Triangle Farms Fall Finale: Results
Pakia Vang Earns “Redemption” Ride with Endless Joy During the Triangle Wee Equitation Cup Finals
Cleo Clarke Aces the Test with Oliver Twist Z in the Triangle Equitation Cup Finals
$500 Triangle Wee Derby Finals Crowns Champions Annabel Cross and Vivaldi
Katherine Elizabeth Johnson Holds the Lead in $500 Triangle Non-Pro Derby Finals
Logan Elizabeth Smith Pilots Paradise City to the Top in the $500 2'6" Open Hunter Derby
$500 Triangle Puddle Jumper Classic Names Cate Pyle and Sprout Champions
Triangle Equitation Flat Challenge Finals Win Goes to Logan Elizabeth Smith Aboard Paradise City
Sydney Hensley and Simply Finn-Nomenal Succeed in Triangle Wee Equitation Flat Challenge Finals
For immediate release
Leyla Caynak for Tryon International
October 31, 2025 - Pakia Vang (Chapel Hill, NC) earned her “redemption” ride with Endless Joy (Indoctro x Varina) during the Triangle Wee Equitation Cup Finals. Just four riders were able to showcase their Equitation across all three phases; Over Obstacles, Flat, and a Test. Second place was received by Annabel Cross (Chapel Hill, NC) and her 2009 Warmblood gelding Vivaldi (unknown x unknown). Third went to Sydney Hensley (Cary, NC) aboard Simply Finn-Nomenal (unknown x unknown) her 2017 Holsteiner gelding. As only four riders were chosen to perform the Test from the original eight performing in the Flat phase, Kaitlyn Ellison (Apex, NC) with Alecia Ellison’s 2014 German Riding Pony mare, Lavender Haze (unknown x unknown) received fourth place honors.
Pakia Vang and Endless Joy
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
Pakia Vang shared insight to the “quirky” 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding and their past performances at NCHJA “C” Medal Finals and Triangle Farms Horse Shows - “He [Endless Joy] spun me off within six strides into the ring, and we didn't make over a single jump, and at my last Wee Equitation Cup I came in second. Those were just like a thorn in my side, so this was definitely a redemption ride!”
Annabel Cross and Vivaldi
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
The Durham Equestrian Club mount “did really, really good today!” Regarding the Charles Throckmorton designed course Vang said, “I thought it was great! I think it definitely provided lots of good challenges, because for me personally, rollbacks are my weakness.”
“Happy” overall with their performance in the Over Obstacles “I felt like there were some spots that were sticky, but I think we've improved a lot, and I finally got him up to pace.” Vang reflected.
Sydney Hensley and Simply Finn-Nomenal
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
After three difficult phases, Vang shared that she felt strongest in the Test portion of the Flat phase. “Right before the Flat, I had this discussion with my trainer where she asked “what if they asked you for a figure eight?” and I'm glad we had that discussion, as it paid off!”
Kaitlyn Ellison and Lavender Haze
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
Competing at Tryon International for her second time, Vang shared “I love it! I think this is my favorite venue in North Carolina!”
For full results from the Triangle Wee Equitation Cup Finals, click here.
Cleo Clarke Aces the Test with Oliver Twist Z in the Triangle Equitation Cup Finals
October 31, 2025 - After performing the Over Obstacles, Flat, and Test portions of the Triangle Equitation Cup Finals, Cleo Clarke (Durham, NC) was deemed the winner aboard Oliver Twist Z (Otard Van 'T Roosakker x Zoville) the Durham Equestrian Club’s 2018 Zangersheide gelding. Exiting the ring in red were the $500 2’6” Open Hunter Derby winners, Logan Elizabeth Smith (Holly Springs, NC) and Paradise City (Peppermint Blue x Wally), her own 2018 Dutch Warmblood gelding. Riding the Durham Equestrian Club’s 2016 Warmblood gelding Starlord (Quick Lauro Z x Albiona) and receiving third place was Jordan Stankavage (Durham, NC). Erica Douglas (Greenwood, SC) piloted her own Phoenix (unknown x unknown) into fourth place.
