Lily Epstein and Duncans Mill Mac Dougal Win $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby

Micheal Murphy and Catoki’s Son Z Zip to $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix Win

Colin Syquia and Wherewithal Top $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties

Carlee McCutcheon and KT Hedwich Claim $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Awards Charity 2 Perpetual Trophies

For Immediate Release

Connelly Grant and Sarah Madden for TIEC

MEDIA NOTE: As of Sunday, July 10th, Show Grounds Live is experiencing technical difficulties and therefore the results reflected for Summer 4/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity 2 may not be accurate at this time. Please accept our apologies; this issue is being resolved as quickly as possible and any scoring discrepancies should be resolved shortly.

Mill Spring, NC – July 11, 2022 – Colin Syquia (PHI) and Front Page claimed the win in Friday’s $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties as part of Tryon Summer 4/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity 2 competition. Syquia cinched the blue with a score of 383.5. Second went to Liza Boyd (USA) and MTM Hand Him Over, a 2012 Oldenburg gelding (Diarado x Cenposa), owned by Rebekah Warren, with a score of 382.25. Claiming third was Patricia Griffith (USA) and Silver Lining, a 2014 Westphalian gelding (Los Angeles x Coronia) owned by Callie Seaman, scoring a 374.

Colin Syquia and Front Page
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

Front Page, the 2014 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Vigo D’Arsouilles x Cartagena Indias Ecaussinnes), has been with Syquia since he was three years old. “It’s kind of a cool story; I bought him as a three year old in Europe, and kept him there and developed him. His current owner [Cynthia Sulzberger] purchased him there and we’ve been developing him since he was basically three-and-a-half. We’ve done everything from baby greens, to pre-greens, now he’s in his first year and just started doing his first international derbies in Wellington.”

Liza Boyd and MTM Hand Him Over
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

The course allowed Front Page to flow and show off his stellar jump, even to some trickier obstacles. “The course was nice, it was kind of free-flowing. There weren’t any real related distances except for the combinations,” Syquia explained. “I thought that jump one was a little unique, it was a triple bar, and jump two was sort of a stand-alone grass wall with no standards next to the VIP area, where there were quite a few people. And then the rest of it was kind of just nice and flowing.”

Patricia Griffith and Silver Lining
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

The duo tackled the combination in the middle of the in-gate with ease. “You had to work your way up there,” Syquia commented, “And it’s always a little bit hard when it’s near the in-gate and the horses kind of push off to the side, so it’s really something you have to kind of direct and hold, and make sure they come out nicely.”

Colin Syquia and Front Page in their presentation ceremony alongside TIEC Director of Business Development Lynn Penny, Tryon Riding & Hunt Club President Angie Millon, Ringmaster Steve Rector, and presenting sponsors Meg Atkinson and Damian Hall.
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

Syquia said that Front Page has been destined for an International Derby win. “He’s been knocking on the door now for a little while. We went to Devon and he was third in the derby there, then we came back here [to Tryon] the next week and he was second in the $40,000. He just was so handy and so amazing. This time I just wanted to go out and have the most smooth, efficient round; just let him show his jump, and just be real fluid with it, and he did everything I asked!”

“I just want to thank his owner,” Syquia concluded, “for letting me develop him. He’s just amazing.”

For full results from the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties, click here.

Lily Epstein and Duncans Mill Mac Dougal Win $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby

July 9, 2022 – Lily Epstein (Coral Gables, FL) rode Duncans Mill Mac Dougal to claim the win over 52 entries in Saturday’s $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, scoring 177 points over two rounds to top the ultra-competitive highlight class of the sixth annual Pony Spectacular at TIEC. In second place and scoring 171 points, Katherine Mercer (Wellington, FL) and Goldhills As You Like It, the 2008 Welsh Pony mare (Gayfields Call the Cops x Goldhills As You Wish), claimed the reserve rosette for owner Vivian Golden. Lulu Wells (Wilmington, NC) rode Heaven’s Gift, the 2009 Welsh Pony gelding of unknown breeding and owned by Glade Run Farm LLC, to third place on a score of 170.5.

Lily Epstein and Duncans Mill Mac Dougal
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

“I got him recently in the beginning of WEF,” Epstein said about her winning pony, a 2009 Welsh Pony/Thoroughbred cross gelding (Lands End Adonis x Macs Rosebud) owned by GC Ponies, LLC. “I rode him as a catch ride and then I got him to lease him. Ali Sweetnam helped me work with him in the beginning and now still. He’s Robin Greenwood’s pony.”

Katherine Mercer and Goldhills As You Like It
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

Epstein was focused on holding Mac’s leads during her classic round that launched her to first place. “I watched the International Derby yesterday and it was similar, so that was cool. For the first round, I tried to focus on holding his lead because he swaps sometimes. I was also focused on keeping him up and riding through the corners. I tried to have a nice ride and not to make any big moves.”

Epstein’s handy strategy was to ride smoothly and not take any drastic measures, she detailed. “Since I was coming back [into the handy] with the top score I didn’t want to make any big moves. I took all the inside turns I could, and I tried to be super smooth with both of them.”

