Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Jireh Bring Home a $120,000 Vogel Grand Prix CSI 3* Victory

Nashea Powell and To The Bank Take Top Honors in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Luis Fernando Larrazabal and Check Me Out Team Up for a $25,000 Yanmar America Sunday Jumper Classic Win

Tryon Spring 5 Division Highlights

For Immediate Release

Sarah Madden Taylor and Rette Solomon for Tryon International

May 31, 2025 – To cap off an evening of Saturday Night Lights festivities presented by Skyla Credit Union, Kristen VanderVeen (USA) led the victory gallop in Tryon Stadium to celebrate a $120,000 Vogel Grand Prix CSI 3* win. With equine teammate Bull Run's Jireh (Uriko x Colman), VanderVeen dominated the four-horse jump off, stopping the short track timers in 35.13 seconds. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) claimed the second place spot on the podium, riding Condara, the 2012 Mecklenburg mare (Conthargos x Catapult 7) owned by Victoria Heurtematte, to a jump off time of 35.26 seconds. Paired with Nintendo (Nintender x Chacco Blue), the 2014 Oldenburg gelding owned by Counter Balance LLC, Megan McDermott (USA) marked a 37.09 second jump off, securing third.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Jireh
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography

VanderVeen and the 2014 Holsteiner gelding owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc. were “in sync” to win their second Grand Prix win of the Tryon Spring Series presented by Fields Auto Group, she shared.

Luis Fernando Larrazabal and Condara
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography

“It was great. Honestly, this is probably the best feeling I've had on him, and he jumped so good, I thought. I was very happy with his first round. Winning is always really fun, obviously, that tops it off! But in the first round, we just felt so in sync tonight. He listened really well, and jumped great.”

Megan McDermott and Nintendo
©Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography

VanderVeen felt like Bull Run’s Jireh wasn’t the only one who came to the arena ready to win, she revealed. “I felt like I was on my A game, so we both showed up on it. He was so proud of himself!”

Kristen VanderVeen, Luis Fernando Larrazabal, and Megan McDermott in their presentation ceremony alongside (L-R): Glenn Petty, Tryon International General Manager of Equestrian Operations, Fabio Basanisi, Vogel Sales Specialist, Andrea Nannarelli, Vogel North America Sales Manager, JP Godard, Competition Manager, and Doug Grondahl, Tryon International Chief Operating Officer.
©Natalie Suto for Natalie Suto Photography

Facing a four-horse jump off with the intimidating first slot in the order, VanderVeen planned to produce a fast but clear round that would put just enough pressure on her competitors to force mistakes.

As the highest placing female rider in the $120,000 Vogel Grand Prix CSI 3*, Kristen VanderVeen received the Leading Lady Award presented by Fairfax & Favor alongside Paula Cudd.
©Natalie Suto for Natalie Suto Photography

“I wanted to go fast, because they were all fast horses in the jump off. But at the same time, I tried to not go overboard...Occasionally I get a little excited! Richard Spooner had my time, so it definitely wasn't uncatchable, but I think for the number one spot, I did what I wanted to do: put enough pressure on that they had to really try, and maybe make a mistake. It worked out for us tonight.”

Pedro Hernandez was presented the Groom’s Award for his care and dedication to Bull Run’s Jireh.
©Natalie Suto for Natalie Suto Photography

VanderVeen and the Bull Run Jumpers team can be seen competing at Tryon International throughout the year, and she’s currently on a winning streak after winning the $32,000 LeMieux Welcome Stake CSI 3* on Thursday.

RESULTS: $120,000 Vogel Grand Prix CSI 3*

Horse Name, Year Breed gender (Sire x Sire of Dam)

Rider (COUNTRY), Owner: Faults/Faults/Time

1) Bull Run's Jireh, 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Uriko x Colman)
Kristen VanderVeen (USA), Bull Run Jumpers Inc: 0/0/35.13

2) Condara, 2012 Mecklenburg mare (Conthargos x Catapult 7)
Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN), Victoria Heurtematte: 0/0/35.26

3) Nintendo, 2014 Oldenburg gelding (Nintender x Chacco Blue)
Megan McDermott (USA), Counter Balance LLC: 0/0/37.09

4) Lyjanair, 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Lyjanero x Coriano)
Richard Spooner (USA), Show Jumping Syndications International: 0/8/34.73

5) Oakingham Lira, 2013 Anglo European mare (Tornesch 1042 x Del Piero P B)
Alison Robitaille (USA), Alison Firestone LLC: 4/70.08

6) Anton, 2015 Holsteiner gelding (Action-Breaker x Chambertin 3)
Gavin Moylan (CAN), Gavin Moylan Stables: 4/70.85

7) Skelwith Diamond Lady, 2014 Anglo European mare (Kalaska De Semilly x Balou Du Rouet)
Richie Moloney (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 4/71.45

8) Tashita, 2012 Czech Warmblood mare (Deosselklang II x Przedswit XVI)
Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN), Anna Makovska & Perigo A.S.: 4/71.50

9) Kaida CM, 2015 Dutch Warmblood mare (Kennan x Indoctro)
Michael Murphy (USA), South Coast: 4/72

10) Corneska De La Falize Z, 2013 Zangersheide mare (Cornet Obolensky x President)
Katie Eppinger (USA), Katie Eppinger: 4/72.7

11) Chacco Bumpy, 2010 Oldenburg mare (Chacco-blue x Toulon)
Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG), Luis Biraben & Miguel Madero: 4/73.08

12) RF Most Wanted, 2013 Wamblood gelding (Vegas x Madison)
Sabrina Lefebvre (CAN), Sabrina Lefebvre: 4/73.65

For full results from the $120,000 Vogel Grand Prix CSI 3*, click here.

