Liza Boyd On Top in USHJA International Hunter Derby to Secure the USHJA International Hunter Derby Rider Bonus presented by Equiline
For Immediate Release
Sarah Madden and Rette Solomon for Tryon International
October 18, 2024 – Liza Towell Boyd (Camden, SC) and Crooner Brimbelles Z (Windows VH Costersveld x Rare des Brimbelles Z) claimed top honors in Friday’s $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Equiline, scoring 366 points over two rounds. Boyd also piloted Ondine D’Orleans (Vigo D'arsouilles x Coco Chanel Z), the Finally Farm, Inc.’s 2014 Belgian Warmblood mare, to a score of 358 for reserve honors. Victoria Free (Fayetteville, GA) and Step Up (Cabana x Speak Up), the 2016 Hanoverian gelding owned by Andrea Block, rounded out the podium on a score of 347 points.
The win also clinched a series title for Boyd, adding to her well established first place position on the USHJA International Hunter Derby Rider Bonus leaderboard and securing her the grand prize of an Equiline E5 Saddle. Finishing the series with 430 points, Boyd was announced as the overall winner, with Fabian Herrera (Charlotte, NC) in second place with 290 points. As runner up, Herrera was awarded an Equiline Scott Stewart Signature Bridle.
Liza Boyd and Crooner Brimbelles Z
©Leyla Caynak for Natalie Suto Photography
Both Crooner Brimbelles Z and Ondine D’Orleans are newcomers to the Hunter world, and are seeing a wealth of success with Liza Boyd in the irons. “I did their first derbies on both of them in the spring, so we've gotten a lot of experience together over the summer,” Boyd explained. “We did Derby Finals together – Crooner was second in the Derby Finals, and Ondine made a green mistake in the handy round at Derby Finals, so I’m really happy with how well she came back and handled this handy round.”
Liza Boyd and Ondine D’Orleans
©Leyla Caynak for Natalie Suto Photography
During the Tryon Fall Series presented by Coca-Cola, Hunter riders have enjoyed numerous opportunities to show in a range of environments. “I have to thank the horse show and JP Godard for giving us this derby,” Boyd expressed after her derby win. “I also appreciate that the hunters could show in the indoor – we don't get the chance to show indoors much, so I feel like that sets us up nicely for the National Horse Show in two weeks. Getting to go on the grass field sets us up really well for Wellington as well! I can't thank the show enough for giving hunters these nice opportunities to prepare us for championships and other derbies for the future.”
Victoria Free and Step Up
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography
Despite the triumphs achieved on Tryon International’s derby field, Boyd was keen to mention the realities she faced before her big win. “People like to hear about wins, but I also think they like to hear that the struggle that we all have as riders is real! When Ondine came in here this morning, the squirrel [ornaments] were the only things out here. There were no jumps, and she kind of lost her mind for a minute – rightfully so!” Boyd thanked barn manager Randi Button for assisting in getting Ondine D’Orleans more comfortable in the derby field environment ahead of her impressive second place finish.
As the winner of USHJA International Hunter Derby Rider Bonus, Boyd is taking home a new Equinline E5 Saddle. “I’m thrilled!” She shared. “It is super nice of Equiline. I can't thank them enough for their sponsorship, and for giving back to the Hunters. We just appreciate everything that the Hunters get.”
The Equiline E5 Saddle and Equiline Scott Stewart Signature Bridle, awarded to the highest point earning rider and runner up rider, respectively, in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Rider Bonus presented by Equiline.
©Rette Solomon for Tryon International
“It has been a delight for Equiline to support the International Hunter Derby series this year at TIEC,” Kelly Molinari, Equiline managing director, shared. “We feel the Hunters offer a great foundation for riding in the U.S. and it is vitally important to endorse their discipline. Awarding the top finishers with a saddle and bridle is an example of our commitment to this division of equestrian sport. We congratulate Liza on her achievement and thank all riders who participated in the derbies at Tryon.”
Liza Boyd, Ondine D’Orleans, and Crooner Brimbelles Z in their awards presentation ceremony.
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Equiline, click here.
For full standings from the USHJA International Hunter Derby Rider Bonus presented by Equiline, click here.
Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Leyla Caynak and Sarah Sturgis as noted) unless otherwise noted. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. Competitors may view and purchase competition photos at www.nataliesutophotography.shootproof.com. With questions regarding photography at TIEC, contact media@tryon.com.