By Michelle Yelton for TIEC

Mill Spring, NC – November 14, 2021 – The 2021 Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) Hunter/Jumper competition calendar concluded with Glenn Hartigan (CAN) and Picadero 16 landing first place in the Tryon Fall Finale $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix with a time of 38.332, rising from second place in the same class last week during Tryon Fall 7. Gianna Aycock (USA) and her own Flex a Tia, the 2009 Warmblood mare (Flexible x Sequoyah Utopia), earned second place with a time of 40.401. In third place with a time of 38.413 was Beth Franco (USA) aboard Havanna, the 2012 Dutch Warmblood mare (Zirocco Blue VDL x Cereedom VDL) owned by Steven Goodwin. 

Formerly an opponent, Hartigan was thrilled to get his chance to show with his new partner, the 2009 Rhineland gelding (Prinz Wilhelm x Sabina) owned by Nicola Dickinson.

“He’s brand new to us. I used to compete against him in Germany, actually. I always liked him. When he came up for sale I said, ‘Daniel, I’d like to have your horse!’ I brought him over here in July, and this is my second show with him. He’s been above and beyond my expectations!” shared Hartigan. 

Twelve trips tested the Dean Rheinheimer (USA) course with only three pairs returning for the jumpoff, two going double clear, and Hartigan and Picadero 16 rising to the top.

“The course rode well. He has a big stride, and the combinations I found were a little tight for him, but he tried his heart out and made it happen. He likes to go fast so the jump-off wasn’t a problem,” explained Hartigan. 

“I saw Gianna’s ride and I knew I could leave out a stride here and there and maybe make the rollback turn from fence two to nine, which he did for me and it worked out.” 

Hartigan, a seasoned competitor at TIEC, has enjoyed his success at the venue and plans to return.

“I love [Tryon]! We’ve been coming here since they first started. It has been fantastic, we love coming here and we’ll be back.”

Mattias Hollberg and D.A. Duras Win Tryon Fall Finale $5,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake

With the only double clear rounds of the class, Mattias Hollberg (USA) and D.A. Duras took the win in the Tryon Fall Finale $5,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake at TIEC with a time of 39.29. Adolpho Franco (BRA) and Hayadina PP, the 2012 Dutch Warmblood mare (Emerald Van’t Ruytershof x Udina) owned by Capital Equine LLC, were the only other pair to advance to the jumpoff, finishing in second but not clear with a time of 37.985. In third place with four faults and a time of 66.759 was Glenn Hartigan (CAN) and Picadero 16, the 2009 Rhineland gelding (Prinz Wilhelm x Sabina) owned by Nicola Dickinson.

Hollberg was pleased with his horse’s performance and his overall record since their partnership began.

“He’s been with me for a year and a half now. He wins most classes, he’s wonderful. I’m really thankful that I have him,” said Hollberg. 

With only two pairs returning for the jumpoff, Hollberg was challenged by the Dean Rheinheimer (USA) course.

“The course was not easy today. I was the only double clear. The course design was such that horses were locking onto different jumps and you kind of had to take their eye off of them and onto the one you were going to. My good guy can handle it, and my other two less experienced horses had rails because of that,” explained Hollberg.

Hollberg enjoyed his final competition of the year at TIEC before he returns to Florida for the winter.

“This is actually my last show of the year. I love it here. I’ve always enjoyed coming here and competing. It’s a great place to be at.”

For full results from the $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix, click here. 

For full results from the $5,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake, click here.