Tryon January Series Recap:

Nicole Begley and Morocco take the win in the $1,500 Hunter Classic

Tryon Winter Encore: McCay Vick and Epiloque Top the 2’ Non Pro Derby 

Tryon Winter Premier: $1,500 Hunter Classic Win Goes to Tommi Clark and No Excuses  

Abbie Miller and Tango Take Top Prize in the 2’ Non Pro Derby

Updated Release

Lily Yampolsky for TIEC

Mill Spring, NC – January 24, 2023 – January at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) featured two local shows hosted in the Indoor Arena: Tryon Winter Premier and Tryon Winter Encore. The two Hunter/Jumper competitions began the 2023 show season with BRHJA, NCHJA, and SCHJA rated competition, allowing for competitors to ride indoors and compete in a relaxed environment. The show series also features select indoor schooling days open to the public as well as trainer days for professionals wanting to rent indoor space for groups. Read below for highlights from the Tryon Winter Series!

©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

Nicole Begley (Cornelius, NC) and her own Morocco took the win in the $1,500 Hunter Classic with a total score of 155. In second place was Zoe Crawford (Boston, MA) and Ann Rittenhouse’s K.B.S. Quick Strike with a score of 151. In third with a score of 150 was Lauren Miller (Blountville, TN) and her own Awesome Anna.

Nicole Begley and Morocco
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

Lewis Pack’s course was contested by 22 entries with Nicole Begley taking the win after earning a 78 in the classic portion and a 77 in the handy portion of the hunt-and-go format. 

Zoe Crawford and K.B.S. Quick Strike
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

“[My round] was really good,” Begley remarked, “[Morocco] just came in and was listening. It is such a big fun ring and he loves a nice forward galloping derby. We just had fun. For the handy portion, we sometimes struggle with the trot jump, but he was really great today. There weren’t a lot of chances to go inside turns on the course, so we were able to take the one inside turn from the second to third jump in the handy round.”

Lauren Miller and Awesome Anna
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

“[Morocco] is a five year old Dutch Warmblood. He was an internet purchase during COVID. I bought him as a three year old stallion and he is the best internet purchase ever. I’ve had him for almost three years now. We started doing the little 2ft classes because he was still a baby, so this is his first year doing 2’9″.”

Nicole Begley and Morocco in their presentation ceremony.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

While Begley is no stranger to TIEC, she is a newcomer to showing in the indoor arena saying, “This is my first time showing at TIEC in the indoor. It’s been great. Especially today when it is 37 degrees out and raining, it’s much nicer to be in here than outside. I just love coming here whether it is summertime or wintertime”

For full results from the $1,500 Hunter Classic, click here.

McCay Vick and Epiloque Top the 2’ Non Pro Derby

January 21, 2023 – McCay Vick (Greenville, SC) and Erin Connolly’s Epiloque led the way in the 2’ Non Pro Derby with a score of 149. In second was Emma Thompson (Columbia, SC) and her own Miss Demeanor with a score of 148. Marjorie Atkins (Troutman, NC) and Jennifer Atkins’ Musette finished in the third place position with a total score of 138.

McCay Vick and Epiloque in their presentation ceremony.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

For full results from the 2’ Non Pro Derby, click here.

The $1,500 Hunter Classic (Hunt & Go) Win Goes to Tommi Clark and No Excuses 

January 14, 2023 – Tommi Clark (Tryon, NC) took the win in the $1,500 Hunter Classic aboard Stephen Border’s No Excuses with a total score of 166. Caroline Hall (Bostoc, NC) and her own Auto Correct finished in the second position with a score of 162. Finishing in the third position was Ashley Conkle (Wellford, SC) and Laura Hunt’s Return to Me with a score of 155.

Tommi Clark and No Excuses
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

For full results from the $1,500 Hunter Classic, click here.

Abbie Miller and Tango Take Top Prize in the 2’ Non Pro Derby

January 14, 2023 – Abbie Miller (Pelzer, SC) and her own Tango finished on a total score of 144 to lead the way in the $500 2’ Non Pro Derby. In the second place position was Maggie Osborne (Granite Falls, NC) and Esther Sutherland’s She’s Not Shy with a score of 142. Sophia Smith (Columbus, NC) and Katie McDaniel’s Aftershock finished in the third position with a score of 137.

 Abbie Miller and Tango in their presentation ceremony.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography

For full results from the 2’ Non Pro Derby, click here.

The winter competition series continues in February with two unrated Hunter/Jumper competitions in the Indoor Complex at TIEC.

Photos ©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. Official show photos can be viewed and purchased at nataliesutophotography.shootproof.com. With questions, please contact media@tryon.com.