Cleo Clarke and Oliver Twist Z
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
For full results from the $500 Triangle Equitation Cup Finals, click here.
$500 Triangle Wee Derby Finals Crowns Champions Annabel Cross and Vivaldi
November 1, 2025 - Saturday morning began with the $500 Triangle Wee Derby Finals Hunt & Go. Annabel Cross (Chapel Hill, NC) with an untouchable score of 167, was awarded top honors with her 2009 Warmblood gelding Vivaldi (unknown x unknown). The reserve title and score of 158 was earned by Kaitlyn Ellison (Apex, NC) riding Lavender Haze (unknown x unknown) the 2014 German Riding Pony mare owned by Alecia Ellison. On a total score of 155, Mohegan SCF NA (O Quidam Jr x Werly Chin De Muze) the 2018 Warmblood stallion owned by Clover Run Sporthorses LTD was awarded the third place title with rider Greta Wellman (Durham, NC).
Annabel Cross and Vivaldi
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
For full results from the $500 Triangle Wee Derby Finals, click here.
Katherine Elizabeth Johnson Holds the Lead in $500 Triangle Non-Pro Derby Finals
November 1, 2025 - Competing in her first 2’6” Derby and holding onto their 154 point lead right out of the start-gate was Katherine Elizabeth Johnson (Morrisville, NC) and Holiday Road (unknown x unknown). Earning reserve honors just a single point behind on a total score of 153, was Kaylynne Jelonek (Selma, NC) aboard her own Major Blu (unknown x unknwon). Durham Equestrian Club 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding entry Kopeli CPF (Chagall D & R x Giverny) received a score of 150 with Rachel Myers (Durham, NC) in the saddle.
Katherine Elizabeth Johnson and Holiday Road
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
Paired with Holiday Road since only May of this year, Katherine Elizabeth Johnson was happy with her mount. “Honestly, he [Holiday Road] was great through it, and his thing is the derbies. It was just nice to know that I had him under me!”
Overall pleased with their performance in the $500 Triangle Non-Pro Derby Finals, Johnson commented on their strength, “I think finding the distances and setting him up for the distances that he likes was working well for us!”
Kaylynne Jelonek and Major Blu
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
Walking the Charles Throckmorton designed course without her trainer, Johnson had to plan her strategy. “I knew that I would be going up first, so I really wanted to be as handy as possible while also getting the job done.” She added, “I think there was enough space to be handy, but also enough room to have a few seconds to breathe in between the jobs.”
Rachel Myers and Kopeli CPF
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
It was the young rider’s fourth time showing at Tryon International and Johnson commented on her Tryon experience, “It was amazing, It was great, I love Tryon! It's so nice to have this in North Carolina especially.” She concluded by thanking her trainer Jennifer Mix and the team behind Durham Equestrian Club.
For full results from the $500 Triangle Non-Pro Derby Finals, click here.
Logan Elizabeth Smith Pilots Paradise City to the Top in the $500 2'6" Open Hunter Derby
October 31, 2025 - There were ten trips to see in the Tryon Stadium during Friday’s $500 2’6” Open Hunter Derby. It was Logan Elizabeth Smith (Holly Springs, NC) who came out on top with a total score of 168, piloting her own 2018 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Paradise City (Peppermint Blue x Wally). Reserve honors, with 161 points went to Lianna Reis (Durham, NC) aboard Kylie Grimm’s 2017 Trakehner gelding Do-Right (Lotus T X Mahalaleel). Lianna Reis also claimed the third place spot with Mohegan SCF NA (O Quidam Jr x Werly Chin De Muze) the 2018 Warmblood stallion owned by Clover Run Sporthorses LTD, who received 157 points.
Logan Elizabeth Smith and Paradise City
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
For full results from the $500 2’6” Open Hunter Derby, click here.
