Category Archives: Tryon

Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z Win $35k 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 4* at Tryon

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

Mill Spring, NC – July 13, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z claimed top honors once again, this time starting off Tryon Summer III at Tryon International Equestrian Center in the $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland® Opener CSI 4* with an impressive jump-off time of 34.969 seconds. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, who have also finished with great results this season at TIEC, completed the course with a time of 35.339 seconds. Third place honors were awarded to Sarah Segal (USA) and Ubris, who stopped the clock in 35.587 seconds.

Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z have continued to wow at TIEC, securing multiple victories and accumulating an impressive record throughout the 2016 Spring and Summer Series thus far. With 16 of 32 entries advancing to the jump-off, Wordley commented on the extraordinary competition in the feature class this morning and the consistent flow of the first round, saying, “There are a lot of good horses here for the CSI 4* week and for the first day it was a nice, easy going 1.45m course.

“With that many advancing to the jump-off, there were a couple of really tough inside turns that you had to be a little lucky to make happen. You had to ride the turns well, which weeded out a few competitors. You had to hit them just right or they would slow you down,” he elaborated.

Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z went relatively early in the order to contest their abilities in the jump-off, which pressured Wordley to lay down a speedy time. They were the only pair to finish under the 35 second mark, completing the course with a time of 34.969 seconds.

“I was fortunate to get a good gallop from the beginning, which allowed the turns to come up quite nicely. I was able to make a big move down to the last oxer and not take a feel of my horse’s mouth. Famoso is also very fast, and he was exceptionally good in the corners today.”

He continued to detail his ride in the jump-off, adding, “He could have been quite a bit faster, but he has such a big step that I really had to wait down the five stride line. I even thought if I could redo it again, I would probably do four strides instead of five. Then he could have been close to a second faster with the momentum that would have carried us.”

Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Faustino De Tili
Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili

Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z have been partners nearly ten months now and the Belgian Warmblood gelding (For Pleasure x Chin Chin) is only nine years old, with a bright future ahead. The gelding has won three $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland® Opener classes at TIEC and Wordley mentioned that he focuses on competition mileage with this horse in particular to gain more experience.

“I have jumped him in some big classes for just being nine. Now he’s really beginning to step up his game and his education level is great. It doesn’t matter how talented they are; they must have a certain education level and capacity to compete in the big classes. Famoso D Ive Z is really starting to learn his trade and when he knows what he is doing, he is very hard to beat.

“He has a big future that horse,” Wordley noted.

Competition continues Thursday at TIEC, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome. On Friday, July 15, the venue will feature a $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, a $10,000 Pre-Green Hunter Incentive, and a $35,000 1.45m Speed Stake. This coming Saturday, July 16, TIEC will host another installment of the “Saturday Night Lights” Series presenting the $216,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI 4* with gates opening to the public at 6:00 p.m. and entertainment beginning at 7:15 p.m. Competition will commence at 8:00 p.m. For more information about TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Luis Larrazabal and Quintus Fabius Take $25k Under 25 Grand Prix to Conclude Tryon Summer II

Luis Larrazabal and Quintus Fabius. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Devin Seek and Valentino Rise to Occasion in $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby

Mill Spring, NC – July 11, 2016 – Luis Larrazabal of Wellington, FL and Quintus Fabius rode to a spectacular win in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix to conclude Tryon Summer II at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), stopping the clock in 38.777 seconds for the win. Abigail McArdle of Wellington, FL and Contessina Della Caccia almost stole the win, finishing just fifteen hundredths of a second off the winning pace to earn a time of 38.785 seconds. Louise Graves of Franklin, TN and Zavira took third place, completing the course in 41.564 seconds.

Capturing his first Under 25 Grand Prix win with Quintus Fabius, Larrazabal explained the 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Quality x Lady P), owned by Isabela Pacanins, just recently moved up to contest this height over the past year. Speeding through the jump-off round to narrowly edge McArdle for the win, Larrazabal was elated with the victory and described his initial plan after walking the track set by Martin Otto (GER).

“When I walked the course I was impressed. I’ve done the other two Under 25 classes here and this was for sure the toughest so far,” he explained. “This horse is new to this height so when I was done walking the course my goal was to really just do my best.”

“I thought to myself that if I went clear around this course it would be my lucky day because he doesn’t have a lot of experience at this level,” he added.

While Quintus Fabius may still be finding his feet at the top levels, his willingness and bravery is consistent each time Larrazabal enters the ring. The pair, who has gained experience together throughout the spring season, will look to continue their success in the Under 25 classes.

“The good thing is he has a huge heart. He always tries his hardest. He doesn’t have perfect technique, but he’s very scopey and his heart and try is what makes him special,” he elaborated. “The scope is really important and I think that’s what helped us today.”

“I can put him in the spot I want and he will always try his best to get there from where I ask him,” noted Larrazabal.

