Tag Archives: Candice King

Candice King and Cuchica Top $10,000 Horseware Ireland Open Jumper 1.45m at Tryon Summer 4

Candice King and Cuchica. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Kelsi Okun Captures First Career Derby Win in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Mill Spring, NC – July 17, 2015 – With a rest from FEI competition today, Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) was abuzz with Open, Junior, and Amateur jumper divisions throughout the day in the George H. Morris Arena at Tryon Stadium. Candice King of Wellington, FL and Cuchica, owned by Wyndmont Inc., topped the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.45m presented by Horseware Ireland. Kimberly Prince of Hume, VA and RMF Fara van de Maltahoeve finished in second with a time of 40.916 seconds and Richie Moloney of Wellington, FL collected third place aboard Ypaja Yando with a time of 42.774 seconds. FEI competition continues tomorrow at TIEC with the $127,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* beginning at 8pm. Gates will open to the public at 6pm.

King and Cuchica, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nintender x Luchica), laid down an early clear round, going second in the order and secured a double clear performance with their time of 40.852 seconds in the jump-off, which proved to be uncatchable.

“I’ve been riding him for six weeks now and he just moved up to this height about a week ago for his first 1.45m class and I’m so pleased with how he handled it today,” said King. “Manuel [Esparza] builds very well and I knew that it was going to be a strong ride. He doesn’t always need to build the biggest courses because they’re always strong solid courses.”

After forming a partnership over the past few weeks, King is thrilled with the way Cuchica has held his own in the bigger classes and is confident the gelding will continue to progress and improve, ultimately campaigning through the highest levels of grand prix competition.

“I knew I was going to have to be there for him throughout the course because I don’t want to put him in a bad situation at eight years old. He’s so honest I think he has everything you look for in a big time horse,” she explained. “I’m really excited for him and he just checks all of the boxes. When I walked it, I knew that I needed to be on my game.”

“I feel really comfortable with him and I was quite excited to go in there show him off. He’s incredibly talented and he has a very bright future,” she added.

King made a bold inside turn in the jump-off, which was untested by any competitor before she took to the ring. The risk was rewarded, as the turn helped to shave seconds of the clock and clinch the win.

“When I walked it with Michael [Dorman], we walked the turn and it seemed very doable. When I got to the in gate and saw it, it seemed like it may run a little tight and I didn’t want to over face him,” she explained. “Nobody was doing it and I asked around and didn’t get an overwhelming response about going for it and when I went in, my first goal was to go clean and then he just felt so great that I knew that I could take the shot. He answered the question and was right there with me. It felt really exciting for a nice young horse to step up in a class and moment like that.”

King also placed second in the $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby aboard All the Talk, owned by Mershad Stables, LLC, earlier in the morning. In her first hunter derby since 2008, King rode two beautiful rounds, which landed her just half a point outside of the winning position.

Kelsi Okun Captures First Career Derby Win in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Kelsi Okun, 17, of Mclean, VA, captured her first hunter derby victory in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Tryon Summer 4. Okun, aboard her own Consigliere, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Landlord x Famine De Thurin), scored an 85 in the first round and returned to the Reynolds Family Ring receiving an 86 in the second round, for a total score of 171. Candice King and All the Talk received a total score of 170.5 and Missy Yoder aboard Too Much Fun collected third, receiving a 169.5.

Kelsi Okun and Consigliere
Kelsi Okun and Consigliere

Okun was ecstatic to finish the class victorious, as the duo placed eighth in last week’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and felt they had put in two improved rounds today.

“This was my horse’s first neck ribbon ever and it just feels so special. He’s come such a long way since when we got him almost three and a half years ago,” she said. “It’s just an unreal feeling and I’m so excited for him to have gotten to this point.”

“The course was really straightforward and it made me focus on being accurate and showing off his derby stride, which I would say is a real highlight in his movement. I wanted give him the best ride possible because he’s a really cool horse and in the handy I just tried to be as neat as possible,” she continued.

The duo entered the handy round of competition in the third place position and Okun knew she would need to ride an accurate and smooth round to make up their four point deficit.