$500 Triangle Puddle Jumper Classic Names Cate Pyle and Sprout Champions
November 1, 2025 - Producing the two fastest rounds of the $500 Triangle Puddle Jumper Classic was Cate Pyle (Lexington, NC) and Sprout (unknown x unknown) who is owned by Cassidy Garwood Mckinnish. Together, they earned the champion title with 71.703 on the clock for round one, and 31.663 in the jump off. The red ribbon was presented to Caroline Williamson (Asheville, NC) aboard her own 2007 Selle Francais gelding Toltec Car (Quik Star Prince x unknown) who completed the second round course in 32.157 seconds. Olivia Stanley (Chesterfield, VA) rode Always Laughing (Three Wonders x Wish I Knew) her 2004 Thoroughbred mare into third place with the last double clear, 41.653 second effort, making it into the top three.
Cate Pyle and Sprout
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
For full results from the $500 Triangle Puddle Jumper Classic, click here.
Triangle Equitation Flat Challenge Finals Win Goes to Logan Elizabeth Smith Aboard Paradise City
November 2, 2025 - Eight competitors showcased their equitation on the flat in the Tryon Stadium on Sunday. The judges had the opportunity to ask riders to perform various tests, which could include - Flat work without stirrups/may cross stirrups; Halt and/or Back; Hand gallop; Figure 8 at walk & trot w/change of diagonals; Simple change on the straight-away; Counter canter; Questions regarding horsemanship, tack and/or conformation. First place was awarded to Logan Elizabeth Smith (Holly Springs, NC) aboard Paradise City (Peppermint Blue x Wally), her own 2018 Dutch Warmblood gelding. Second place was received by Rachel Myers (Durham, NC) and Kopeli CPF (Chagall D & R x Giverny) the Durham Equestrian Club’s 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding. Third place was earned by Callie Johnson (Blythewood, SC) with Neverending Story (unknown x unknown). Fourth place went to Jordan Stankavage (Durham, NC) and Durham Equestrian Club’s 2016 Warmblood gelding Starlord (Quick Lauro Z x Albiona).
Logan Elizabeth Smith and Paradise City
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
For full results from the Triangle Equitation Flat Challenge Finals, click here.
Sydney Hensley and Simply Finn-Nomenal Succeed in Triangle Wee Equitation Flat Challenge Finals
November 2, 2025 - The 2025 Triangle Farms Horse Shows Fall Finale at Tryon International concluded with the Triangle Wee Equitation Flat Challenge Finals. Riders could be challenged with the following tests set by the judges, flat work without stirrups/may cross stirrups; Halt and/or Back; Hand gallop; Figure 8 at walk & trot w/change of diagonals; Simple change on the straight-away; Counter canter; Questions regarding horsemanship, tack and/or conformation. Sydney Hensley (Cary, NC) aboard Simply Finn-Nomenal (unknown x unknown) her 2017 Holsteiner gelding walked away with the blue ribbon. Mohegan SCF NA (O Quidam Jr x Werly Chin De Muze) the 2018 Warmblood stallion owned by Clover Run Sporthorses LTD and ridden by Greta Wellman (Durham, NC) received the red ribbon. Annabel Cross (Chapel Hill, NC) and her 2009 Warmblood gelding Vivaldi (unknown x unknown) left the ring with the yellow ribbon. Alecia Ellison’s 2014 German Riding Pony mare, Lavender Haze (unknown x unknown) with rider Kaitlyn Ellison (Apex, NC) earned the white ribbon for the class.
Sydney Hensley and Simply Finn-Nomenal
©Kirsten Hannah Photography
For full results from the Triangle Wee Equitation Flat Challenge Finals, click here.
For full results from the Triangle Farms Horse Shows Fall Finale, click here.
Tryon International is thrilled to host the Duke "Jump for the Children" Horse Shows over the next two weeks! “Jump for the Children” Benefit I, a USEF Heritage Competition (November 5-9) and “Jump for the Children” Benefit II (November 12-16) will feature a Welcome Stake, National Derby, Pony Derby, and Grand Prix each week, with over $90,000 being awarded in prize money! There will also be a USHJA Hunter Team Challenge on Week 2, continuing a 42-year tradition of raising lifesaving funds for Duke Children’s Hospital (Duke Children’s). To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com/allevents.
Photos ©Kirsten Hannah Photography, the official photographer of Triangle Farms Horse Shows Fall Finale. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. Competitors may view and purchase competition photos at https://www.kirstenhannahphotography.com.