The jump-off featured two other naturally fast riders in McArdle and Graves, and Larrazabal felt that he needed to push through the short course if he was to secure the win. McArdle tried hard to catch the time set by Larrazabal, finishing just short, but making for an exciting finish.

“In the jump-off, I definitely think I made up the little bit of time that separated us between fences one and two. I think both of them added one or two more strides in there than we did,” he detailed. “For the last line, we pushed for it and that’s where we sealed it.”

“I think that Abigail is generally much faster than me, especially with that horse, but today was my lucky day,” smiled Larrazabal.

Bringing up a number of young horses this season, Larrazabal hopes to continue his success throughout the summer and is eyeing a move to the FEI level during the fall circuit.

“With Quintus Fabius, I’m just so happy with our results today. This is perfect for him and I’m going to keep him in the Under 25 Grand Prix classes for the rest of the season,” he said. “I also have a couple of horses moving up that will be able to do the FEI classes later this year and we’re aiming for the fall. The rest of the horses are young and developing, which is very fun for me too.”

Noel Fauntleroy of Manakin Sabot, VA and her own Mae led the $10,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic, taking the class with a jump-off time of 40.048 seconds and earning the fastest four fault round. Victoria Karam of Wellington, FL and her own New Life HM captured second place, stopping the clock in 42.471 seconds, finishing with just a single rail down. Fernando Lozinsky of Flemington, NJ and his own Tamerlan Du Poncel secured third place with 12 faults and a time of 41.903 seconds around the short course.

Devin Seek and Valentino Rise to Occasion in $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby

Devin Seek of Ocala, FL and Valentino, owned by Ashley Vail Aycox, took top honors in the $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby, finishing their rounds in the George H. Morris Arena to secure a final score of 165. Libbie Gordon of Statesville, NC and her own Q-2 collected second place, earning a score of 163, while Gabrielle Sousa of Matthews, NC and Rockport, owned by Isabella Benedetto, received third place with a score of 156.

Devin Seek and Valentino
Devin Seek and Valentino

Seek produced two lovely rounds aboard Valentino and used the extra size of the ring to her advantage. The duo earned an 85 in the first round and returned for the handy to pick up a score of 80. Seek, who has ridden Valentino over the course of the past year, was pleased with her rounds and was excited for the opportunity to compete in the George H. Morris Arena.

“It was a nice first round for us, because there were a lot of long bending lines and single jumps and in a big ring like the George Morris, you can pick up a nice pace to find distances,” said Seek. “In the handy, there weren’t that many places that you could really turn inside, but I did try go inside after the two stride, which I wasn’t originally planning on doing.”

“I wanted to be neat everywhere, so in general, I just turned early and made sure that everything looked very clean,” she added.

Using the class as preparation for U.S. Pony Finals hosted in Lexington, KY later in the summer, Seek found the opportunity beneficial in understanding what she should focus on before the prestigious championship.

“This class was a big help in preparing for Pony Finals. It gave me a good feel as to how the atmosphere will feel there because this is such a big ring and the ponies never get the chance to go into a ring like that until we’re in Kentucky. Now I feel like I know what I need to work on more with each of them heading into the rest of the summer.”

Seek has established a strong relationship with Valentino and has had major success throughout the year, guiding him to numerous wins. His attitude and will to win has made him a special ride for her and she has high hopes for their future this summer.

“I started showing Valentino last year. I get called in to show him for his owner Ashley Aycox a lot. He may be the best pony I’ve ever ridden. He’s just amazing,” she commented. “He’s straightforward and has a good mind. He wants to win as much as anyone else does.”

Hunter Highlights

Melissa Deryn Foster of Langley, British Columbia and Unwritten, owned by Emily Sukert, finished atop the $1,000 Junior Hunter 3’6″ Classic, finishing with a score of 161. Caroline Jones of Brownsboro, AL and At Last, owned by Century Performances Horses LLC, collected second place with an overall score of 154, while Helen Ulrich of Moorsville, NC and her own Luminary earned third place with a score of 147.5.

In the $1,000 Junior Hunter 3’3″ Classic, Devin Seek of Ocala, FL and Just Sayin, owned by Fairfield Farms LLC, took first place, receiving an overall score of 172. Phoebe Alwine of Delray Beach, FL and Baricello, owned by In The Clover Equestrian, scored a 160 for second place, while Seek piloted another mount into the top three aboard Cold Case, owned by Donald Stewart, with a score of 150.

Allison Cederberg of Billings, MT and Zero Tolerance, owned by Dru Cederberg, rode to victory in the $1,000 Amateur Owner 3’3″/3’6″ Classic, earning a score of 164. Liddy Strickland of McDonough, GA and her own Valentine received second place with a 160, while Randall Johnson of Clarksburg, MD and Cantando, owned by Greener Pastures, rounded out the top three with a score of 158.

