Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready Sweep CCI 3*-S Division

Doug Payne and Fenix Rouge Du Claux Lead All Weekend in CCI 2*-S Division

Marissa Griffin and Conguistador Conquer their first CCI 1*-S

Will Coleman and Tamie Smith Top Advanced Divisions

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah Cruise to Win Open Preliminary

Julia Fanello and FE Clooney Fly to Modified Division Win

Anna Wallace Scores 22.9 with Kalaska in Beginner Novice Rider

Open Beginner Novice Belongs to Deborah Snyder and Ten Indian

For Immediate Release

Sarah Madden for TIEC

Mill Spring, NC – April 10, 2022 – The twentieth edition of the The Fork, hosted at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) since 2017, featured an exciting repeat win for Doug Payne and Vandiver in the CCI 4*-S Division, with optimum time breaking a tie between Payne and his USA Eventing teammate Phillip Dutton aboard Z. The weekend was full of personal bests and celebrations across all levels, with 225 entries kicking off the first Eventing competition of the season at TIEC. Read below to hear from competitors and view results.

Doug Payne and Vandiver Double Up on CCI 4*-S Wins at The Fork at TIEC

Repeating their 2021 win at The Fork, Doug Payne (USA) and Vandiver climbed from seventh to top of the pack, producing the fastest Cross-Country round of the day in the CCI 4*-S Division to clinch the win on a score of 30.8. Meanwhile, Phillip Dutton (USA) and Z, the 2008 Zangersheide gelding (ASCA x Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by Evie Dutton, Ann Jones, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, Thomas Tierney, and David and Patricia Vos, added just 2.8 points to their previous score of 28 to also achieve a score of 30.8. With Payne’s more optimum time across the Captain Mark Phillips (GBR) course design, he won the tie-breaker. Will Coleman (USA) and Off the Record, 2009 Irish Sport Horse Gelding (VDL Arkansas x Ard Ohio) owned by Off The Record Syndicate, claimed third place honors on a score of 31.2 to round out the podium.

Doug Payne and Vandiver
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Payne and the 2004 Trakhener gelding (Windfall 2 x Mystic Replica XX) owned by Debi Crowley, Doug and Jessica Payne, are longtime partners, knowing each other “inside and out,” Payne shared. Using the weekend as a prep for spring competitions and as a fitness test, “the conditions were just about perfect,” he raved. “The ground was awesome, big course and everything. It was the perfect opportunity to move along a bit and use [the run] not only to sharpen up a bit, but use it as a fitness round as well. He was excellent.”

Phillip Dutton and Z
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Piloting numerous international and national level horses throughout the weekend, Payne complemented the venue for the education opportunities offered to his young jumpers in particular. “I think it’s obviously a wonderful venue. And I think it’s super helpful, especially for the young horses to be able to jump in the stadium on that Thursday. And you know, we just always look forward to coming back.”

Will Coleman and Off the Record
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Payne also guided Quantum Leap, the 2011 Zweibrücker gelding (Quite Capitol x Corporate Report), through the CCI 4*-S Division owned by Doug and Jessica Payne, producing positive jumping rounds after a “disappointing” day in the sandbox to start for the promising equine athlete. “He got a little bit nervous in Dressage the other day, and that was disappointing, but frankly, he just [exceled] today in Cross-Country. He’s super exciting, because he’s 11 now, and [while] he did two five-stars last year, he’s one that should turn the corner here in the next little bit, and I think he’s going to be a truly formidable competitor soon.”

Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready Sweep CCI 3*-S Division

The only CCI 3*-S Division duo to post a double clear round, Morgan Batton (USA) and I’m Sew Ready jumped from eighth place to the win on a score of 33.2. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley kept their reserve placing, adding 3.6 time faults for a total score of 34.4 with the 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Dallas VDL x Unknown) owned by Ocala Horse Properties, while Samantha Tinney (USA) achieved third place with her own Glenbrook Cooley, the 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare (Cassidee x Prospect Pride), on a score of 40.8.

Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Batton and her own 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lupicor x Elcaro) had a foot-perfect day on the Cross-Country course set by Captain Mark Phillips, and she was “truly surprised” by the win, she revealed. “The course was so awesome. The footing is always perfect here at Tryon! I was really able to get galloping and going. It rode so well. The jumps were beautifully appointed and it was tons of fun. He jumped [from eighth] into first, which was truly a surprise for me.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Batton and “Jackson” have been clicking in the Dressage ring lately, she shared, but had positive experiences across all three phases, she reflected. “It was a fabulous weekend. I was really happy with my horse in all three phases. I felt like he put in a good Dressage test. Our partnership is coming together in that phase,” Batton elaborated.

