Elle Boyd and Sunset’s Sparkle
The only thing hotter than the North Carolina heat was Elle Boyd at the Tryon Summer 5 Horse Show! Held from July 8-12 in Mill Spring, the venue of the Tryon International Equestrian Center continued to bring good fortune to the Finally Farm team.
Elle was on fire in the pony hunters. She earned championship honors on her own Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and reserve on Sunset Farm’s Sunset’s Sparkle in the Medium Pony Hunters and was a class winner on Elegance in the same section. Elle also claimed the Small Pony Hunter reserve championship on her own Baby Blue and won the Medium/Large Pony Hunter Classic aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives.
“We spy a Liza mini me!” proclaimed Finally Farm’s Instagram page afterward.
“She had such a great show,” said trainer and mom Liza Boyd proudly. “She got catch rides from Brooke Kemper and Robin Greenwood that went wonderfully. I was a bit worried because she’d never done three ponies in a division, but she managed it well. Brooke and Robin did a great job and taught her great things. We’re very appreciative of them giving Elle these opportunities on these ponies that are available for lease.”
Liza noted that the Tryon show management did well with its Covid-19 protocol. “We felt safe, and there was enough space so everyone was able to stay apart. Everyone is wearing masks and complying with the social distancing rules. I really felt they did a great job. As a bonus, we’re all going to have great skin wearing those gaiters and protecting our faces and necks at the same time!”
Paige Miller and Shamrock
Tryon’s cross-country field was available for riders, and Liza said they enjoyed trail riding and going down to the lake when they were done showing.
Paige Miller and Shamrock moved up to the 3’ Adult Amateurs, and in addition to earning ribbons in the 36-49 section, the pair topped the card in the NAL Adult Hunter Classic. “I’m so proud of her. It’s so exciting to see their partnership really maturing.”
Paige’s daughter McKenzie Miller wasn’t to be outdone. She won two classes in the Children’s Pony Hunter section to claim the reserve championship riding Hakuna Matata. It was a clean sweep of the triclolors for Finally Farm, as Olivia Loheac and Honor Roll captured the championship with two class wins, as well.
“This was Olivia’s first time moving from Short Stirrup to Children’s Pony, and she was amazing,” said Liza. “She rides with Jeanne Smith of Clear View Farm, who has given her such a great foundation. Because of our relationship with her dad Steve Loheac, who is our shipper, Olivia shows with us sometimes.”
Olivia Loheac with Honor Roll and McKenzie Miller with Hakuna Matata
Gigi Manigault also enjoyed a first-time experience at Tryon when her new horse, Walk-Off, made his debut with Finally Farm. With Liza aboard, Walk-Off earned the 3’3” Green Hunter Championship with two blue ribbons over fences. “We bought him from Kyle Dewar. He’s 6 and eligible for the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive,” said Liza. “He’s a horse for Gigi to bring up, and she’ll be able to show him in the Adults quickly. Congratulations to her on such a great start!”
Liza also piloted Finally Farm’s Family Style to the reserve championship in the same section, for a sweep of the tricolor ribbons.
The Nolan girls, Grace Ann and Mary Caroline, collected armfuls of ribbons in the hunter and jumper classes. Grace Ann moved up to the 1.10m Adult Amateur Jumpers with Bolero D’Armanville and earned excellent placings, including second in the NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic. Aboard her other horse Malbay Dreamer, Grace Ann took second in the competitive Low Adult Amateur Jumper Stake. “It was fun for her to get to show in the big stadium,” said Liza. “And she now knows ‘Armani’ well enough to not only go clear but also fast. They’ve established a good relationship together.”
Grace Ann Nolan with Bolero D’Armanville and Malbay Dreamer
With Grace Ann going off to the College of Charleston this fall, she handed the reins of the hunter Kumano to her little sister. Mary Caroline took the transition in stride, winning the reserve championship in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section in their first outing. “That was fun. It looks like they will be a good match,” said Liza smiling. “I’m excited for her.”
Mary Caroline also put in great performances on Cleopatra’s Smile and O’Ryan in the 3’3” Junior Hunters for a super successful week of showing.
Mary Caroline Nolan and Kumano
Rebekah Warren was right up there in the ribbons with Cassico in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters, with two second places over fences.
Elle Gibbs moved up to the 3’6” Junior Hunters with Candid and was second in the handy.
Lourdes Low also secured an impressive second place of her own in the SCHJA Governor’s Cup and won a Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, class riding Continue.
After a break from the show ring to raise a family, Lucinda Stewart returned to Finally Farm now that her boys are in college. “She rode with us a million years ago,” said Liza laughing. “Now, she’s getting back into riding again. She met us at the horse show and did the jumpers with Game On. She even won a .90m class of 27! It’s super fun to have her back at the farm.”
Liza also congratulated her brother, Hardin, for winning the $25,000 Jumper Classic on Sunday aboard Billy Manjaro. “There were a lot clean, and he went so fast,” she said. “I was watching thinking, ‘I would never go that fast!’ I think you have to when there are that many good horses and riders. I will take some credit, though! After the class he came by and said, ‘By the way, I borrowed one of your steel gag bits for the jump-off, and I’m keeping it.’ I said, ‘That’s fine! If it was good luck, then go for it!’”