Competition at TIEC resumes on Wednesday, July 13, with the start of Tryon Summer III, which will conclude Sunday, July 17. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Samuel Parot and Dazzle White Win $130k Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3* at Tryon

Samuel Parot and Dazzle White. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – July 9, 2016 – Samuel Parot (CHI) and Dazzle White made an impressive dash to the finish in the $130,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), capping the class with a time of 39.03 seconds in the jump-off round. Adam Prudent (FRA) and Vasco, winners of the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome earlier in the week, finished in second place, crossing through the timers in 39.25 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade (VEN) and Boy IV earned third place with a time of 41.39 seconds.

Parot and Dazzle White were the final pair to secure a place in the jump-off round, which featured seven combinations. Prudent and Vasco earned the first clear trip of the evening early in the class and went on to set a quick pace in the second round, which seemed to be too difficult to catch. Parot, a notoriously fast rider, managed to shave just enough time off the clock to take his first major grand prix win aboard Dazzle White this season.

“This horse is new. I rode him the first time at Split Rock in Lexington, KY, two months ago and have been working with him since. He’s a very good horse. He had a good show this week and I’m happy with the win,” commented Parot.

To begin the night, 37 entries tested the track set by Martin Otto (GER), which featured a number of wide set oxers, tight rollback turns, and a difficult time allowed, which was adjusted to 80 seconds after the first three riders contested the course. Parot and Dazzle White were in the final group of riders and enjoyed the opportunity to watch majority of the other rounds, but the veteran rider was confident that his mount would handle the course with ease.

“He’s a top horse. He’s eight and he’s very young at this level. He has scope and he’s careful. I think he’s going to be a very important horse,” explained Parot, describing the quality of the young 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Calvino Z x Narcos II) owned by Parot.

“This was not an easy course. The course design was strong and the time allowed was very tight. There was no extra time on course,” he added, discussing his thoughts after his initially course walk. “I think it wasn’t easy but it was a good CSI 3* with great prize money.”

Adam Prudent and Vasco
Adam Prudent and Vasco

Dazzle White looked fiercely competitive as he and Parot entered the ring as the last pair of the night. The duo began with a quick start through the course and took an efficient route to the one stride line before galloping to the final three fences on course. Five of the original seven combinations qualified for the short course completed the evening with a double clear effort.

“I talked with my friends and they said that if I wanted to win I needed to take a longer spot at the last jump because that’s where I would make up the remaining time,” he detailed. “He did it and I think that is how we won the class.”

Parot and his team have become familiar faces at TIEC throughout the Spring and Summer Series, which have featured numerous FEI classes for international competitors. Parot mentioned that he feels his horses perform exceptionally well at the venue and the accessibility around the facility is one of the reason he continues to return to compete.

“I like this venue so much. It is a super place and a super show. It’s a great place for the horses and they’re very comfortable,” he elaborated. “I came for the first time in the spring and had heard about it, but wanted to compete here. I just love it here and so do my horses.”

Parot’s groom, Fabian Arce, was awarded with the Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo and Tryon Equestrian Partners, as a way to recognize the dedicated grooms responsible for the care of each week’s grand prix winner. As Arce walked into the ring to receive his award, Parot continued to shout and throw his thumbs into the air, expressing genuine excitement for his groom, who is a major component of their successful program. Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) was awarded with the Leading Lady Rider Award presented by realtor Meg Atkinson, honoring her performances in each of the FEI classes offered throughout the week.

Competition at Tryon Summer II finishes Sunday featuring the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix and the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Owner High Classic. Tryon Summer III will begin on Wednesday, July 13, commencing the first FEI CSI 4* week at the venue this season. For more information about TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Rachel Kennedy and Timberline Earn Emotional Win in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Rachel Kennedy and Timberline. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – July 8, 2016 – Rachel Kennedy of Brookeville, MD and Timberline, owned by Sarah Brooks, captured an emotional win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Kennedy and Timberline earned a two round score of 178 to take the victory ahead of Hayley Iannotti of Wellington, FL and Vermeer, owned by Pumpkin’s Patch Farm, LLC, who finished with a score of 173. Steve Heinecke of Charlotte, NC piloted Hercules, owned by Freedom Group, to round out the top three finishers and received a 172.5.

Kennedy and Timberline collected a score of 89 in the first round of competition, which placed them second behind Heinecke and his mount, Pamina, who earned a 90 moving into the handy. Timberline, who excels in the handy portion of competition, completed an effortless round filled with smooth roll back turns and an athletic and adjustable presence, which ultimately secured the win, as the pair earned a repeat score of 89.

“Andy [Christiansen] does a great job course designing and it was very flowing. Basically all I had to do was find the spots and that horse will do the rest for me,” said Kennedy. “Timberline, he’s a horse that can do about anything. It’s my job to just guide him in the right direction.”

