Tryon Summer 5 Results:
Nicolas Gamboa and NKH Mr. Darcy Claim Win in $78,000 Stuller Power Solutions Grand Prix CSI 2*
Zone 4 Salamanders Dominate the USHJA Low Children’s Zone Champs Team Finals
Zone 3 Robins Triumph in the USHJA Low Adult Amateur’s Zone Champs Team Finals
Juliet Johansson Wins USHJA Low Adult Amateur Individual Zone Champs Aboard El Casper
Khloe Kerins aboard Zindora V/D Kapel Victorious in USHJA Low Children's Zone Champs Individual Final
Dominic Gibbs and Amazing Collect $25,000 Van Winkle Law Firm Sunday Classic Win
For Immediate Release
Rette Solomon and Leyla Caynak for Tryon International
July 15, 2023 - Mill Spring, NC - Under the lights of Tryon Stadium, Nicolas Gamboa (COL) and NKH Mr. Darcy sped to victory in the $78,000 Stuller Power Solutions Grand Prix CSI 2*. The pair recorded two clear rounds and marked a jump off time of 38.02 seconds to secure the win. Stopping the jump off timers at 38.42 seconds to earn reserve honors was Grant Seger (USA) and Frieda (Balou Du Rouet x Canturo), his own 2012 Oldenburg mare. Sean Jobin and Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z (Catoki x Cassini II), Foxridge Farms Stables’ 2012 Zangersheide stallion, earned third with a time of 39.99 seconds.
Nicolas Gamboa and NKH Mr. Darcy
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Of 32 entries to challenge the first round of the course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), eight horse-and-rider pairs produced clear rounds presented by Stuller Power Solutions to proceed to the jump off. Gamboa and Mr. Darcy were the penultimate pair to challenge the short round, edging out the previous fastest time set by trailblazer Grant Seger.
Grant Seger and Frieda
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
“He's just an incredible animal,” Gamboa said of NKH Mr. Darcy (Darco x Chepetto). “He’s owned by Neil Knox, and he was brought along very well by his previous rider. I got to ride on him a little bit last year, and he's been a great horse for me. He's been a great partner, has been very successful with me, and has really done wonders for me.”
Sean Jobin and Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z
©Natalie Suto Photography
Gamboa remarked that this win with the 2013 Holsteiner gelding breaks a streak of underwhelming results. “To be honest, I was in a little bit of a rut the last couple of weeks, so this win for sure helped,” the Colombian rider explained. “This horse has always won. I can truly count on him – he's always been there for me, and he really showed me tonight what he can do.”
Grant Seger, Nicolas Gamboa, and Sean Jobin in their presentation ceremony alongside Susan Huter, Cheryl Stuller, Suzanne Carlin, and Brian Stuller of Stuller Power Solutions.
©Natalie Suto Photography
Despite Saturday night’s brief weather delay in the first round of competition, Gamboa noted that NKH Mr. Darcy was unfazed. “We were fully warmed up and about to walk into the ring before the storm break. He sat there for thirty minutes, then he jumped a couple jumps, and went in the ring. Your plan changes a lot when your horse has to sit, but he came out, and it just shows you how good of a horse he is. He wasn't affected at all in the rain and the thunder.”
As the highest placing female rider in the Grand Prix, Stella Stinnett was awarded the Leading Lady Award presented by Marthaler Jewelers, alongside Tonya and Andy Marthaler and Matthew Blair of Marthaler Jewelers.
©Rette Solomon for Tryon International
After changes of plan in the preliminary round of the Grand Prix, Gamboa had a simple strategy for the jump off: be smooth. “Smooth is usually quick, so [I wanted to] go smooth, and keep it cool,” he detailed.
Gabriel Fuentes Bustos was presented the Groom’s Award presented by Ego 7, the number one brand and performance leader for equestrian sports, for his care and dedication to NKH Mr. Darcy.
©Natalie Suto Photography
After several years away from competing in North Carolina, Gamboa has celebrated a successful week with his equine partners at Tryon International. “I haven't been to the Tryon region in over ten years. I grew up in Aiken, South Carolina, so this is kind of my neck of the woods. It's been a long time since I've been here, so it's a good welcome back.”
Stella Stinnett was awarded the Sarah Bagworth Perpetual Trophy as the highest-placing amateur rider in the Grand Prix. Sarah’s family and friends gathered to present the award for the second year in a row, honoring Sarah’s wish to encourage amateur riders to follow their dreams and continue the pursuit of excellence.
