Tryon Welcome 4 Recap: Tryon Welcome Series presented by Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer
For Immediate Release
Jimmie Schramm and Courtney Carter for Tryon International
Gjetley Captures $20,000 Grand Prix Victory During Welcome Series 4 at Tryon International
Brian Gjetley and Chaccozin ©Laci Matthews for Natalie Suto Photography
Mill Spring, N.C. — April 13, 2026 — Welcome Series 4 at Tryon International, held April 9–13, 2026, delivered another week of competitive hunter and jumper sport, highlighted by Brian Gjetley’s win in the week’s featured Grand Prix.
Gjetley piloted Chaccozin (Chacoon Blue x Zimbodia) to victory in the $20,000 Tryon Grand Prix, securing the top spot in Sunday’s highlight class. John Brown and Ballon Bleu (Amaretto D Arco x Papilon) earned second place honors, while Doug Payne and Quintessence (Quinar x Victoria’s Secret) rounded out the podium in third.
Jordan Rich and Sebastain ©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Competition kicked off on Thursday with the $5,000 Tryon Welcome Stake, sponsored by LeMieux, where Jordan Rich claimed the win aboard Sebastian (Stakkato Gold x Ziska). Angel Munoz Gil and Kissimmee SCF NA (Diamant De Semilly x Damascus) followed in second, with Doug Payne and Quintessence finishing third.
Grace Loughlin and Briljant Z ©Paris Lockhart for Natalie Suto Photography
Hunter competition took center stage in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by Samshield, where Grace Loughlin and Briljant Z (Balougran Z x Robijn) earned top honors. Parris Collins and Miss Magnolia (Number One x Conturano I) secured second place, while Lauren Hill and Great Perhaps (Balou Du Rouet x Cleopatra FLB) completed the top three.
Jumper competition continued with the $2,000 Open Jumper 1.25m Stake, sponsored by Vogel, where Heather Steinman and Sailfish (Flying Dream x Sandravanta) rose to the top of the leaderboard. Doug Payne and BE Vhouchacho Z (Van Gogh x Unknown) finished second, while Katherine Brown and Destiny (Dibadu L x Romira) rounded out the podium in third.
Heather Steinman and Sailfish ©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Throughout the week, multiple riders delivered consistent performances across divisions, with repeat appearances on the podium highlighting the depth of competition during the spring series at Tryon International.
For full results and upcoming competition schedules, visit www.tryon.com/compete.