In the final round of competition, Kennedy began to feel the pressure, as there was a strong chance that with a solid ride, the pair would ensure the victory. She added, “I typically just direct him and then stick with my spot or move up and a lot of times, you get so anxious, but I didn’t want to make a mistake in there.”

Hayley Iannotti and Vermeer
Hayley Iannotti and Vermeer

Kennedy and Timberline have cultivated an incredible relationship and the duo have accumulated a number of top finishes, but Friday’s win turned into both a memorable and special class, as Timberline will likely move on to a completely amateur-focused career with owner Sarah Brooks.

“His first derby win was in 2010 in State College and he’s been winning ever since. That’s all I do with him is the derbies. His owner Sarah Brooks does the Adult Hunter and he’s great for both of us,” explained Kennedy.

“I always say that Timberline is like my secret boyfriend,” she laughed. “He makes the world better, no matter what; if you sit on that horse the world just becomes a better place,” she said, as she reflected on the duo’s career together.

It slowly began to hit Kennedy that their win may have capped an incredible derby career together, which has been a joyous journey for all involved including horse, rider, and owner.

“We’ve thought about doing him in another derby in the fall, but I want him to go out as a winner,” said Kennedy, as she began tearing up, reminiscing on the duo’s success together. “He’s seventeen years old and I want to make sure that he’s able to still show for his mother Sarah. The horses always come first for me and this was just a special day.”

“He totally knows when we’re doing the derby and will jump pretty much anything. That’s what makes him so special. He got two scores of 89 and I just don’t know if you can top that. If I let him do it forever he would,” she concluded.

Competition at TIEC continues Saturday with the $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby in the George H. Morris Arena, kicking the competition off at 8:00 a.m. The $130,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3* will begin at 8:00 p.m. while gates are set to open at 6:00 p.m. For more information about TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Adam Prudent and Vasco Deliver Impressive Win in $35,000 1.50m Suncast Welcome CSI 3*

Adam Prudent and Vasco. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Daniel Geitner and Aviator Take $10,000 Pre-Green Hunter Classic

Mill Spring, NC – July 7, 2016 – Adam Prudent (FRA) and his mount Vasco produced two fast clear rounds with a jump off time of 34.213 seconds to earn themselves the blue ribbon in the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Trailing closely behind to finish in second place was Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Lady Maria BH, stopping the clock in 34.720 seconds. Third place honors were claimed by Todd Minikus (USA) and Vita 24, finishing in 34.823 seconds.

Prudent and Vasco, a 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Andiamo x Clinton), have solidified themselves as a competitive team and have been partnered together for three years. The duo has traveled the world to compete in multiple FEI competitions and spent ample time at the venue throughout the 2015 season. Prudent was thrilled with his win, which he said started off their week on the right foot. With only six out of 41 competitors advancing to the jump off, Prudent spoke about the technicality of the track set by Martin Otto (GER).

“For the second class of the week, it was quite a hard course; however, it was very well built and the fences were inviting, yet technical. Not many made it to the jump off, which attests how tough the track rode,” he detailed.

Amanda Derbyshire and Lady Maria BH
Amanda Derbyshire and Lady Maria BH

Prudent was second to last in the jump-off order, which played to his favor as he was able to observe the rounds of other riders before strategizing the win. Vasco is a notoriously fast mount for Prudent and can execute tight turns at blazing speeds during the open gallop portions of the track. Derbyshire, who finished in a close second, nearly took the win, but Prudent felt the extra time observing and preparing ultimately helped him to steal the win.

“I was able to watch Amanda go and she did a six up the first line. I tried to get the six, but I was not able to make that happen, so I settled in and did seven strides,” he explained. “I wasn’t worried because my horse is incredibly fast so I planned on cutting corners to make up for the extra stride.”

“I knew what I had to do today, and I executed the plan,” he added.

Prudent spoke about his growing relationship with Vasco and the strengths that allow them to earn exciting victories, similarly to the one they secured Thursday. He said, “Vasco is not only extraordinarily fast; he is also very careful. In the middle of the course he will open up his stride and allow us to cover an impressive amount of ground.”

Looking forward to the remainder of the week after their win, Prudent and Vasco will be a pair to watch on Saturday, July 9, in the $130,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3*. Prudent feels confident that the duo will maintain their consistency, especially coming off of their strong win in such a competitive class early in the week.

Prudent and the Plain Bay Sales team will remain based at TIEC for the remainder of the Tryon Summer Series, contesting their abilities each week in numerous national and international classes.

Prudent touched on the expansion and continual growth occurring at TIEC, stating, “I love Tryon. It gets bigger and bigger and better and better every year! Each time we come back there is something new and I’m already enthusiastic about the new derby field because I really enjoy showing on grass footing.”