“I knew that there was a significant amount of points we needed to get to the lead and two people in front of me, so I needed to try and keep it as tight as possible if I wanted a chance to win it,” she explained. “This is the first year we’ve been really competitive because he had an injury that kept him out last year, which was disappointing, but he’s just been incredible so far this season.”

Okun’s ultimate goal is competing in a USHJA International Hunter Derby and has her sights set on it with Consigliere in the near future. “This is a really good step for us in that direction to get some experience and he’s just a sweet horse and wants to please. He’s built to do derbies and we wanted to make sure that we took advantage of everything the facility has to offer during our time here.”

Competition at TIEC continues tomorrow with the highlight $127,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* with gates opening to the public at 6pm and the competition beginning at 8pm. TIEC will also host an antique car show alongside the competition, which is open to the public. For more information about TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tryon-International-Equestrian-Center to be eligible for various contests and promotions.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.

Candice King and Valinski S Win the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix at Tryon Spring 6

Candice King and Valinski S. Photos ©Sportfot.

Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade Ride to Victory in Ariat Adult Medal

Mill Spring, NC – May 23, 2015 – Candice King of Wellington, FL and Valinski S brought home another victory at Tryon Spring 6 for Wyndmont, Inc. and trainer Ronnie Beard, this time topping the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix under the lights in George H. Morris Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). King and Angel Karolyi (VEN) were the only two riders to advance to the jump-off, going head to head for the victory. Tryon Spring 6 concludes tomorrow May 24, and the Tryon Spring Series will continue through June 7.

King and Valinski S made headlines with their previous win this past week in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.45m Welcome Stake, only the third time King had sat on the 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Nijinski x Rockina. The win today marks their fourth class together and the pair hasn’t placed outside of the top ten in their partnership thus far. The duo finished their first trip in 79.68 seconds and completed the jump-off in 50.705 to take the victory.

“I’m so thrilled with him. He’s been absolutely great. This is another great step in the partnership we’re creating with him,” said King. “We’ve got to discuss where we want to go but we do have plans for the next few weeks with him.”

The course designed by Florencio Hernandez (MEX) proved difficult for most riders as only two of 28 entries moved forward to the jump-off. The time allowed was adjusted to 82 seconds after the first three trips of the class, which challenged riders even more.

“Today’s course was very technical. It walked almost like it was a graph sheet, just very cornered and square. There wasn’t anything on a bending line so it was very straight and there were very few angles,” said King. “Today was definitely much more technical and the course wasn’t so big per say but there were some very scopey questions. Where and how Florencio set the distances made it ride so scopey which is why I think it was so difficult.”

Several fences proved tough for riders, most notably 10B, the second element in a tight one-strided line. The combination was the biggest test on course for riders and it drew significant attention during the course walk.

“There were a few combinations that I knew were going to be really tough. Fence 4, the plank fence, to the big oxer at Fence 5 caught a few and then also Fence 9 out of the corner because it was right towards the in gate and gave them a chance to bulge,” explained King. “I knew though that 10AB was the biggest question on the course and for me when I walked with some of my students and friends I said you have to line that up and get extremely straight and help your horses out because it was quite wide. It walked a little easy and then it was quite wide out.”

King was thrilled with her two rounds aboard Valinski S, as he was attentive and focused throughout the night in a large and intense atmosphere. The duo went first in the jump-off, putting the pressure on Karolyi and Raylyn Farm’s Venus, who ultimately dropped a rail to finish second. As for their future together, it is still undecided but the duo will contest the FEI CSI3* competition next week at Tryon Spring 7 and the CSI4* competition at Tryon Spring 8.

“You know I stepped in, as I said, for Michael to help them out and they’re great friends of mine and I have a lot of belief in them and their system. We’re planning on next week for the CSI3* and the CSI4* the week after,” commented King. “I’ll have Kismet 50 coming in on the CSI4* week and Bugatti VDL too, so we’re going to be very busy in the next few weeks. It’s really nice going into these next two FEI weeks with three horses and I have to see with Ronnie and Michael as a partnership where we’re going with everything, but he’s been fabulous.”

