Welcome 2 Recap: Tryon Welcome Series presented by Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer
Summer Justus and La Belle SCF
©Paris Lockhart for Natalie Suto Photography
For Immediate Release
Jimmie Schramm and Courtney Carter for Tryon International
Summer Justus Tops $20,000 Tryon International Grand Prix During Welcome Series 2
Mill Spring, N.C. — March 29, 2026 — Competition during Welcome Series 2, sponsored by Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer at Tryon International, held March 25–29, 2026, delivered a strong lineup of hunter and jumper highlights, culminating in a standout performance from Summer Justus in the week’s featured event.
Michael Kocher and LCC Kannan Cavalier
©Paris Lockhart for Natalie Suto Photography
The week started off with an international-caliber jumper competition on display in the $5,000 Tryon Welcome Stake, sponsored by LeMieux. Michael Kocher and LCC Kannan Cavalier (Kannan x LCC Cavalier Sweetheart) rose to the top of the leaderboard, followed by Wilhelmina Horzepa and Billy Guilder (Billy Congo x Dollar Day) in second. Summer Justus was third on the podium with La Belle SCF (Diktator van de Boslandhoeve x Belle Bleu S).
On Sunday, Justus piloted La Belle SCF to victory in the $20,000 Tryon International Grand Prix, securing the top podium position in a competitive class. John Angus and W. Tonix Hero (Ogano Sitte x Itaquine de Roll) claimed second-place honors, while Isabella Sparks rounded out the top three aboard Dominator (Diamant de Semilly x Arlene).
Hunter competition was highlighted by the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Samshield, where Caroline St. Peters and Venmo Me (Bliss MF x Bella SV) earned top honors. Megan Rosenthal and Selwyn (Common Sense x Amazing FLB) secured second place, with Sofia Hughes and Leo Lamour (Leovisto x Zaramia) finishing third.
Caroline St. Peters and Venmo Me
©Ariel Hughs for Natalie Suto Photography
Jumper competition continued with the $2,000 Open Jumper 1.25m Stake, sponsored by Vogel, where Wilhelmina Horzepa claimed victory aboard Grace (OBF Iceburg x Windfall Frankie). Summer Justus and Casey (Cavall Ask x Casira) followed in second place, while Lanie Nash and Scooby Doo (Quickly de Kreisker x Luca Van ‘T Eigenlo) completed the podium in third.
Wilhelmina Horzepa and Grace
©Paris Lockhart for Natalie Suto Photography
Welcome Series 2 showcased a dynamic mix of rising talent and established competitors, reinforcing Tryon International’s role as a premier destination for spring competition in the Southeast.
For full results and upcoming competition schedules, visit www.tryon.com.