Daniel Geitner and Aviator Top $10,000 Pre-Green Hunter Classic at Tryon Summer II

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC piloted Aviator, owned by Katie Kittrell, to a first place finish in the $10,000 Pre-Green Hunter Classic at Tryon Summer II, besting a class of 10 entries, and securing the victory with a two round score of 163. Pomme Du Coeur, ridden by Samantha Senft of Wellington, FL and owned by Sandalwood Farms, finished in second, collecting a total score of 161, while Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Commodore, owned by Jennifer Smith, earned third place, receiving an overall score of 160 for their performance in the class.

Geitner and Aviator tied with Josh Dolan of Wellington, FL and Hidden Lane, owned by Page Tredennick, for the highest first round score, as both combinations received an 86 from the judging panel. Geitner made his move for the win in the second round, earning a 77 to solidify the victory. Geitner will return to the hunter ring Friday, July 8, as he will pilot two mounts in the $2,500 USHJA National Derby, which is set to showcase more than 30 entries.

Competition resumes Friday at TIEC with the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, before international jumper competition returns this weekend. On Saturday, July 9, the $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby will take to the George H. Morris Arena before the popular “Saturday Night Lights” series, which will present the $130,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3* beginning at 8:00 p.m. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

David O’Brien and O’Splendido Win $35k 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3* at Tryon

David O’Brien and O’Splendido. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – July 6, 2016 – David O’Brien (IRL) and O’Splendido sat atop the leaderboard early on in the $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), maintaining the lead to secure the win with a faultless round and a recorded time of 60.800 seconds. Coming in a close second place with a time of 61.250 seconds was Todd Minikus (USA) aboard Vita 24, while third place honors were awarded to Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Cannavaro BH with a time of 61.820 seconds.

O’Brien and O’Splendido, a 2002 Selle Francais stallion (Burggraaf x Voltaire) have been partners for close to a year, building their relationship and contesting multiple FEI classes representing the nation of Ireland. The pair finished second in last week’s Tryon Summer I $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3* and this week they kicked it into a higher gear to secure the win.

O’Brien went on to speak of the tough track set by Martin Otto (GER), which allowed for varied distances between fences, tight inside turns, and finished with a long gallop down to the last oxer.

“I did eight in the first line, allowing me to set up the tight turn that followed,” noted O’Brien. “I also chose the inside turn, which I believe saved me a lot of time on the clock.”

“With this horse, I gradually get faster as the round continues on, which gives me the ability to take out a stride here and there. I always start out steady, organize my turns, and then move him up steadily throughout the course. He really kicked into an extra gear for me today,” he added.

O’Splendido is a veteran to FEI competition and has plenty of experience in international competition. O’Brien commented on how he uses their combined knowledge to an advantage in the ring, saying, “My horse is older, so he knows how to perform. The speed class is his forte; his ears are pricked, he turns tight, and he really enjoys it. When he puts his eye on that first jump, he is so game, especially in that ring. He is on the job.”

Todd Minikus and Vita 24
Todd Minikus and Vita 24

O’Brien expressed his gratitude for Lisa Lourie and Spy Coast Farm for allowing him to not only compete on O’Splendido, but also provide the opportunity to bring multiple young horses up through the ranks.

“I just have the one horse to compete with at the elite level and the rest that I show are young Spy Coast-bred horses. Competing with the young horses makes the FEI classes possible and also makes wins like today so special,” he detailed. “I am so lucky that Lisa allows me to come to these shows and compete on her incredible horses. I am very thankful for her.”

TIEC continues with competition throughout the remainder of the week, hosting the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 3* on Thursday, July 7. “Saturday Night Lights” will return presenting the $130,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3* beginning at 8:00 p.m. Premier AA Hunter divisions will run throughout the week, featuring the $10,000 Pre-Green Incentive on Thursday, July 7, as well as the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday, July 8. The $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby will take to the George H. Morris Arena on Saturday, July 9.

For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Eugenio Garza and Armani SL Z Take $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at Tryon Summer I

Eugenio Garza and Armani SL Z. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Premier AA Hunter Competition Showcases Top Performances throughout the Week

Mill Spring, NC – July 3, 2016 – Eugenio Garza of Wellington, FL and Armani SL Z finished a beautiful double clear effort in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix to conclude Tryon Summer I competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on Sunday, July 3. The pair secured the win with a time of 37.577 seconds in the jump-off round, while Sydney Shulman of Greenwich, CT piloted both of her mounts to second and third place, respectively. Toscane De L’Isle captured second place, finishing two seconds behind Garza in 39.728 seconds, while Lakvels picked up third place, crossing through the timers in 42.415 seconds. Competition at TIEC resumes on Wednesday, July 6, with the start of Tryon Summer II.

Garza, a rising star who competes internationally for the nation of Mexico, and Armani SL Z are gaining experience together and have earned multiple top place finishes during their spring travels together. As one of two talented eight-year-old mounts in Garza’s string, Armani SL Z is one of the nicest horses in the barn, according to Garza.

