Results

Gianna Aycock & Flex a Tia Fly to Secon in $25,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix

Mill Spring, North Carolina – 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.

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.” 

Beth Franco (USA) & Havanna

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. 

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.”

Final Results – $25,000 Grand Prix

1) Glenn Hartigan (CAN) & Picadero 16 – 0 / 0 – 38.332

2) Gianna Aycock (USA) & Flex a Tia – 0 / 0 – 40.401

3) Beth Franco (USA) & Havanna – 0 / 4 –  38.413

Source: Press Release by Michelle Yelton for TIEC – Tryon International Equestrian Center

Photo: ©TIEC / Natalie Suto Photography