King had her hands full with second ride of the night, Bellissimo LLC’s Bugatti VDL, who was excited by the atmosphere entering the arena. The pair put in a strong round, only to drop the last fence on course. The environment provided by the night classes at TIEC serve as great experience for not only veteran riders and combinations but for greener horses too, according to King.

“The opportunities here are really incredible for riders and their horses. You have a chance to gain experience on any type of ride and like tonight, I learned from my ride on Bugatti, which will be so beneficial moving forward in the coming weeks,” said King, “A venue like this perfect and I’m so pleased with how everything rode this week. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade Ride to Victory in Ariat Adult Medal

Corey McLaughlin of Atlanta, GA and her longtime partner Bit of Masquerade topped the Ariat Adult Medal class at Tryon Spring 6, adding another strong performance in the series this year. The duo has made great strides in their relationship the past few years, which has greatly contributed to their growing success in the Ariat Adult Medal and the Amateur Hunter 18-36 Divisions.

“When I got back to showing him we clicked so much better than we had in the beginning when we first got him and we’ve been doing great,” said McLaughlin. “He’s such a lovable guy; he always wants to give kisses and he’s been so consistent, which is why I’m thrilled with our performance today.”

Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade
Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade

McLaughlin has spent her first two years at University of Tennessee, competing with Craig Allen of Wayside Farm, and the rising junior will be making the transition to Colorado State University this year, taking Bit of Masquerade with her to continue competing on the West Coast.

“I won’t be riding for the school, but I plan on continuing to compete while I’m there. We’re hoping to find a barn close to campus so that we can pick up where we leave off here when I head to school,” explained McLaughlin. “Winning this class is such a highlight because we’ve worked so hard and been through so much, it makes everything worth it.”

Bit of Masquerade isn’t the only horse that McLaughlin has under her guidance, but he remains her most reliable mount and one of her favorites. The duo made easy work of the first round of the Ariat Adult Medal and rode a solid round in the test portion of the class to take the win. The duo received a 76 for their first trip around the course and sealed the deal with an almost perfect test round.

“It’s so nice to know that he’s always going to be so great for me. At the end of the day I know he always going to give me a good ride, just like he did today.” said McLaughlin.

For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.

Candice King and Valinski S Take $25,000 Suncast 1.45m Welcome Stake at Tryon Spring 6

Candice King and Valinski S. Photo ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 21, 2016 – Candice King of Wellington, FL and Wyndmont Inc.’s Valinski S took home top honors in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.45m Welcome Stake today at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). This was the largest purse offered in the Suncast® Welcome Stake series so far this season and the class of 29 entries was one of the biggest classes the division has seen in the Tryon Spring Series. Tryon Spring 6 will continue with competition through Sunday, May 24, and the Tryon Spring Series will conclude on Sunday, June 7. The highlight class of the week, the second “Saturday Night Lights” event will take place Saturday, May 23, and will showcase the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix beginning at 6:30pm.

King and Valinski S rode a methodical and clean round in 68.828 seconds to move them forward to the 13-horse jump-off round. The jump-off did not see a double clear trip till nearly halfway through the order of go. The pressure was on, as King and her first mount, Zephyr, ran into trouble at the end of their ride, which led to elimination. King and Valinski S are beginning a very new partnership, as this is only the duo’s third class together.

“That class was a lot of fun. It’s only our third class together and honestly my third time ever sitting on him. Michael Dorman and Ronnie Beard asked me last week to help them out with him and Michael has been riding him in the days in between classes and in the morning. He has been doing an excellent job with him and it shows,” said King.

King and Valinski S bested a class of competitive riders preparing for the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix on Saturday. King and Valinski S will contest their second “Saturday Night Lights” competition of the season, looking to improve upon their fourth place finish last weekend.

“It’s my third course on him and I couldn’t be happier. I was double clean and we were fourth on Saturday night in the Grand Prix, so I was just thrilled,” she continued. “To go double clear again today is great and the horse is so talented. I’m looking forward to this weekend on him.”

