Press release from Tryon International Equestrian Center

Tracy Fenney (USA) and MTM Apple kicked off Tryon Fall 3 with two back-to-back FEI wins, claiming Thursday’s $36,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI2* on a jump-off time of 39.032 seconds. Kristen VanderVeen (USA) and Bull Run’s Prince of Peace, the 2009 Holsteiner gelding (Cardenio x Contender) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC, earned second-place honors with a 40.401 second short-course performance, while Fenney also received third, this time aboard MTM Reve Du Paradis, the 2005 Selle Francais gelding (Crown Z x Adelfos) owned by MTM Farm, following their clear jump-off round in a time of 40.499 seconds. 

Fenney shared that the 2011 Danish Warmblood mare (Favorit Ask x Willemoes) owned by MTM Farm has been improving with every round in the ring. “She was great, even better than yesterday. It was a hard 1.45m, but it was good to get her in the ring and get her in gear.”

Course designer Peter Grant (CAN) hosted 56 entries in the first round of competition, with 22 horse-and-rider pairs qualifying to attempt the short course. After being knocked out of the lead on her other mount, Fenney was determined to get back in the lead with MTM Apple. “She’s really fast and she’s super straightforward. I mean, from one to two she did that like a gem, and I was so impressed with her.”

Fenney plans to return to the Tryon Stadium with MTM Apple as well as her other mount, MTM Reve Du Paradis, for Saturday’s $72,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3*. “Apple has not been under the lights before, which is why I want her to compete [in Saturday’s Grand Prix], she continued. “[Saturday Night Lights] is such a thrill. There’s so many people and the band is playing and everyone is so excited. Nowhere you ever go has this good of a crowd.”

Fenney concluded: “I love it here; it’s my favorite horse show and is just so well done. The stalls are so easy because you walk in and the fans are already up and the mats are down. For a person who travels a lot it’s a no-brainer and obviously the food is so convenient, and our camper is amazing to have here.”