Nashea Powell and To The Bank Take Top Honors in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

May 30, 2025 – May 30, 2025 – With Hunter action returning to the Tryon International Derby Field, Nashea Powell (Jacksonville, FL) took home the blue ribbon in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby aboard To The Bank (Comme Il Faut x Java Van De Kleinheide). Besting a field of 23 entries, the winning team scored a total of 174 points over two rounds on the Archer “Skip” Bailey-built track. Taking second in the derby, Ceyda Sezer (Roswell, GA) rode her own New Beginnings (Prince Van De Wolfsakker x Doreen Van Het Lindehof), the Belgian Warmblood, to a 171-point performance. Paired with the 2017 Oldenburg gelding, Swipe Right (Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve x Uknown), owner and rider Elizabeth Fernandez (Beaufort, NC) claimed third on a score of 165.5 points.

To The Bank, known in the barn as “Lil’ Wayne,” came to Nashea Powell’s program over the winter. Powell gave special thanks to Jennifer Alfano for selling To The Bank to the 2018 Belgian Warmblood gelding’s current owner, Whitney Largura. “My client bought him this winter, and we could not be more blessed and more lucky to have him. When we tried him, I said, ‘I haven't sat on one this nice in a long time!’”

Nashea Powell and To The Bank
©Trinity Keterer for Natalie Suto Photography

With rainy conditions leading up to Friday’s derby, Powell revealed that she was initially hesitant to ride on the grass field. However, after a test run prior to their big win, Powell determined that the To The Bank was ready to tackle the grass field. “I flatted him in the ring in the morning and he felt probably as sure footed as he's ever felt,” she detailed. “I don't think he slipped once. So we did it, and the course rode great!”

“Skip Bailey gave us the “pick your poison” in the beginning, with the three jumps. [We could] jump two of them, whichever way you want,” Powell explained, recounting the handy portion of the derby. “Everything rode nice – Skip always does a great job, and it was fun!”

Powell credited To The Bank’s bravery and athleticism in tackling the handy round to score a 89 and clinch the win “I’m bold, and can ride the turns, and he’s right there. He always just looks through the bridle so confidently.

“I just wanted to go out there, do my best and lay it down. We've been figuring each other out, but one thing's for sure I'm always confident on him. There's nothing I wouldn't point him at to jump, and I don't think there's anything that I can't ask of him.”

With her team making the trek from Florida to the foothills of North Carolina, Powell will remain at Tryon International for the final week of the Tryon Spring Series. “Our Florida horses are loving the chilly weather,” Powell shared. “The horses have all rode great and performed well. The juniors and the amateurs show this weekend, and we're just happy to be here. We're enjoying it!”

“I appreciate To The Bank’s owner, Whitney Largura, and our entire team. They all work so hard. It does take a village, and we have a great one!” Powell concluded.

Nashea Powell and To The Bank in their presentation ceremony alongside JP Godard, Competition Manager, and Glenn Petty, Tryon International General Manager of Equestrian Operations.
©Trinity Keterer for Natalie Suto Photography

For full results from the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, click here.

Luis Fernando Larrazabal and Check Me Out Team Up for a $25,000 Yanmar America Sunday Jumper Classic Win

June 1, 2025 – For the second week in a row, Luis Fernando Larrazabal (Wellington, FL) emerged as the winner of the $25,000 Yanmar America Sunday Jumper Classic, this time aboard Check Me Out (Chacoon Blue x Condara). Larrazabal and the 2016 Warmblood gelding, owned by Victoria Heurtematte, closed out Tryon Spring 5 with a double clear performance and a 34.60 second jump off time. Continuing her streak of podium appearances, Kristen VanderVeen (Wellington, FL) notched a second place finish with 36.33 seconds on the clock, riding Bull Run’s Kingdom (Dutch Design x Tiptop), the 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc. Claiming third in the $25,000 Yanmar America Sunday Jumper Classic, Jad Dana (Wellington, FL) finished the jump off in 36.90 seconds aboard Burr Associates, Inc.’s Know It All (Cornet Obolensky x Raphana), the 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding.

For full results from the $25,000 Yanmar America Sunday Jumper Classic, click here.

Tryon Spring 5 Division Highlights

Ridden by Leyla Bice (Canton, GA) and owned by Jamie Bice, Prim And Proper Primrose was awarded with top Pony Jumper Division honors. Callan O’Toole (Monroe, GA) took home the division reserve title aboard Drumlane Oscar, owned by Alexandra O’Toole.

In Tryon Spring 5’s USHJA Hunter 3’ Division, Taylor Land (Atlanta, GA) captured the championship aboard Elementary, owned by Sydney Woodroof. Gisele Beardsley O'Grady (Tryon, NC) rode Maya John’s Novalis to division reserve honors.

Kinsley Kropholler (South Lake, TX) and Flashback VDS, owned by Luna Valobra, landed the Junior Jumper 1.20m Division title, with Kaydence Cothran (Bixby, OK) and Cool Kid Farms’ Adio taking reserve in the division.

Aboard her own Okido, Sarah Rabb (Fort Mill, SC) secured top spot in the Adult Equitation Division. Tradition Of Valor, ridden by owner Virginia Butler (Crozet, VA), claimed reserve.

For full division results from Tryon Spring 5, click here.

The Tryon Spring Series presented by Fields Auto Group, BMW Asheville, Mercedes Asheville and DEFENDER concludes with Tryon Spring 6/Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show, a USEF Heritage Horse Show. Highlights include the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday, June 7, and the $70,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix CSI 2*, both hosted at 8PM in Tryon Stadium. To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com/allevents.

Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Bill Hunter, Sarah Sturgis, and Trinity Kereter, 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.

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