Kyle Timm (CAN) and Platinum, owned by Apex Equestrian Center, secured a win in the $34,000 1.50m Challenge FEI at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), finishing the class as the only clear round out of thirteen entries. Timm and Platinum dashed through the course in 71.86 seconds to secure their first FEI victory at TIEC this year. Sarah Segal (USA) and Cantara 59 followed in second with four faults and a time of 74.01 seconds. Darragh Kerins (IRL) aboard Thunder D'Amaury, finished in third, also collecting four faults and stopping the timers in 77.56 seconds. Competition at TIEC begins again Wednesday, July 15, with the final week of the Tryon Summer Series hosting FEI CSI 3* competition. The Tryon Summer Series will conclude on July 19.

Timm and Platinum captured a big win in the final FEI class of the week during Tryon Summer 3, cruising through the course designed by Ana Catalina Cruz Harris (MEX). They crossed the finish line as the only clear trip of the morning, preventing a jump-off round and sealing the win with a one-and-done round.

"It was a difficult class this morning. I think we all thought it would be easier after last night, but it was more or less last night's class going the opposite direction, which I think was even harder," said Timm. "This was the class we had aimed her for this week and she totally performed. We did the speed class early on and she jumped fantastic there and really carried it over to today. She's a very good horse."

Platinum has had a consistent season so far with Timm, who has had the ride on the 2005 Irish Sport Horse mare (Simply Javlin x Ballybregagh Band of Gold) since she was six-years-old. The duo has grown together and Platinum has come into her own after taking a few months off during the season last year.

"She's placed in almost every grand prix we've done with her this year and she's really hitting her stride. We always knew that she was going to be a great horse and it just took her a little bit of time to mature and figure it all out," commented Timm. "She's been unbelievable and whenever you think the horse can't do anymore, she does. She's probably one of the best horses I've had so far in my career."

Without over-facing the mare, but keeping her at the top of her game, Timm is very careful in choosing which classes Platinum will contest. The duo will set their sights on the August Series at Tryon after spending a few weeks in Kentucky at the end of July.

"Right now I'm really focused on finding the classes where she can be the most competitive and have a good time. She's the most fun out of all of the horses I'm riding right now and I want her to do well. Every time I get on her I know she's going to try her absolute hardest and always aim to jump a clear round. She just has the heart," he said.

Timm competed two horses in the FEI this week, Platinum and Calida 55, a newer mount he acquired this past spring. Timm chose to compete Calida 55 in the $210,000 Asheville Grand Prix CSI 4* last night, but was disappointed with his ride, motivating him to produce two strong rounds with both horses today. Calida 55 collected fifth place, finishing with eight faults in 74.68 seconds.

"The course last night was super, but I just couldn't find that rhythm, which was disappointing and I felt like I let her down. It really lit a fire underneath me to do well today and give them both educational and strong rides," explained Timm. "I was trying to think of how to make today a better day and it worked out great. I stayed really positive and tried to focus on giving both of them the best rides possible."

Timm is based in nearby Raleigh, NC, at Apex Equestrian Center, only a three-hour drive to TIEC, which he and his clients have frequented during the Tryon Spring and Summer Series. According to Timm, the growth of TIEC is helping to expand his business, as young equestrians are hoping to relocate within driving distance to the rapidly expanding facility.

"We have so many great schools in Raleigh and we're seeing a lot of riders, who originally hadn't planned to bring their horses to college, asking if we have space in our program because they feel like they can manage competing and school with TIEC being so close," remarked Timm. "It's growing the sport because it offers riders a chance to compete year round and at an incredible venue. We feel really lucky that we are so close and the venue offers something educational for all of our horses."