The course, designed by Florencio Hernandez (MEX), proved difficult as rails were pulled throughout the course. King piloted both of her mounts through the first round of competition to the jump-off.

“I think Florencio did a beautiful job. I’ve jumped many courses of his and I think he’s very good at building a good course for what the competition is and it’s always strong enough but safe,” she said. “I walked it and there were some good questions and it was definitely strong enough for what the competitors were and you definitely had to ride.”

King will base herself at TIEC for the remainder of the summer and is looking forward to the many opportunities the facility has to offer riders and competitors of all levels.

“I lived in the Carolinas for a long time and loved it and we’ve always enjoyed being here. The people are great and it is just horse country. They’ve done a phenomenal job with this facility, you can’t knock anything,” commented King. “From the stabling to accessibility for the riders and the footing for the horses, all of the details are here so it’s been really exciting to be able to call this facility home.”

For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.

Candice King and Bugatti VDL Win $25,000 Grand Prix at Tryon Spring 3

Candice King and Bugatti VDL. Photos ©Sportfot.

Tryon, NC – May 4, 2015 – Competition at Tryon Spring 3 (April 30 – May 3), the third installment of the inaugural eight week spring series at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), concluded yesterday after a strong week of hunter and jumper competition. The Tryon Spring Series continues this week with Tryon Spring 4 beginning Thursday, May 7, and concluding Sunday, May 10. The final week of the Tryon Spring Series will be held from June 4-7 before the Tryon Summer Series begins on June 25.

Candice King of Wellington, FL and Bellissimo LLC’s Bugatti VDL put in a speedy round to take the victory in the Tryon Spring 3 $25,000 Grand Prix at TIEC, finishing nearly two seconds faster than the rest of the competition in the jump-off. Benjamin Rosichan of Tryon, NC and Gandor De Walput finished second in 39.717 seconds while Kristen Vanderveen of St. Charles, IL aboard Bull Run’s Testify placed third in 40.291 seconds.

King and Bugatti VDL finished their first round clean in 79.531 seconds, moving them forward to the five-horse jump-off, where they sealed the win with a fast and clean ride. The nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Silverstone x Uzamieka VDL) made easy work of the Pierre Jolicoeur designed course, producing one of four double clear rounds.

“I just started competing him and we thought this would be a great class for him to do because the footing is absolutely perfect here and we want to get him feeling comfortable at the level. Pierre [Jolicoeur] did a great job designing the course,” said King. “Right now I’m getting to know him and we’re starting to get our partnership going, but I’m just thrilled with how he handled everything.”

The jump-off course proved to be challenging for the riders, with several tight inside turns needed to finish competitively in the class. King rode fourth in the line-up and was thrilled with the effort Bugatti VDL gave her.

“There were a few difficult turns in the course and I’m still building a relationship with him so I figured it was a good opportunity to really go for the win and learn on him,” she said. “He just has a great mind and he’s so scopey and talented. Everything he does, he just wants to please you, which is great. We’re starting to get that mileage together and he was with me the entire time.”

The duo will compete again this coming week during the Tryon Spring 4 competition before setting their sights on the FEI CSI 3* to follow later in the month at TIEC.

“I really am looking forward to being here in Tryon for majority of the summer. This venue is the perfect place to develop young horses and young Grand Prix talent, and it is just an incredible place to stay. I’m so thankful to the Bellissimos for their continued support and all they have done to make this a truly world-class venue for our sport,” King expressed.

Amanda Forte and Rincoola Black Adder
Amanda Forte and Rincoola Black Adder

Jumper Highlights

The $25,000 Grand Prix concluded a full week of competition at Tryon Spring 3, which began on Thursday with Amanda Forte of Glenmore, PA aboard Cerulean Stables LLC’s Falcon sweeping all three rounds in the $1,000 1.20m Open Jumper presented by Animo. The duo produced one of five double clears in the first class of 16 entries, winning the jump off in 31.56 seconds. The pair added two more double clear rounds in the following classes to take home the Champion award for the division. Michael Dorman of Wellington, FL and Wyndmont Inc.’s Zaldorado captured the Reserve Champion honors.