“Armani is the oldest son of the Asca Z and we’ve been building him up with my trainer Eddie Macken for a year and a half now,” he explained. “We’ve been waiting a year to do this type of class with this horse. He’s easily the most special we have right now and is one of the nicest horses I’ve ever sat on in my life.”

Armani SL Z, a flashy grey 2008 Zangersheide stallion by Asca Z, is an eye-catching ride, who Garza competes with a confidence and poise well beyond his years. The pair is just solidifying their relationship at the top levels of the sport, but has immense potential. Garza explained their progress with Armani over the course of the past year and also noted that the raw talent of the stallion is something he’s never seen before.

“I really don’t think he has any weaknesses. He’s an unbelievable horse. It’s so fun to improve and learn on a horse like this and I’m hopeful that our streak continues,” he added.

The course, which was set big and took a forward ride, suited Armani SL Z and Garza, who found the technical questions beneficial to their growing competition experience together.

“I’ve known Oscar Soberon since I started riding in Mexico eight or nine years ago. He always builds amazing,” he detailed. “The course had a lot of challenges and he’s been right on the time all week so I knew that it would be tough. It was big enough and had a couple of interesting questions around the course.”

Careful and attentive to not push the stallion too far so early in his career, Garza tactfully rode with the goal of gaining valuable competition experience, but also begin testing their ability to secure a quick and efficient jump-off round.

“I wanted to give him a good rhythm, especially with regard to the time. It was a very fun course to ride and I thought he did very well,” he noted.

Entering the ring after Sydney Shulman, who finished in second and third place in the class, Garza found areas around the course where he felt he could make up the time and ultimately secure the win. He explained, “I saw Syd go on her first horse and she rode a beautiful trip that was smooth and efficient. I thought it was a really fast time and when I went in, I really honestly gave it all that I had with Armani as much as I felt comfortable with.”

“I’m really looking to building up our horses here for the next four weeks. It’s nice to be consistent with a venue and give each horse the time they need,” he detailed. “With my two experienced mounts, Empire and Bariano, we want to do well in the grand prix classes here. We’ve had a great summer so far and we hope to continue that looking forward.”

Emanuel Andrade and Contenders XC
Emanuel Andrade and Contenders XC

The $10,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic presented by Asheville Regional Airport saw Emanuel Andrade and his own Contenders XC take top honors, finishing the jump-off in 36.651 seconds for first place. The pair edged Nicole Loochtan and her own Carla de Kalvarie Z, who dashed through the timers in 34.384 seconds, but finished with four faults to place second. Victoria Karam, who owns and competes New Life HM, collected third place, dropping a rail in the jump-off and finishing with a time of 38.171 seconds.

Alexandra Duval of Wellington, FL and her own XM earned victory in the $5,000 Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic presented by Ariat with a time of 34.015 seconds. Kady Abrahamson of Loveland, OH and Icebreaker, owned by Abrahamson Equestrian LLC, finished in second, securing a time of 34.24 seconds, while Sabischy Hassler of Wellington, FL and her own Good Boy HM rounded out the top three, stopping the clock in 34.521 seconds.

Premier AA Hunter Competition Showcases Top Performances throughout the Week

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC and Lionsgate, owned by Roy Wilten, earned the victory in the $10,000 Pre-Green Classic, finishing with a final score of 164, while Morgane Qualls of Murphreesboro, TN and Lookalike, owned by Sandalwood Farms, took second place with a final score of 162. Sophie Simpson of Wellington, FL and Haiku, owned by Sorensen Stables, collected a third place in the class, which saw 13 total entries.

Soon to Be, owned by Jennifer Smith and ridden by Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI, sat atop the class in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, receiving a two round score of 176 for the win. Blythe Marano of Franklin, TN and Fondant, owned by Virginia Ingram, earned a 172 to finish in second place, while Jennifer Smith of Wellington, FL piloted her own Commodore to a respectable third place finish with a score of 168.

The $1,000 Junior Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Combined Classic saw Summer Hill and Eclypse, owned by Holly Orlando, lead the class with a two round score of 169. Cecilia D’Amore of Gastonia, NC guided her own Vintage to a second place finish, receiving a 169, while Marion Scott Head of Brownsboro, AL and her own Khan collected a total score of 160 from the judges to take third place.

Lynn Seithel of Johns Island, SC and her own Walk the Moon championed the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Combined Classic with a score of 170. Missy Yoder of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and her own Too Much Fun collected second place with a score of 167, while Seithel also earned third place aboard her own Walk the Line with a two round score of 164.

