Tryon Summer 3: Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Jireh Win $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2*
For Immediate Release
Sarah Madden Taylor for Tryon International
Mill Spring, NC - June 28, 2025 - Kristen VanderVeen (USA) and Bull Run’s Jireh scored big in Saturday night’s $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International), posting a time of 35.36 seconds amongst seven competitors in the jump off. David Blake (IRL) and Cornwall BH, the 2008 Holsteiner gelding (Con Air x Unknown) owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC, claimed reserve honors in a time of 39.46 seconds. Completing the podium, Blake also rode Conblue, the 2014 Oldenburg gelding (Conthargos x Chacco-Blue) owned by Pine Hollow Farm, to a time of 40.07.
Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Jireh
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
The Colm Quinn-designed course tested 22 entries over the first round, and VanderVeen and the 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Uriko x Colman) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc. continued their streak of wins at Tryon International by clearing the short course in what felt like a “whole new atmosphere,” she shared.
David Blake and Cornwall BH
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
“It was really exciting tonight having the new jumps [from Dalman Jump Co.], and we have a new pavilion in there [from Brown Haven Homes], too. It almost felt like a whole new atmosphere for the horses! I think that was a lot of fun the first round; I thought [Colm Quinn] did a great job. I was pretty happy with how my horse jumped,” she shared of her top mount’s performance.
David Blake and Conblue
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
With seven riders competing in the short contest, VanderVeen wanted to continue her spring theme of focusing on tidy lines for efficiency. “For the jump off, it was twisty and turny, which is really fun. And then, I tried not to do anything stupid. Sometimes I get a little too excited, and overdo it! So I tried to keep things tidy and professional, and he responded really well.”
Kristen VanderVeen, David Blake, and fourth place finisher Richie Moloney (IRL) in their presentation ceremony alongside (L-R): Tryon International Competition Manager JP Godard, Director of Facility Operations Dennis Brown, and Director of Marketing, Communications and Business Development Jimmie Schramm.
©Natalie Suto Photography
VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Jireh have been in winning form at Tryon International throughout the spring, continuing their streak into the Tryon Summer Series presented by The Farm House. “I thought he's been jumping great, and he's been in great form. He loves the ground here, and the new jumps gave him a little extra pop. I could really turn him right into [the fence].”
As the highest placing female rider in the $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2*, Kristen VanderVeen received the Leading Lady Award presented by Fairfax & Favor alongside Paula Cudd.
©Natalie Suto Photography
Tryon Summer 3 was not initially on her show schedule, VanderVeen revealed. “We had different plans [for the summer], and then we realized we just missed being here, so we came back. So, we're pretty excited to be here! We'll be here next week as well.”
Pedro Hernandez was presented the Groom’s Award presented by Regal Downs for his care and dedication to Bull Run’s Jireh alongside Tryon International's Drew Page.
©Natalie Suto Photography
Despite a hot week felt throughout the southeast, VanderVeen took the time to show her gratitude to management for the way they’ve navigated hot temps. “I just really appreciate management here; it has been great,” she emphasized. “We've had some hot days, as it has been everywhere, but I feel like they've really tried to take that into account, and help us out a lot with fans and waters and scheduling, and it's been a great experience.”
Podium finishers enjoy the champagne toast presented by La Marca.
©Natalie Suto Photography
RESULTS: $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2*
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: 0/0/35.36
2) Cornwall BH, 2008 Holsteiner gelding (Con Air x Unknown)
David Blake (IRL), Gochman Sport Horse LLC: 0/0/39.46
3) Conblue, 2014 Oldenburg gelding (Conthargos x Chacco-Blue)
David Blake (IRL), Pine Hollow Farm: 0/0/40.07
4) Daisycutter, 2014 American Warmblood Mare (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve X Quidam De Revel)
Richie Moloney (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 0/0/40.43
5) Blues RW, 2013 Westphalian gelding (Untouched x Chacco-Blue)
Michael Walton (USA), Mia Marano: 0/0/43.09
6) Baglioni, 2014 Warmblood mare (Spartacus TN x Baloussini)
Diego Bedoya Yanez (BOL), NRG Farm LLC: 0/4/37.18
7) Heritage MBF, 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Eldorado Van De Zeshoek x Otangelo)
Daniel Bedoya (BOL), NRG Farm LLC: 0/4/38.62
8) Cashgirl 7, 2015 Oldenburger mare (Chaccato x Quidam’s Rubin)
Ty Simpson (USA), Riffle Hitch, LLC: 4/75.69
9) Fini L'amour, 2015 Selle Français stallion (L’Arc De Triomphe x Canadian River)
Jacqueline Ruyle (USA), Jacqueline Ruyle, LLC: 4/77.36
10) Tom Hanks, 2014 Selle Français gelding (Bisquet Balou C x Helios De La Cour II)
Sarah Segal (USA), Horatio Street Ventures, LLC: 4/77.79
11) Jadalco, 2009 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Nabab De Reve x For Pleasure)
Francesca Bolfo (USA), Duterra: 4/79.19
12) Commander Bond, 2016 Holsteiner stallion (Corrado I x For Pleasure)
Brittni Raflowitz (ISR), ESI Show Jumpers Inc: 4/79.33
For full results from the $70,000 SIlver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2*, click here.
The Tryon Summer Series presented by The Farm House will continue through July 20, and Prize Lists and entry information can be found at www.Tryon.com/compete. Enjoy all your favorite Saturday Night Lights festivities, including Hobby Horse competition presented by Chick-fil-A Forest City, free carousel rides, and pop-up vendors. Join us in the Tryon Stadium at 8:15pm for the $120,000 Fabbri Boots Grand Prix CSI 3* and enjoy watching top horses and riders soar around the course! More details available at www.Tryon.com/snl.
Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Bailey Beck and Laci Matthews as noted) unless otherwise noted. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. Competitors may view and purchase competition photos at www.nataliesutophotography.com. With questions regarding photography at TIEC, contact media@tryon.com.