Rounding out the podium in Thursday’s speed, Mexico’s 24-year-old Karime Perez Nuñez finished third. She stopped the clock at 62.05 seconds riding her own Felicie de Coquerie, a nine-year-old Selle Français mare (Malito de Reve x Quiniou).

While Torano matched the striding of the other competitors, he gave credit to Kochio Z’s natural speed and agility for the win. “I did the same strides, but I was quite neat and this is a very fast horse. He’s won a lot of classes and his record is unbelievable,” he said. “On two turns I was very tight, so I guess that’s what made the difference because he did spend a lot of time in the air but the horse is a real winner.”

After being purchased as a seven-year-old, Kochio Z has carried Torano to top finishes throughout the country, and quickly became one of the most dynamic horses in his string. 

“He stepped up even as an eight year old and won a few grand prix. He’s won a lot as a nine-year-old now he’s 10; little by little we keep moving him up,” said Torano. “Everything I’ve asked him he’s done. He’s wanted every single level I’ve asked him to do, but I try not to over face him. I would say I go up and down with him; I jump a small class to keep him really confident because he’s so so careful and then I move him up and he gives me everything every time we go in the ring.”

“We love it here,” said Torano of his barn and family’s first time competing at Traverse City Horse Shows. “We are here for the whole six weeks. There’s something for everybody; great restaurants, something to do all the time and you can’t beat the weather. Every Monday you can change it up a bit. 

“We have known the Morrissey’s forever and they do an unbelievable job,” continued Torano. “I was here once just for a couple of days back in 2020 and they’ve taken this showgrounds to a whole new level and it’s top notch.”

For complete results, click here.