For Immediate Release
Mill Spring, NC – June 10, 2015 – International competition made its home in the south during the last two weeks of show jumping at Tryon International Equestrian Center, while Equis Boutique added a unique element of competition to the newly-christened event. Awarding the “Best Presented Horse” designation at the FEI Horse Inspections, Equis honored Candice King (USA) and Bellissimo, LLC’s Bugatti VDL during Tryon Spring 7, and Ali Wolff (USA) with Brianda, owned by John Wolff, at Tryon Spring 8.
After evaluating the overall turnout of both horse and rider, FEI Judges awarded a “Best Presented” commemorative silver trophy and products from Equis partner brands to King and Wolff. Riding apparel, accessories and horsewear from partner brands include Manfredi, Parlanti, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, and Dy’on, in addition to a selection of imported bits and Official FEI Merchandise, which are available at all Equis Boutique locations.
Candice King and Irma Rubesa of Equis Boutique
King was grateful to Equis Boutique for drawing some attention to the horse inspection itself and giving recognition to the teams of grooms and managers who work to present a picture-perfect horse and rider pair. King and Bugatti VDL, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion, finished with one rail in the $127,000 Kingsland Grand Prix CSI 3* in the George H. Morris Stadium on Saturday evening of Week 7, but look forward to moving up.
“Nicole [Bellissimo] had the ride on Bugatti with success last year and at the end of Florida we sat down and thought he would be a nice ride for me, so I just started riding him in the last month and a half,” said King who piloted the stallion to a win in the $25,000 Grand Prix at Tryon Spring 3.
While proud to receive the “Best Presented Horse” award from Equis Boutique, King admits that she did nothing out of the ordinary for this jog. “We went as we normally do. For me, when we present our horses to the jury I take pride in jogging my own and making a point to show off their care,” she said. “We have a great team, and the horses always come first. I think it will certainly motivate more people to pay more attention to the jog in the future.”
Ali Wolff and Irma Rubesa of Equis Boutique
Photo ©Sportfot
For Wolff, Tryon Spring 8 was a week to remember, highlighted by a win in the $34,000 FEI Tryon 1.50m Challenge aboard John Wolff’s Artemis. Earlier in the week, however, she and 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Brianda were applauded for more than just their abilities. Jogging amidst a competitive international crowd, Wolff won “Best Presented Horse” before piloting Brianda to third in the $34,000 Suncast FEI 1.45m Welcome and second in the 34,000 FEI 1.45m Speed Stake. Wolff was second in the $210,000 Tryon Grand Prix CSI 4* for the Governor’s Cup, presented by Rolex, with Casall for Blacklick Bend Farm.
Rising to the top of the FEI Horse Inspection, Wolff acknowledged it may have been Brianda’s attitude that drew some attention from the judges. “She’s a chestnut mare, and that makes her special,” laughed Wolff. “We have been partners for a year and a half and she certainly has her own attitude, but has always been a trier. Success is mostly about getting us on the same page.”
Wolff makes a point to always jog her own horses as an opportunity to represent her country, but she always makes time to practice. “My trainer, Michele Grubb, always stresses the importance of the jog and we practice presenting our horses at home,” she said.
Tryon International Equestrian Center is in its first full year of competition and has been met with praise from riders, including King and Wolff.
“A lot of people thought Tryon is in an area that people are not used to coming and didn’t expect to have what we have been experiencing. We couldn’t have had two better weeks of top level sport and that is what we need here in America. The vision of ‘build it and they will come’ certainly worked in Tryon,” said King, who also acknowledged that competition was exciting outside the show ring as well. “The crowd last Saturday night was electric. I have jumped in front of spectators all over the world, and that was as good as they come.”
Founded by FEI judges and active proponents of international equestrian competition, Elena Couttenye and Cesar Hirsch, Equis partnered with high-end brands to launch Equis Boutique in fall of 2014 and is proud to now align themselves with some of the best horse shows in North America. “We are excited to be a part of Tryon International Equestrian Center as it makes a name for itself in horse sport,” said Hirsch. “While it made the ‘Best Presented’ decision harder, it was encouraging to see so many horses at the FEI Horse Inspection ready to jump at the international level on American soil. We can’t wait to continue presenting this award at upcoming horse shows.”
After successful debut seasons at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, and HITS Horse Shows in Ocala, Florida, Equis Boutique will soon announce their summer horse show location schedule.
For more information on Equis LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or find EquisBoutique on Facebook and Instagram! Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.
About Equis, LLC
Equis LLC delivers superior service in order to educate their consumers on the brands and products they offer and show the variety and quality of their made-to-order, customized products. By providing a unique shopping experience, Equis rises above your normal tack shop to offer only the best. “Live the Experience – A Boutique for the Discerning Equestrian.”