Amanda Forte continued her success aboard Rincoola Black Adder with wins in both the $1,000 1.30m Open Jumper presented by Adequan® on Thursday and the $10,000 Suncast® Welcome Stake 1.45m on Friday. The 1.30m Open Jumper proved to be a competitive class with only five double clear trips, pressing riders for fast rounds. Doug Payne of Apex, NC and Michael Rubin’s Eli finished second just behind Forte in 31.016 seconds and Michael Dorman aboard Wyndmont Inc.’s Cas in third with a time of 35.716.

The $10,000 Suncast® Welcome Stake challenged competitors as only three pairs moved forward to the jump-off. Forte and Rincoola Black Adder took home the win finishing clear in 39.672 seconds followed by Kristen Vanderveen of St. Charles, IL aboard Bull Run’s Holy Smokes knocking a rail in the jump-off and finishing with a time of 40.306. Michael Dorman and Wyndmont Inc.’s Zephyr finished in third.

Michael Dorman continued his success during Tryon Spring 3, collecting wins aboard several different mounts in the $1,000 1.40 Open Jumper division. Dorman and Wyndmont Inc.’s Zephyr took home the win in the first round of division, finishing in 32.301 seconds. He also took home wins aboard Wyndmont Inc.’s IV Ever and Wyndmont Inc.’s Valinski S.

The $3,000 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult 1.10m Classic presented by Ariat® was won by Anna Reising of Fort Mills, SC board her own Celtic Fiddler, putting in two double clear rounds and finishing the jump-off in 33.143 seconds. Caitlin Gibbs, a Davidson, NC native, and Sue Gibbs’ Lingot D’or placed second and Helen Terranova of Memphis, TN finished in third aboard her own mount Creed.

Joyce Green of Melbourne, FL and Rieka B topped the $3,500 NAL Low Jr./AO Classic, which saw six entries move forward to the jump off. Green and her own Rieka B finished in 33.314 seconds to take the win, with Lily Hahn and Victoria VII, owned by Hahn, following in second, finishing the jump-off clear in 38.023 seconds. Green also placed third aboard Casino Royal PJ in 38.749 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

As the WCHR Week at Tryon Spring 5 approaches quickly, hunter riders prepared with several competitive classes throughout the week. Tommy Frick of Campobello, SC won the $500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Hunter Classic aboard Ruth Chester’s Hard to Be Humble. Isabelle Lombardozzi of Spartanburg, NC placed second with Percy MacMillan’s Space Cadet and finished in third on her own Consultation.

Frick and Hard to Be Humble also took the Child/Adult Hunter championship followed by Christine Rhodes of Hickory, NC aboard her own King Creole taking Reserve Champion honors for the division.

Competition continues at TIEC this week with Tryon Spring 4, beginning on Thursday, May 7 and continuing through Sunday, May 10. For more information and to see full results, please visit www.tryon.com.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become recognized as one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, and a covered riding facility. Future expansion includes a Sports Complex, two hotels, an 18-hole golf course and a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a summer haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.tryon.com.

Jumping Radio Show Episode 29 by Back on Track – Lauren Hough and Candice King

U.S. WEG Squad members Lauren Hough and Candice King join us this week to review their preparation for the games. Take a listen.

Jumping Radio Episode 29 – Show Notes and Links:

  • Show Host: Chris Stafford
  • Photo Credit: USEF
  • Guest: Lauren Hough
  • Guest: Candice King
  • Guest: USA Wins Calgary Nations Cup – for full results: www.sprucemeadows.com
  • World Equestrian Games Jumping Radio Show Recording Schedule at the Alltech Pavilion:
    (Recorded show will be posted within three hours of recording.)

    • Oct 5: Recording at 5-6 PM
    • Oct 7: Recording at 8-9 AM
    • Oct 9: Recording at 8-9 AM
    • Oct 10: Recording at 8-9 AM

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