“He’s a super Show Jumper, so he’s always really good at holding up his end of the bargain. He was super sharp on Saturday, and really on top of it today.”

Samantha Tinney and Glenbrook Cooley
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Payne was highly complimentary of Batton for her job well done. “I have to say, to have Morgan win was super special. She’s been a friend and client of ours for a while and she does a great job with him. I mean, clearly! She’s a super competitor, and she really wants to succeed. And it’s exciting to see her coming up the levels.”

Doug Payne and Fenix Rouge Du Claux Lead All Weekend in CCI 2*-S Division

With a wire-to-wire win, Doug Payne (USA) and Fenix Rouge Du Claux ended their weekend on a score of 29.9 for the win in CCI 2*-S competition. Their nearest competitors were Caitlin Romeo (USA) and Fernhill B Good, her own 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ramiro B x Lord de Luxe), posting a score of 40.2 for reserve. In third, Victoria Hain (USA) and her own Bounce Pass, the 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding of unknown breeding, jumped clear with 6.4 time faults to finish on a score of 50.3.

Doug Payne and Fenix Rouge Du Claux
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Payne and the 2015 Selle Francais gelding (Chef Rouge x Fleuron de Dun) owned by Anna Antrobius have been working together this winter for a little tune-up, with The Fork as his final challenge before returning to Antrobius. “Her goal in sending him to us was for this competition to be the primary focus, and so I’m excited to be able to bring home the win for her with him,” Payne reported. “He’s a very talented horse and I think a horse that will be great for her going forward.”

Marissa Griffin and Conguistador Conquer their first CCI 1*-S

Contesting her first CCI 1*-S, Marissa Griffin and Conguistador, her own 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Van Gough x Haarlem), finished on a score of 28.7 for the win after a double-clear Cross-Country round. Sandra Holden (USA) and Evil Munchkin, her own 2003 Holsteiner gelding (Clearway x Caretino), notched reserve on a score of 33.6, while third went to Ashton Benefiel (USA) riding Kingston Van Meerzicht, the 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Harley VDL x Indoctro) owned by Ashton Brooke Benefiel, to a final tally of 35.5.

Marissa Griffin and Conguistador
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Will Coleman and Tamie Smith Top Advanced Divisions

The Advanced Test A Division saw Will Coleman (USA) ride Don Dante, the 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Pachio x Unknown) owned by Team Rebecca, LLC, to a win on a score of 40.5. Scoring 49.2, Doug Payne (USA) and Starr Witness, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood mare (Chello III VDL x Veneur) owned by Laurie H. McRee, Doug Payne and Catherine Winter, claimed reserve on the week, while Sarah Kuhn (USA) rode Mr. Cash van de Start to third, scoring 53.1 with the 2012 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Deauville van de Start x Toulon) owned by Deborah Kuhn.

Will Coleman and Don Dante
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Tamie Smith (USA) and Mai Baum, the 2006 German Sport Horse gelding (Loredano 2 x Rike) owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell, led wire-to-wire in the Advanced Test B Division to end on a score of 23.9, posting the fastest time on Cross-Country in their section. Leslie Law (GBR) and Voltaire De Tre, the 2009 Selle Francais gelding (Gentleman IV x Socrate De Chivre) owned by Tre Book, kept a firm grip on the reserve slot through all phases, ending their weekend on a total of 36.1. John Michael Durr (USA) claimed third with Blue Rodeo, the 2010 Warmblood gelding (Peter Pan x Sophie) owned by Bill Hay, after adding 26.8 in time faults to his score for a total of 72.9.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah Cruise to Win Open Preliminary

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah, her own 2009 Oldenburg gelding (Chambertin x Senna), jumped double-clear in Tryon Stadium to clinch their win in the Open Preliminary Division with a score of 26.3. Ariel Grald took second and third place, going double clear on both horses to maintain her phase two standings: Claire Williams’ 2016 Irish Sport Horse mare (Future Trend x Ballymolloy Hollyhock), In Vogue, maintained their reserve placing and score of 29.2 for reserve, while Grald rode Belline Cavalary Man, the 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R x Cavalier Cloe) owned by Anne Eldridge, to a score of 31.1 and third place honors.