©Natalie Suto Photography
RESULTS: $78,000 Stuller Power Solutions Grand Prix CSI 2*
Horse Name, Year Breed gender (Sire x Sire of Dam)
Rider (COUNTRY), Owner: Faults/Faults/Time
1. NKH Mr. Darcy, 2013 Holsteiner gelding (Darco x Chepetto)
Nicolas Gamboa (COL), NKH LLC: 0/0/38.02
2. Frieda, 2012 Oldenburg mare (Balou Du Rouet x Canturo)
Grant Seger (USA), Grant Seger: 0/0/38.42
3. Coquelicot VH Heuvelland Z, 2012 Zangersheide stallion (Catoki x Cassini II)
Sean Jobin (CAN), Foxridge Farms Stables: 0/0/39.99
4. Storiall Blue, 2012 Hanoverian gelding (Stakkato x Chacco Blue)
Stella Stinnett (USA), Stella Stinnett: 0/0/42.85
5. After Eight, 2010 Swedish Warmblood mare (Diarado x Cardento)
Jad Dana (LEB), Springhill Farm 1850, LLC: 0/4/38.10
6. Catemaco LS, 2011 Caballo Deportivo La Silla (Carusso LS La Silla x Carthago Z)
Richard Neal (USA), Richard Neal: 0/4/42.44
7. Vulkato, 2011 German Sport Horse stallion (Vulkano x Carismo)
David Oberkircher (USA), Southfields Farm: 0/8/39.58
8. Cyramo Z, 2011 Zangersheide mare (Clarimo X Vigo D Arsouilles Stx)
Jacqueline Ruyle (USA), Jacqueline Ruyle: 0/8/40.48
9. Cimbura, 2011 Slovensky Teplokrevnik stallion (Calido I x Eyken des Fontenis)
Jessica Leto (USA), Jessica Leto: 1/79.45
10. Giolita, 2011 Dutch Warmblood mare (Ingmar x Padinus)
Emma Sargent (USA), Emma Sargent: 4/72.64
11. Hollyday V, 2012 Dutch Warmblood Gelding (Quality Time TN X Indoctro)
Mia Mannis (USA), Mia Mannis: 4/72.89
12. Kassiodam, 2012 mare (Silwa Kassiopaja x Kolibri)
TJ O’Mara (USA), Stonehenge Stables 4/73.61
For full results from the $78,000 Stuller Power Solutions Grand Prix CSI 2*, click here.
Zone 4 Salamanders Dominate the USHJA Low Children’s Zone Champs Team Finals
July 14, 2023 - The Salamanders of Zone 4 emerged victorious in the USHJA Low Children’s Zone Champs Team Finals. The team made up of Anabella Cottone, Eleanor Lassitor, Mia Farah, and Emmalee Lentile were best over the week to claim the title.
Zone 4 Salamanders
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Anabella Cottone (SW Ranches, FL), aboard Belichick, shared that “[Belichick] is one of the smartest horses I know. He's perfect, and I love him. I've only had him for a few months, but we're doing great.”
Of her final round in Tryon Stadium for the Zone Championships, Cottone commented that “I thought I was going to be nervous, but I trusted my horse and he was perfect!”
Cottone shared that her favorite part of the Zone Championships was the team aspect. “It's fun getting to know your teammates, working together, and encouraging each other.”
Eleanor Lassitor (Mountain Brook, AL) and her partner, Kannan's Fair Trade, frequent Tryon International for other competitions hosted during the year. “I love Tryon! It’s so fun, and it’s one of my favorite shows.”
Lassitor was feeling the competition nerves going into the championship, but managed a clear and speedy round. “I was really nervous going into it. After the first line, I just felt really good. [Kannan's Fair Trade] was really good and jumped in really well.”
Low Children’s Team Finalists
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Eleven-year-old Mia Farah (Coconut Creek, FL) and her mount Chino Almirante came to the Zone Championships with a special story. “[Chino Almirante] was abused the first four years of his life, and when I got him, he was very skinny. Being here is a big accomplishment for me, being this age. Being here is a big moment for me, and I'm just really happy and proud of my horse.”
Farah commented that her favorite part of the experience was “meeting all these great people, meeting my friends, and getting to show in the Grand Prix arena. This whole thing has been a really great part of my life.”
Emmalee Lentile (Olive Branch, MS), aboard Delta Dawn, secured the win for the Salamanders as the fourth and final ride for the team. “I was kind of nervous,” she explained. “I was the last person going in [the arena], so I knew my team counted on me. I had to put that aside and focus on the task ahead, and we really got it done. I'm so happy with [Delta Dawn]. She's an amazing horse.”
“It's my first Zones competition, and I've just loved it,” Lentile detailed. “The team atmosphere has been amazing. All of the people on my team have been so supportive and fun. I will do it again in a heartbeat, and I hope I'm here next year!”
