Tryon Welcome 3 Recap: Tryon Welcome Series presented by Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer
For Immediate Release
Jimmie Schramm and Courtney Carter for Tryon International
Cardenas Claims $20,000 Grand Prix Victory to Cap Tryon Welcome 3
Mill Spring, N.C. — April 4, 2026 — Tryon Welcome 3, part of the Tryon Welcome Series presented by Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer, held April 1–4, 2026, delivered another competitive week of hunter and jumper sport, highlighted by Fernando Cardenas’ Grand Prix victory to close out competition.
Cardenas piloted Copine Van De Langvelden Z (Cicero Z x Coranda Van Herkenrode Z) to the win in the $20,000 Tryon International Grand Prix, securing the top prize in Saturday’s featured class. Angel Munoz Gil and Penobscot SCF NA (Cyklon 1083 x Nanette SCF) earned second place honors, while Ragan Roberts and Queen Bee Z (Quincy Car x Can Get You) completed the podium in third.
Fernando Cardenas and Copine Van De Langvelden Z
©Paris Lockhart for Natalie Suto Photography
Competition began midweek with the $5,000 LeMieux Welcome Stake, where Wilhelmina Horzepa dominated the leaderboard with both first and second place finishes. Horzepa claimed the win aboard Dirocco B (Zirocco Blue VDL x Talve-B) and followed up with a second-place result riding BE Monte Darco K (Douglas). Fernando Cardenas returned to the podium early in the week as well, finishing third with Copine Van De Langvelden Z.
Wilhelmina Horzepa and Dirocco B
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Hunter competition took center stage on Friday during the Dapplebay USHJA 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby, where Skye Rix and A Cut Above (Daily Deal x First Kiss) earned top honors. Chelsea Bryant and Remington (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x Hivory) secured second place, while Alana Pardue and Akland (Okland x Gadoryke) finished third.
Skye Rix and A Cut Above
©Ariel Hughes for Natalie Suto Photography
Jumper competition continued with the $2,000 Vogel 1.25m Open Jumper Stake, where Wilhelmina Horzepa added another victory to her week aboard Grace (OBF Iceburg x Windfall Frankie). Ashleigh Dane and Nikkolette (Elvaro x Illethe B S) finished in second, and Megan Rosenthal and Keamore Diamant (Diamant De Semilly x Keamore Hill Cruz) rounded out the top three.
Wilhelmina Horzepa and Grace
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Tryon Welcome 3 showcased consistent depth across divisions, with multiple riders delivering repeat top performances throughout the week. The competition continues to build momentum at Tryon International as spring sport progresses in the foothills of North Carolina.
For full results and upcoming competition schedules, visit www.tryon.com/compete.