For more information on TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Wordley Dominates aboard Casper in $130,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 3* at TIEC

Sharn Wordley and Casper. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – July 2, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) continued his dominance at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), taking top honors in the $130,000 Adequan® Grand Prix aboard Casper, dashing through the jump-off course in 41.694 seconds to secure the only double clear effort of the evening. Matthew Williams (AUS) and Valinski S finished in second place, collecting a single time fault around the short course to earn a finishing time of 42.645 seconds. Peter Wylde (USA) and Aimee crossed through the timers in 41.103 seconds, adding four faults to their score for third place.

Wordley and Casper, who have continued to display their combined talent throughout the duration of the season, notched yet another victory at the venue. On a beautiful North Carolina summer evening, the pair exhibited their newfound confidence and finesse around a difficult course set by Oscar Soberon (MEX), which saw 30 entries attempt to advance to the second round. A small contingent of four combinations advanced to the jump-off round. The evening also drew a massive crowd attendance of more than 12,000 spectators, who visited the venue to experience and appreciate the best of equestrian sport.

“There were four in the jump-off and I knew going in that all four could go quite quick. Casper is very careful. I’ve just been teaching him to jump the big jumps and we haven’t really gone fast at all,” noted Wordley. “Slowly, every time we’ve gone out, I’ve been asking him for just a little bit more, a second or two here and there. We’ve finished well and had some top placings.

“I think he has another two seconds faster in him. We’re slowly teaching him to use that speed. I want to keep the confidence,” he added.

Casper has quickly become a crowd favorite at TIEC, with Wordley piloting strongly from the irons. The duo drew second in the order-of-go and secured the first clear effort around the course, finishing just under the optimum time of 86 seconds. The opening track saw four technical combinations spread throughout the course, which created a sense difficulty in securing a completed round under the time allowed.

“The time in the first round was really tight and because I was second to go, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. We got just inside the time,” explained Wordley. “I had a real decision to make in about fourteen seconds about what my plan was going to be. I thought if we went to the outside fence one and two and then hustled that would be better for my horse.”

“It helped us start the course a little bit smoother than I think taking the inside turn would be. I had to hustle along and it just worked. I thought he jumped really well on Thursday. We had a rail down and he doesn’t like to have rails down, so he felt very sharp today,” he added.

For Casper, building and maintaining confidence has been a major key to the pair’s growing success. The 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet du Rouet) owned by Sky Group, has seen a tremendous growth in his ability to perform in pressure situations according to Wordley, and the experience gained competing in several jump-off rounds has been necessary for their long-term career goals. Wordley elaborated, “Before if you galloped full noise to a jump, he’d start backing off and you couldn’t let him reach the full length of his stride. Now he’s comfortable and taking it on. This was the best jump-off he’s ever had.”

“He was ready to go tonight. It felt great and it was a technical course, which I think he enjoys. It wasn’t overly big, but it was definitely technical and careful. They had to jump well. If they didn’t jump well they weren’t going to get around,” he detailed.

Peter Wylde and Aimee
Peter Wylde and Aimee

The victory marked the pair’s fourth top five finish in FEI sanctioned competition in the past four months and their eighth top ten finish in the same time frame. Wordley has carefully educated Casper and has perfected the ride needed to be successful at the highest levels of the sport.

“If you’ve noticed, we haven’t won too many, but I just felt really strongly about taking it slowly. He’s only ten and he’s won three grand prix classes now, but he’s been second in many more. I opted to go slower and again, focus on the confidence,” he commented.

As the massive crowd of spectators descended upon the venue, eager to watch world-class show jumping, their presence intensified an electric atmosphere that offered only positive benefits for both the competing athletes and the sport as a whole. Peter Wylde (USA), an Olympic team gold medalist at the 2002 Athens Olympic Games, rounded out the top three finishers aboard Aimee, and in his first grand prix appearance at the venue, commented on the immense and positive response from the crowd.

“First of all, I have to say, it completely increases the level of any sporting event when you have a crowd like what we had tonight,” detailed Wylde. “It’s fantastic for us, as a country, to finally have another venue outside of Wellington that offers a chance to compete in front an incredible public audience that brings energy to the competition, which is something you can’t create. For us as riders, it’s just so positive for our industry.”

“The facility is incredible. From the stabling to the footing and the appearance of the jumps, really the whole venue,” he continued. “The theatre that’s created by the whole venue is one-of-a-kind. I love the size of the ring because it feels like the crowd is with you the entire way around the course, which is a unique experience.”

Wylde guided two horses to strong placings in the class and was impressed with performance of Aimee, a 2005 Dutch Warmblood mare (Solitair x Silvio II), who contested her largest class and handled the large atmosphere and added pressure exceedingly well.

“Everyone says that the horses jump incredibly well in this venue and I think that’s true,” he stated. “The footing is very good and the atmosphere pushes you to really rise to the occasion. The courses all week were great and this was my first real grand prix with this horse. She’s a fighter and a trier. She handled it very well.”

“I was excited that we almost won and I think this horse can do a lot. I’ve had her for a year now and we’ve been slowly building her up. She’s coming into her own and this is the biggest class she’s ever done, so I have to say, I’m really happy.”

