The third day of FEI competition of Tryon Fall III continued at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), with a fast-paced victory for Andrea Torres Guerreiro (COL) and Alejandro in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Jumper Classic CSI 2*. Tryon Fall III has welcomed back international FEI competition to the venue, beginning a four-week stretch of top show jumping competition, which will conclude on Sunday, October 29, as part of the 2017 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Guerreiro and Alejandro tackled the short course with a time of 41.42 seconds, the only double clear round of the afternoon. Anna Christine Gansauer (ECU) and Marcia Navia's Hot Shot Van De Hoendrikshoeve, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Winningmood Van De Arenberg x Heartbreaker) took the second-place spot, stopping timers in 45.26 seconds, with one time fault. Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) piloted his own Eres Tu, a 2009 Warmblood gelding, to finish in the top three on a time of 44.08 seconds and four faults.
"The course was tough enough today! I was the first one out and I wasn't expecting it to be as technical as it was. This horse is new to me, so that added to my nerves a bit," Guerreiro explained. "He was incredible. I got him a couple of months ago, and this is my second show with him. He's only eight, so we are learning to ride him, but he is very powerful and very strong; just very different from my other horses."
Of the jump-off round, Guerreiro said, "This was my first time asking him to go that fast. After that last jump we did lose a bit of control for a second around the turn, but I think it paid off in the end speed wise."
Guerreiro has her eye set on the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, to be held at the venue next September. She commented, "He is going to be one of my top horses. I'm trying to get there with my other horse, Fifty Shades, and I think that Alejandro could also end up being a contender as well."
Guerreiro also elaborated on her time competing at TIEC, stressing the importance of such a high-quality facility and electrifying atmosphere as combinations prepare for international events and championships.
"We just come back more and more," she said. "We have other horse shows closer to home, but we choose to come here. The footing, the stalls and barns, the horses love it and it's like home here for them. Just when you don't think it can get more impressive, it does."
