomed 22 horse-and-rider pairs to the Tryon Stadium course designed by Skip Bailey (Loxahatchee, FL) with ten pairs returning for the jump-off.

Minikus praised the growth of Amex Z, a 2009 Zangersheide mare (Andiamo Z x Landaris) owned by Bit By Bit Group, saying, “I think she [Amex Z] has really matured. She’s been a little bit inconsistent, but she started to go really well at the end of the winter circuit. With a couple months of being off at home and training the old-fashioned way, she really grew up.”

David O’Brien and La Belle SCF Dominate $25,000 Sunday Classic

David O’Brien (Lexington, KY) and La Belle SCF separated themselves from the rest of the field in the $25,000 Sunday Classic hosted in Tryon Stadium, stopping the second-round timers in 33.17 seconds to grab an almost four-second lead. Aaron Vale (Williston, FL) and Chaccman, the 2006 Warmblood gelding (Chacco Blue x Panadena) owned by Thinks Like a Horse, finished on a time of 37.009 to claim second, while third and fourth place honors went to Ashley Fleishhacker (Wayzata MN), who rode Durango VDL to a time of 38.916 seconds for third aboard the 2008 Dutch Warmblood stallion (Zirocco Blue VDL x Narona) and also earned a time of 39.543 seconds riding Auckland de l’Enclos, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Nagano x Peggyschnitt van Het Stal Hof), both owned by Ashland Show Stables LLC.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Divine Fortune Kick Off Tryon Summer Series with $25,000 Wednesday Classic Win

Kristen VanderVeen (Wellington, FL) and Bull Run’s Divine Fortune stopped the jump-off timers in 28.08 seconds Wednesday in the International Stadium to claim the $25,000 Wednesday Classic at the start of Tryon Summer 1 competition with the Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC-owned 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Padinus x Amhilavsca Fortuna). Hayley Waters (Sparr, FL) and Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Waters’ Uppie de Lis, a 2001 Dutch Riding Horse (Andiamo Z x Lorraine). stopped the timers at 28.375 seconds to take second, while Todd Minikus and Amex Z earned third on a time of 28.928 seconds.

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

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

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, Show Jumping, Tryon

Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z Win $35k 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3* at Tryon

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Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – June 29, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z, owned by the Sky Group & Sharn Wordley, kicked off the first day of competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) ringing in the start of the 2016 Tryon Summer Series with an impressive win in Wednesday’s $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3*. The pair clinched the win with a hasty time of 69.14 seconds, besting a talented field of 33 competitors.

Finishing in a close second place position was David O’Brien (IRL) aboard his mount O’Splendido with a time of 71.40 seconds, while Cantara 59, piloted by Sarah Segal (USA), produced another fast time clear round, crossing the timers in 71.05 seconds for third place.

Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (For Pleasure x Chin Chin), have been partners for little over a year now, and have exhibited their talents in multiple FEI classes so far this season across the United States, as well as at TIEC. Wordley mentioned that Famoso D Ive Z is a spooky horse, yet he continues to deliver winning rounds and improve his technique.

“Famoso D Ive Z has won several opening classes, which is a little humorous because he is such a spooky horse. You would think he would get better as the week continues on, but he seems to be superior on the first day,” said Wordley.

He went on to speak of the challenging speed track set by Oscar Soberon (MEX), saying, “In the beginning of the course, it suited me to go quite fast. In the later part though, I had to go slower than some of the other competitors, but he jumped fantastic.”

Famoso D Ive Z excels in any type of class, which Wordley elaborated is a major component of his versatility and athleticism. The duo had amassed a string of consistent performances throughout the spring circuit and Wordley has fine-tuned what makes the gelding truly competitive in the ring.

“He has a massive stride and you can go really fast into big jumps and combinations,” he detailed. “I made up a lot of time between fences two and three because I could keep galloping down the long approach to the combination.”

“He is just an extremely fast horse. When he is clean, he is hard to beat. He is great to have on my team,” he elaborated. “Looking forward for the rest of the week, Famoso D Ive Z will compete in tomorrow’s FEI ranking class, and then my main mount, Casper, will also contest the ranking class tomorrow and the Grand Prix on Saturday night.”

David O'Brien and O'Splendido
David O’Brien and O’Splendido

Wordley is no stranger to TIEC, having solidified an impressive record at the facility throughout the spring season. Wordley and his team will remain in Mill Spring, NC for all four weeks of the summer series, as well as for the full duration of the 2016 Tryon Fall Series beginning in September. Wordley noted that he’s eager to stay at venue, especially after the quality finishes his string has produced in the major classes hosted so far this year.

“We love it here. It is fantastic. We like to support TIEC because the money is great and the competition is very respectable. We’ve continued to place well,” he added. “It’s also a very convenient location to our home base in Lexington, KY. It’s just an incredible spot.”

Competition will continue to heat up this week at TIEC, as competition on Thursday will showcase the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 3*, while Friday will host a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $10,000 Pre Green Hunter Classic. The inaugural Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas (GCCC) is set for Friday, July 1, with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. and competition beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The popular “Saturday Night Lights” series will return for four consecutive weeks of weekend fun, beginning Saturday, July 2. Entertainment will start at 6:00 p.m. and the class is set to commence at 8:00 p.m. Following competition on Saturday evening, TIEC will host a one-of-a-kind laser light show in the George H. Morris Arena in celebration for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Community/Charity, Tryon

Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas Heading to Tryon Int’l Equestrian Center on July 1st

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©MegBanks/TIEC.

Mill Spring, NC – June 25, 2016 – The inaugural Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas (GCCC) will highlight the first week of the Tryon Summer Series at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on Friday, July 1, showcasing the talents of both professional and amateur competitors as they ride to raise money for local charities in the Carolina Foothills region. The super hero theme for the 2016 event will serve to honor and recognize the heroes in the local community for their dedication and commitment to philanthropic work.

The Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas (GCCC) is a charity-fueled competition, which comes to life in the form of a relay race, pairing teams of two equestrian competitors to selected charities operating in the local community. Teams will race through a jumper relay course with tracks set at two different heights, 1.15m and 1.30m, in the George H. Morris Arena at TIEC under the lights. Competition on Friday, July 1 will begin at 7:00 p.m. with festivities and entertainment beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Each of the 26 teams will race to finish the relay track in the fastest time, while $300,000 will be raised throughout the evening. Each charity paired with a team will receive a minimum of a $5,000 donation, while the winner will hoist a check for $75,000 at the end of the competition. 100% of the proceeds raised throughout the evening will be distributed to participating non-profit organizations.

The Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas is the sister event to the Great Charity Challenge (GCC) hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL each winter, which was conceptualized by Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige Bellissimo in an effort to give back to those in need in Palm Beach County. The event, which began in 2010, has distributed more than $9 million to more than 150 charities across Palm Beach County.

Currently teams of two or individuals wishing to be paired with a team through the submission of a donation can still register for the event. Finalized teams will be announced this week. For more information regarding team sign up, please contact gcc@tryon.com and for more information about the Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas, please visit www.tryon.com. If interested in becoming a team sponsor for the event, please contact gcc@tryon.com to learn more. Donations made in honor of the event are tax-deductible.