Zone 3 Robins Triumph in the USHJA Low Adult Amateur’s Zone Champs Team Finals
July 14, 2023 - The Zone 3 Robins were triumphant in the USHJA Low Adult Amateur’s Zone Champs Team Finals on Friday. The team consisted of Nicole Brown aboard Darcoloma S, Codie Campbell on V-Car, and Emily Griset riding Go Johnny Go. The team champions were scored based on the average times from their first and final rounds with round faults counted if applicable. The 2008 KWPN mare, Dacroloma S (Douglas x Utoloma S) owned and ridden by Nicole Brown (Summit Point, WV) had a final round time of 73.367 seconds. Codie Campbell (Lorton, VA) aboard Kimberly Campbell’s 2009 Selle Français gelding, V-car, had a time of 65.461 seconds in the final team round. With four faults and a time of 74.196 coming out of the team round finals was Emily Griset (Waxhaw, NC) and the 2011 KWPN gelding Go Johnny Go, owned by Pilar Ojeda.
Zone 3 Robins in their presentation ceremony.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the USHJA Low Adult Amateur’s Zone Champs Team Finals, click here.
Juliet Johansson Wins USHJA Low Adult Amateur Individual Zone Champs Aboard El Casper
July 15, 2023 - With the top fifteen competitors being determined after two rounds, Zone 4’s Juliet Johansson (Fort Lauderdale, FL) rode El Casper to top honors to win the USHJA Low Adult Amateur Individual Zone Championship. Johansson and El Casper captured their win with a time of 29.96 seconds. Cameron Morris (Wellington, FL) of Zone 5 partnered with Sun Cat to take second, marking a time of 31.33 seconds. Rounding out the championship podium in third, with 33.53 seconds, was Zone 3’s Kelly Tehan (Arlington, VA), riding Anabella.
Juliet Johansson and El Casper
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography
Khloe Kerins aboard Zindora V/D Kapel Victorious in USHJA Low Children's Zone Champs Individual Final
July 15, 2023 - Khloe Kerins from Zone 4 had quite the success in her first Zone Champs weekend. In Saturday’s USHJA Low Children’s Zone Champs Individual Final Khloe Kerins (Wellington, FL) riding Daniel Kerin’s Zindora V/D Kapel (Indorado x Nofiena) were victorious with zero faults and a time of 32.054 seconds. Anabella Cottone (SW Ranches, FL) from Zone 4 aboard Belichick (Tornesch x Kaprisch), owned by Lynn Jayne received reserve honors with a time of 35.136 seconds. In third place with a time of 36.666 seconds was Quinn Kenney (Charleston, SC) and her own 2016 Warmblood mare Lesia Z (Levisto Z x Alesia).
Khloe Kerins and Zindora V/D Kapel
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography
Kerins was over the moon with the win, she emphasized. “It was the most fun experience ever, and I wish it wasn’t done. I loved it so much and I think Zindora had a good time, too,” Kerins shared. In regards to her partner Zindora, the 2004 Dutch Warmblood mare she described, “she’s the best horse in the world and her favorite food is Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, specifically glazed.”
Anabella Cottone and Belichick
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Kerins also participated in the USHJA Low Children’s Zone Champs Team Finals as a member of Zone 4. She spoke about her favorite experience from the weekend, “I loved competing with all my friends and the whole competition was really fun.”
A frequent competitor at Tryon, Kerins shared, “I love Tryon, it’s my favorite place to show.” She and her team will remain at Tryon for another week before heading up to Michigan and escape the southern Summer heat.
Quinn Kenney and Lesia Z
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the USHJA Low Children's Zone Champs Individual Final, click here.
Dominic Gibbs and Amazing Collect $25,000 Van Winkle Law Firm Sunday Classic Win
July 16, 2023 - The $25,000 Sunday Classic presented by The Van Winkle Law Firm had 29 entries with only five pairs making it to the jump off round. Dominic Gibbs (USA) aboard the 2012 Swedish Warmblood mare, Amazing (Baltimore x Evelien Van De) owned by Mountain King Ranch LLC’s, had a time of 35.374 seconds in the jump off. Earning reserve honors with a time of 36.715 seconds in the jump off was Fernando Cardenas (COL) and Cool Ray Na (Quincy Car x Dolores De Vanta), the 2014 Oldenburg stallion owned by B&C LLC. Placing third was Oakside LLC’s, 2009 Swedish Warmblood mare, Fortuna (Elmshorn x Fame) and rider, Leah Curtiss (USA) with a jump off time of 36.74 seconds.
Dominic Gibbs and Amazing
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the $25,000 Van Winkle Law Firm Sunday Classic, click here.
For full division results from Tryon Summer 5, click here
Tryon Summer 6 will take place July 18th - July 23rd, with more information available at www.Tryon.com/allevents.
Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Bailey Beck, Natalie Suto and Sarah Sturgis as 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.