Spotlight: Lauren Bergrud Reflects on Ten Years at Tryon International
Jane Montgomery for Tryon International
In recognition of Tryon International’s Ten Year anniversary, we are spotlighting some of our loyal competitors who have been visiting the venue since 2014. Lauren Bergrud is a local show jumper, eventer, avid motorcyclist and world traveler who has been competing at Tryon International since its earliest days. Specializing in young horse development, Bergrud can often be found preparing the next generation of equine talent for their future careers. Read more about Lauren and her favorite TIEC memories below!
How did you get started in the equestrian world, and how long have you been riding?
I've been riding pretty much since day one. I grew up in New Jersey, and my mom had a boarding farm in Farmingdale, New Jersey. She had a pony for me before I was born. I grew up doing everything with horses from taking care of them, riding, showing, and training. Of course, I didn't think I needed to go to school, so I started up as a professional when I was 18. I ended up going to and finishing school, but that was later on.
Lauren Bergrud and Rattle and Snap
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography
How has riding has shaped your life?
It has definitely made me understand the importance of having goals, but not to be so forceful on getting there. When working with an animal, especially a young one, it’s important to remember that it’s kind of a work in progress. Riding has definitely help form my work ethic overall; riding is non-stop, seven days a week. I just love being at the barn, riding, and taking care of the horses. It's almost not even a job at that point; it's just your lifestyle!
What was it like to be a part of the very first show at Tryon International?
I remember being impressed with the size of the place and how the big rings gave the baby horses the room they needed to navigate their first time jumping at a show. Also, the layout was very user-friendly, with the rings in a row and bridle paths connecting them with the barns in the back. This was before the restaurants and vendors, so it was very open. It’s been exciting to see the progress over the years!
Candid from Ring 4 in 2016
Courtesy of Lauren Bergrud
How have you grown as a rider from your first show at Tryon International 10 years ago to now?
I've developed my system of training to be a little bit clearer and more scheduled. I have my steps that seem to have worked quite well since I’ve been showing consistently there [at Tryon International]. I've definitely done a lot more work with young horses, too. I always kind of have, but since then, it's just been building and building and building. Tryon is a good venue; the rings are so nice and big, the courses have always been nice, and it's just a really good place for younger horses to learn about showing.
What is your favorite memory from showing at Tryon International?
Probably riding in the Tryon Stadium. It's just such a great ring to ride in. Some of the young horses that I've taken in there, you’d think they might be a little bit spooky, but as soon as that buzzer goes off and you start your course, everything just falls right into place. It just gives you such a great, confident feeling for the horse and for yourself. It's such a special ring to ride in.
Casadel in Tryon Stadium
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography
What keeps you coming back to Tryon International year after year?
Tryon just makes it so easy at the shows. There's all the food that you could want and everything's so convenient, like a little village. I enjoy seeing all of the other people who come to Tryon who don't know much about horses for the other events they have, like the concerts. I like how Tryon’s facility is multi-use and how everyone enjoys it, not just the horse people. At Saturday Night Lights, there are a lot of local people who come regularly, and it's very busy. It's just a great community gathering place.
Which horses are you showing at Tryon International this summer?
I'm showing Casadel and Rattle and Snap, who are both five-year-olds doing the five-year-old jumpers, from Braveheart Sport Horses. Rattle and Snap (“Rally”) has been the biggest project because he's very, very sensitive, but he has made the biggest amount of progress. I’m also showing Heroic Edition in the .90m and the 1.0m divisions. He's an amateur horse, so I just kind of take him in and let him see everything and get him ready for his owner. I also ride Atoka for her owners, Roger and Jennifer Smith. Their barn manager Randi Goulding rides her, but I will take her in a class occasionally. She is just a blast to ride. Lastly, I show Bon Voyage, also from Braveheart Sport Horses, in the 1.0m jumpers. She's a good girl. They're all so much fun!
What is your favorite restaurant at Tryon International?
I love going to Campagna Italian Cuisine to see Lacey, the bartender there, and I also love Blue Ginger Sushi.
What are your plans for the rest of the show season?
I think we’ll do Summer 5 and maybe the Summer Finale. The spring and fall are the most amazing seasons here; that’s our primetime for showing. The Young Horse Show Finals in November is always a highlight. It’s such a great show, the way they organize and run it. We’ve had a lot of luck at that show, so it’s always a great way to end the year.
To learn more about our ten year history, click here.