Maraschino and Lily Bennett
The Tryon Spring 8 and Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Charity Horse Show, June 8-12 in Mill Spring, North Carolina, was a highlight event on Finally Farm's early summer schedule.
In addition to Brunello's Breyer Debut and Celebration, the show featured a full contingent of Finally Farm riders who enjoyed ample ribbons and awards in the Hunter and Jumper sections.
Pony Lane Farm's Coronado swept all four First Year Green Working Hunter over fences classes to easily earn the championship ribbon with Liza Boyd aboard. The pair went on to contest the USHJA International Hunter Derby.
"He went so nicely, and I was so pleased with him," said Liza of the 6-year-old Zangersheide stallion by Coriano Z. "He amazes me. He's so much like Brunello in so many ways. He went on a trail ride before the class as his preparation--even at 7 p.m. for a night class with a huge crowd, and he's only 6! If not for an unlucky rail, he would have had great scores in the Classic Round. He was so good, and I was thrilled with him."
Liza and Pony Lane Farm's Like I Said, recent winners at Devon, enjoyed their time in the Derby spotlight and placed ninth overall for yet another derby ribbon added to their collection.
Like I Said and Liza Boyd
Finally Farm's tricolor count was aided by O’Ryan, who earned the 3'6" Junior Hunter Championship and also finished up as the circuit champion. Hunter Holloway and Stella Styslinger combined forces in the saddle, and their points from both weeks captured the title.
Maraschino and Lily Bennett also added the 3'3" Junior Hunter championship and Junior Hunter Classic wins to the Finally Farm collection.
"Lily now has three Children’s Jumpers with the addition of Zimba," said Liza. "She's leasing him, and I want to thank trainers Daniel Geitner and Scot Evans. He's a lovely horse, and we’re excited to have him in the barn."
Liza credited Lily's ring time in the jumpers for helping her clinch the hunter championship with Maraschino. "By the time Maraschino showed in afternoon, Lily had successfully shown her jumpers. She went into the handy round confident with taking the inside turns. The turns were slower and easier after the jumpers, and I attributed her success from having that experience under her belt."
Reserve championship winners included Ruby Sloan and Look Again in the Children's Hunter, 14 and under, section, with Zola Thompson riding Elegance to the Medium Pony reserve title.
Elegance and Zola Thompson
"I want to thank Robin Greenwood, who helped us with Elegance, which is her pony," said Liza. "With Robin, Tamara Berkowitz and myself, Zola had three trainers with her. It was a total group effort!
"I was so proud of Zola," added Liza. "She's a much stronger and more educated rider this year, and she’s come a long way. They drive from Alabama for lessons, and I want to thank her mom Alex Thompson for being so dedicated and the perfect chauffeur. I can tell a big difference in Zola's riding, and having Robin's help was great. Tamara and I listened and learned. Robin has produced a lot of top riders and ponies and has a passion for the kids. She's so good at explaining things in ways kids can understand. I may say the same thing, but the way she words things really allows them to wrap their heads around the philosophies. Robin has taught Zola a lot, and we’ve enjoyed learning, too."
Over in the jumper rings, Maddy Thatcher and Balvino captured the Amateur-Owner Jumper reserve championship and won the Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.
"This show was great for Maddy and Balvino," said Liza. "She's starting to really click with that horse. It took her a little bit of time to figure him out, but now she has and it's a great match. I"m really happy it all came together for them at Tryon. She's worked so hard, so that Classic win was an especially gratifying victory for her."
Jack Towell at work!
