
Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
The spring season isn’t quite through yet. A strong CCI4*-L field headlines the Tryon International Three-Day Event, presented by Fairfax & Favor, and competition will get underway Thursday after the passing of the First Horse Inspection on Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 20 combinations will contest the CCI4*-L division, with quite a few early contenders to keep an eye on throughout the weekend. A few notables include:
- Lexington CCI4*-S winners Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo, representing Canada and looking seriously impressive in their victory at Kentucky last month
- Boyd Martin‘s up-and-coming Miss Lulu Herself, winner of the CCI3*-L at Bromont in 2022, as well as the very exciting Commando 3
- Californian representatives Tamie Smith (winner of a little 5* in Kentucky last month) and Elliot V, Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo (rerouting from Kentucky after retiring on cross country) and Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout
- TerraNova CCI4*-S winners Sharon White and Claus 63, also a pair to watch to sit at or near the top of the board following dressage
- Also a TerraNova 4*-S (2022) champion: Jacob Fletcher and Fabian, who were sixth in the highly competitive Lexington 4*-S in April
- The could’ve-would’ve-been winner of the Lexington 4*-S last month, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Nutcracker, who narrowly lost out on the win due to a freak frangible pin activation that incurred 11 penalties
An equally strong CCI4*-S will also compete this weekend; entries include Boyd and Tsetserleg, rerouting after pulling up early at Kentucky last month, as well as Fedarman B and Luke 140, Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Moonshine, and Ariel Grald with her two hot prospects, Forrest Gump 124 and Diara.

Could we BE any more obsessed with the always-bold Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start? Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
A full entry list and ride times for all divisions can be found here. Live scoring will be here.
Dressage will begin Thursday for most divisions (all except the 1*-S), with some divisions concluding dressage Friday. The Short divisions will also show jump Friday. Cross country will be held Saturday for all divisions except 2*-S and 1*-S, followed by show jumping for the Long and Advanced divisions Sunday. The full schedule can be found on the event website here.
Many thanks to official photographer this weekend, Shannon Brinkman, for providing a glimpse at the trot-ups this afternoon. More to come from North Carolina!
Tryon International Three Day Event (Mill Spring, NC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer] [Scoring]
- Tamie Smith and Elliot V. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Heather Gillette and Vincent Chase. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Mia Braundel and Cashmere. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- John Michael Durr and Blue Rodeo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Joe Meyer and Harbin. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- John Michael Durr and Blue Rodeo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
- Jacob Fletcher and Fabian. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.