Wylde and Wordley both reiterated their excitement for the expansion of the sport, which has found a supportive and passionate audience base in the western Carolina region at TIEC.

“To have a public that is so enthusiastic and to think about how quickly it’s picked up in this area is inspiring,” Wylde noted. “I’m excited for this facility because it seems like it’s already grown to find huge success, but I’m also excited for us, as an industry. This is a venue working the way it intended to and provides access to our sport in a fun and entertaining way.”

Wordley added, “They’re making a big effort to create a vibe here that is unlike any other venue in the world. I think that was really just a fantastic turnout. That atmosphere is what is going to make people come back and continue to enjoy the sport. I was so impressed, yet again.”

Wordley’s groom, Louise Gaytan, was awarded with the Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo and the Tryon Equestrian Partners, in honor and recognition of the dedicated and continuous work of the grooms and essential team members who make grand prix victories possible.

Sarah Segal (USA), who finished in fourth place aboard Zelda, received the Leading Lady Rider Award presented by realtor Meg Atkinson, acknowledging the competition achievements of Segal throughout Tryon Summer I FEI competition.

Competition at TIEC continues Sunday with the final day of Tryon Summer I. Classes will resume on Wednesday, July 6, with the start of Tryon Summer II, which will continue through Sunday, July 10. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Mark Bluman and Thriller P Secure Victory in $35,000 1.50m Suncast Welcome CSI 3*

Mark Bluman and Thriller P. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – June 30, 2016 – Mark Bluman (COL) demonstrated his skill and expertise, besting Thursday’s tough field of 37 riders at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) aboard Thriller P in the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 3* on the second day of FEI competition at Tryon Summer I. Bluman and Thriller P dominated the complex course design designed by Oscar Soberon (MEX) with an impressive jump-off time of 36.597 seconds.

Taking second place with a speedy and accurate round was Eugenio Garza (MEX) and his ride Empire Van Wuitenshof with a time of 37.142 seconds, while Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Lady Maria BH claimed the yellow rosette with a time of 38.023 seconds.

Thriller P is not one of Bluman’s usual mounts, as the 2004 Swedish Warmblood stallion (Cardento x Lucky Light) is owned and ridden by Bluman’s student, Daniela Stransky. Bluman elaborated on why he took over the reins.

“You know it is funny because that horse is not part of my string. He is part of my student’s string. We recently purchased him for her, so we decided that I would show him this week,” he detailed. “I wanted to make sure he went well in the big ring. Every time he has shown, he has been fantastic. With my students, I always prefer to tune-up their horses and help them to feel incredible.

“Thriller P is one of the greatest horses in the barn,” he added.

The tough track asked many questions, yet Bluman and Thriller P exhibited several tidy turns and a deceivingly fast round, delivering the winning answer in the talented class. Bluman elaborated on the athleticism of Thriller P and how he felt the class rode overall.

“In the jump-off, yes I was quick, but on this horse you don’t realize how fast you are actually going,” Bluman commented. “In Florida, I had a very similar ride on him after WEF, where we also won the class. He covers a lot of ground and is very athletic, which is an unbeatable combination.”

Eugenio Garza and Empire Van Wuitenshof
Eugenio Garza and Empire Van Wuitenshof

Bluman went on to speak of the preparation and accuracy needed to excel in classes such as this, which showcased a talented group of international riders. He stated, “Part of my system at home is to practice a line, but do all different numbers of strides in-between those two jumps. We work on collecting and extending, along with gymnastics to teach the horses that those types of situations can happen at the show. We actually practiced something very similar last week to prepare for the four weeks of the Summer Series here at TIEC. That technique teaches the horses to be soft, adjustable, and careful, which helped him feel incredible today.”

Bluman was ecstatic with his win, but is already looking forward to Saturday night. He hopes his accomplished mount, Uitteraard, who he has been successful with at TIEC before, will rise to the occasion in the $130,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3*. Bluman spoke about Uitteraard, saying, “He is a part of my string and is coming off of a win. I feel very confident and I hope Saturday night goes well!”

Bluman and team now consider themselves locals, training out of a farm only minutes from the show, and will strive to be top contenders at TIEC for the remainder of the Summer Series. They also have plans to return for the 2016 Tryon Fall Series.

World-class show jumping and nationally rated hunter divisions will continue throughout the week at TIEC, consisting of a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $10,000 Pre-Green Hunter Classic on Friday, July 1. The highlight event on Friday, however, will be the first ever Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas (GCCC), which encourages guests and spectators to dress in costume representing this year’s super heroes theme! Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and competition will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The “Saturday Night Lights” series will return for weekend fun, beginning Saturday, July 2, and continuing four consecutive Saturdays through July 23. 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 the first-ever laser light show the Foothills region in the George H. Morris Arena in celebration of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

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

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.