Lulu Wells and Heaven’s Gift
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

“My goals are to hopefully do well in the USEF Pony Finals this year, and go to indoors,” Epstein said. “I want to have really good rounds. I’m building a bond with Mac, and he’s been really good, so [my goal is] to keep having that with him and my other pony. And just to do well in all the big stuff and do well with my horse.”

Lily Epstein and Duncans Mill Mac Dougal in their presentation ceremony alongside TIEC Director of Equestrian Operations Molly Oakman and Ringmaster Steve Rector.
©Tyler Graham for TIEC

“I love Tryon, and I’ve been coming here for a really long time; I think this is my fifth year here showing during the Summer Series! I’ve had Deja Blue, my other pony, every time I’ve been here. This is Mac’s first time. I really like the venue, barns, SNL and the food. I’ve done the stall decorating contest in past years and that’s been really fun. I just really like it here; it’s one of my favorite shows.”

For full results from the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, click here.

Micheal Murphy and Catoki’s Son Z Zip to $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix Win

July 10, 2022 – Michael Murphy (Apopka, FL) and Catoki’s Son Z zipped through the jump off in a time of 34.37 seconds to win Sunday’s $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix in Tryon Stadium. TJ O’Mara (Ocala, FL) and Kassiodam, Caroline Blake’s 2012 Anglo-European Warmblood mare (Luidam x Silwa Kassiopaja), cleared the short course in a time of 35.17 seconds for reserve honors, while third place went to David Blake (Wellington, FL) and Nixon van D’Abelendreef, the 2013 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Diamant de Semilly x Unknown) owned by Pine Hollow Farm, for their 35.63-second performance.

Michael Murphy and Catoki’s Son Z
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

Thirty entries challenged the Alan Wade (IRL) course design, with six pairs returning for the jump-off. Murphy acknowledged that he had almost not entered the class and decided to take a shot with the 2009 Zangersheide gelding (Catoki x Vanis) owned by Esperanza Imports LLC at the last minute.

“It’s a full-circle thing. We had him, and then he got sold, and Esperanza Imports bought him back for me to ride, so I’m really thankful to them,” Murphy detailed, continuing to explain that the gelding is coming back into competition after a break. “It’s funny; we almost didn’t enter the class, so I’m glad that we did! I’m extremely thankful to Ilan Ferder and Frank and Lisa Ahearn for everything they do for me.

TJ O’Mara and Kassiodam
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

“I thought the first round was good for him,” Murphy recapped, reviewing his rounds. “He got a little rank at the end; he gets a little strong sometimes and then he goes sideways. But, to be honest, he warmed up really focused for the jump off, and I got everything that I asked for in the jump off.”

David Blake and Nixon van D’Abelendreef
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

While Murphy couldn’t point to a specific advantage he had over his jump-off competitors, he noted that everything showed up well despite some daring turns:

“I got a really good [approach to the] skinny for the rollback to the oxer, which gave me a good angle on the vertical. And then, everything just showed up,” he said. “I almost left one out to the last fence, but then I didn’t see it so I added, and got a little lucky there.”

Michael Murphy and Catoki’s Son Z in their presentation ceremony alongside Ringmaster Steve Rector.
©Emily Thurner for TIEC

In the midst of a sold out remainder of the Tryon Summer Series, Murphy and his string utilized Tryon Summer 4 as a pit stop on their way north, and he complimented the venue for his experience. “It’s been really nice this week. All the horses have jumped very well, and the footing in this ring is phenomenal. It’s been really fun to jump here! We’ll layover for a couple more days here before heading to Michigan for a month.”

For full results from the $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix, click here.

Colin Syquia and Wherewithal Top $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties

July 8, 2022 – Colin Syquia (Wellington, FL) and Wherewithal topped the $5,000 USHJA Open Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties, scoring double 92s to a total of 184. The red ribbon also went to Syquia, this time with Delta de la Rasse, a 2013 Selle Francais gelding (Scendix x Palma Nova) owned by Everlong LLC. Delta de la Rasse jumped to a score of 171. Rounding out the top three was Jennifer Bliss (Wellington, FL) and Dandelion Farm LLC’s Flight, a 2013 Holsteiner mare (Connor x Timelight). The duo scored a 169.5 to claim the yellow rosette.

Colin Syquia and Wherewithal
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

Syquia explains that Wherewithal’s success in the derby ring was a long time coming. “I was doing some national derbies with him in Florida. At the tail end of the Florida circuit, he was really knocking at the door: he was third, fourth, fifth, et cetera, and then here he was third again just three weeks ago.” Wherewithal is a 2011 Zangersheide gelding (Chamberlain Z x Ulimoga), and is owned by Christina Mohr.

Colin Syquia and Delta de la Rasse
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

“He’s one of my client’s horses, and he was doing the pre-greens last year,” said Syquia about his winning mount. “His owner is fantastic. He’s just coming into his own; he’s fun, super handy and really loves the derbies.”