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Julia Fanello and FE Clooney Fly to Modified Division Win

Julia Fanello and her own FE Clooney scored a win in the Modified Division after a rocky start at the beginning of the week, finishing on a 26.8. Adalee Ladwig and Santiago, her own 2009 Oldenburg gelding (Balta Czar x Unknown), improved to second place on a total score of 30.3, while Lily Ervin and Terrapin Station, her own 2010 Thoroughbred gelding (Dance with Ravens x City Terms), earned third place honors on a score of 31.0. Tying with Ervin in score but finishing farther from the optimum Cross-Country time, Fanello also piloted FE Prince of Darkness, her own 2014 Holsteiner gelding, to a double-clear for fourth place after the tiebreaker.

Julia Fanello and FE Clooney
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Fanello and “George,” the 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Crunch x V-Mona Lisa) almost didn’t compete this weekend after FE Clooney didn’t travel well, she revealed. “When I got here, he was feeling a little off after the long drive. But we definitely finished on a really good note, that’s for sure! Both my horses are babies, and I’ve brought them up since they were five. So for them to come out in this kind of environment and handle it like it was nothing was really awesome. I’m really proud of both of them, but especially George. He’s come a long way.”

With the win, Farnello will plan on moving up with FE Cooley at her next event, she shared. A positive experience on the White Oak Cross-Country course solidified that decision. “It was definitely one of the best courses I’ve ever run. I haven’t been here since 2016 at the AECs (American Eventing Championships) and it was awesome back then, but the course is even more awesome now!”

She admitted that she was a bit nervous for how her green horses would handle the formidable track, but raved about their performances. “Because I brought two of my own that I had brought up the levels, I was kind of nervous going in, since it’s not an easy course by any means. So, some of the questions are pretty tough, but it was literally one of my favorite courses ever. It was so smooth. I was literally smiling the whole time, and having so much fun. It was awesome. I love it out here.”

As a Floridian, Farnello appreciated the weather for its aid in keeping her horses cool, even if it was “not fun as a human being,” she joked. “Especially the weather was great – for the horses, it was perfect. They ran so well in that weather. Normally this time of year at home you’re cooling and scraping and walking and hosing just to keep their temperatures down. But here it was so nice, and they recovered so well. Yeah, I had like four jackets on at the warm-up, but the horses were great!”

Farnello concluded with a heartfelt thank-you to the people who made The Fork at TIEC possible, from her coach, Ariel Grald, “who helped bring out the best” in her horses, to the volunteers and organizers. “I just want to say thank you to all the volunteers, who were all so friendly. Everyone here was so friendly. Every rider I passed wished me a good ride or told me I did a good job. Everyone just had a smile on their face, and all the volunteers were so polite and quick. Everything was so organized, which I appreciate because I know things can be chaotic sometimes. It all went so smoothly. The facilities were beautiful and amazing!”

Anna Wallace Scores 22.9 with Kalaska in Beginner Novice Rider

Receiving the lowest overall score of the weekend, Anna Wallace rode her own Kalaska, a 2015 Trakehner mare (Ivanhoe x Koko K), to a score of 22.9 after two double-clear rounds in the Beginner Novice Rider Division. Catherine Costello and Kegan MacCruise, the 2007 Irish Draught Sport Horse stallion (Macha Breeze RID x Eireannn Cruise Ridsh) owned by Megan Gillenwater, combined for a total score of 27.7 on the weekend in second place. Third went to Tiffany Stewart riding her own Crimson Clover, who also finished sub-30 for a total score of 29.1 with the 2011 gelding of unknown breeding.

Anna Wallace and Kalaska
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

Open Beginner Novice Belongs to Deborah Snyder and Ten Indian

Deborah Snyder and Ten Indian, the 2010 Thoroughbred gelding owned by Sarah Dorman, were the weekend’s champions in the Open Beginner Novice Division, scoring 24.7 in Dressage and protecting their lead through three phases. Brie Murray and Fernhill Ranga Tanga, the 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Sibon W x Sarah’s Glory) owned by Brigid Murray, received reserve honors on a score of 25.6. Sierra Shurtz and Mantua, the self-owned 2015 Thoroughbred gelding of unknown breeding, rounded out the podium on a total score of 28.8.

Deborah Snyder and Ten Indian
©Shannon Brinkman Photography

For full results from The Fork at TIEC, click here.

Eventing will return to TIEC with CCI 4*-1*-L competition hosted May 11-15, with more information available shortly at www.Tryon.com/eventing.

Photos ©Shannon Brinkman. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. With questions, contact media@tryon.com.