Kristen VanderVeen & Bull Run’s Jireh’s Winning Ways Continue in the $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2*

By Jumper News USA on June 30, 2025

Mill Spring, North Carolina, United States – June 28, 2025 – Kristen VanderVeen (USA) and Bull Run’s Jireh scored big in Saturday night’s $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International), posting a time of 35.36 seconds amongst seven competitors in the jump off.

The Colm Quinn-designed course tested 22 entries over the first round, and VanderVeen and the 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Uriko x Colman) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Inc. continued their streak of wins at Tryon International by clearing the short course in what felt like a “whole new atmosphere,” she shared.

*As the highest placing female rider in the $70,000 Silver Spoon Saloon Grand Prix CSI 2*, Kristen VanderVeen (USA) received the Leading Lady Award presented by Fairfax & Favor alongside Paula Cudd.*

“It was really exciting tonight having the new jumps [from Dalman Jump Co.], and we have a new pavilion in there [from Brown Haven Homes], too. It almost felt like a whole new atmosphere for the horses! I think that was a lot of fun the first round; I thought [Colm Quinn] did a great job. I was pretty happy with how my horse jumped,” she shared of her top mount’s performance.

*Podium: 2) David Blake (IRL), 1&3) **Kristen VanderVeen** (USA), and fourth place finisher Richie Moloney (IRL)*

With seven riders competing in the short contest, VanderVeen wanted to continue her spring theme of focusing on tidy lines for efficiency. “For the jump off, it was twisty and turny, which is really fun. And then, I tried not to do anything stupid. Sometimes I get a little too excited, and overdo it! So I tried to keep things tidy and professional, and he responded really well.”

VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Jireh have been in winning form at Tryon International throughout the spring, continuing their streak into the Tryon Summer Series presented by The Farm House. “I thought he’s been jumping great, and he’s been in great form. He loves the ground here, and the new jumps gave him a little extra pop. I could really turn him right into [the fence].”

**Pedro Hernandez** was presented the Groom’s Award presented by Regal Downs for his care and dedication to Bull Run’s Jireh alongside Tryon International’s Drew Page.

Tryon Summer 3 was not initially on her show schedule, VanderVeen revealed. “We had different plans [for the summer], and then we realized we just missed being here, so we came back. So, we’re pretty excited to be here! We’ll be here next week as well.”

Despite a hot week felt throughout the southeast, VanderVeen took the time to show her gratitude to management for the way they’ve navigated hot temps. “I just really appreciate management here; it has been great,” she emphasized. “We’ve had some hot days, as it has been everywhere, but I feel like they’ve really tried to take that into account, and help us out a lot with fans and waters and scheduling, and it’s been a great experience.”