Jennifer Bliss and Flight
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

Syquia boasted about his love of Tryon International Equestrian Center as well, saying, “We love coming here. We came here directly from Wellington for a couple weeks, then I ended up coming back after Devon for the big derby and the derby on the grass. I am back here again and we will come in the fall as well.”

Colin Syquia and Wherewithal in their presentation ceremony alongside Ringmaster Steve Rector.
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

Syquia’s affinity for TIEC is not merely due to his successes in the derby ring, he concluded. “I love it here because it has everything: we can show in the national and international derbies, FEI, and open jumpers. It’s great for little kids and adults, there’s something for everybody. Plus, with the green space to ride it’s fantastic.”

For full results from the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties, click here.

Carlee McCutcheon and KT Hedwich Claim $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties

July 8, 2022 – Carlee McCutcheon (Aubrey, TX) and KT Hedwich jumped to the blue in Friday’s $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties with a two-round score of 174. Reserve honors went to Dawson Amick (Marvin, NC) and Ocorden, a 2009 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Ocordo x Argentina), with a total score of 171.5. Third was Aly Muir (Allison Park, PA) and Kid Safari DH, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Va-Vite x Tafary Quidam) owned by Fedela Farm LLC, scoring a 170.5.

Carlee McCutcheon and KT Hedwich
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

McCutcheon explained that this was a big win for KT Hedwich, as this was his second time showing since Maclay Finals in October. “This is actually his second show back; he hasn’t shown since Maclay Finals due to injury. He’s such a sweet horse for me, doing the international derby, national derbies and equitation, so I love him.”

Dawson Amick and Ocorden
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

McCutcheon used her mistakes from the classic round to lead her to a high-scoring handy round, she revealed. “In the classic round, I could have ridden a little better. I got excited going to the last jump, and he swapped. But, in the handy round I think that helped me because I was more aware of it and I was able to hold him on his lead.”

Aly Muir and Kid Safari DH
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

“He’s really good at the handy rounds,” McCutcheon explained about her partner of two years. “With his equitation experience, he’s so much fun, and I could really trust him at the hand gallop. He’s so much fun to show!”

Carlee McCutcheon and KT Hedwich in their presentation ceremony alongside Ringmaster Steve Rector.
©Bailey Beck for TIEC

“I love it here,” McCutcheon expressed about TIEC. “I wish we were staying here longer! It’s been so fun. I love showing my jumpers in the big ring, and it’s just a great place for all the different levels. It’s fun to show here, and I love it!”

For full results from the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties, click here.

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Awards Charity 2 Perpetual Trophies

The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity 2 Grand Prix Trophy was given to Sharn Wordley for his win with Valentine Car in the $139,000 Coca-Cola® Grand Prix CSI 3*.

For his win in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Meg and Damian Fine Homes & Equestrian Properties aboard Front Page, Colin Syquia was awarded the Shade Tree Farm Perpetual Trophy.

©Reagan Ibach for TIEC

The Holmberg Trophy, presented to the Grand Green Hunter Champion, was awarded to Affirm, owned by Parker Peacock and ridden by Victoria Colvin.

The Grand 3’6” Junior Hunter Champion was bestowed the Eleanor Moffit Trophy, with the perpetual trophy going to Golden Years, owned and ridden by Mary Caroline Nolan.

©Tyler Graham for TIEC

The Brownlands Graduation Day Trophy was awarded to the Grand Regular Pony Hunter Champion, Goldhills As You Like It, owned and ridden by Katherine Mercer.

©Tyler Graham for TIEC

Bolero D’Armanville, owned and ridden by Grace Ann Nolan, received the Stoney Knoll Trophy for their Grand Children/Adult Jumper Championship performance.

The Will Do Trophy, presented to the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion, was named to The Silver Screen, owned and ridden by Payton Porter.

Receiving the Barbara Jimenez Trophy, Stephanie King and Limitless were the High Point Adult Amateur Champions from both Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity 1 and 2.

The Laughin Place Trophy for the Grand 3’6” Amateur/Owner Hunter Champion went to Silver Lining, owned and ridden by Callie Seaman.

For the Grand Children’s Hunter Champion, the Penny Ante Trophy was presented to As Ever, ridden by Khloe McSwain and owned by Ella Trotz.

MEDIA NOTE: As of Sunday, July 10th, Show Grounds Live is experiencing technical difficulties and therefore the results reflected for Summer 4/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity 2 may not be accurate at this time. Please accept our apologies; this issue is being resolved as quickly as possible and any scoring discrepancies should be resolved shortly.

The Tryon Summer Series continues through July 24, 2022 with two weeks of Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation competition remaining in the six-week series. Competitions are open to the public and highlight classes are live streamed at www.Tryon.com/streaming. Competition information for 2022 can be found at www.Tryon.com/compete. 

Photos ©TIEC (Bailey Beck, Tyler Graham, Reagan Ibach, and Emily Thurner as noted). These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. TIEC Photography serves as the official photographer and competitors may view and purchase photos, as well as submit advance photography requests at www.Tryon.com/photos. With questions, contact media@tryon.com.
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