CSI 2*

Jacqueline Ruyle Rides Cyramo Z to Win the $78,000 Earl Scruggs Music Festival Grand Prix CSI 2* 

Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – July 01, 2023 – An all-American, all-female podium was crowned at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International) Saturday, July 1. Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) and her partner Cyramo Z dominated $78,000 Earl Scruggs Music Festival Grand Prix CSI 2*.

While the official theme of the evening was “Red, White, and Bluegrass” – honoring the venue’s upcoming music festival to be hosted September 1-3, 2023 – as competition unfolded it became a contest between the leading ladies. All five of the clear rounds presented by Stuller Power Solutions in the first round featured horses piloted by women, with the top seven consecutive placings claimed by female riders from a class of 19 entries. 

Ruyle shared that despite Cyramo Z’s Saturday night excitement, the 2011 Zangersheide mare layed out an excellent performance across both rounds. “This is her first class under the lights since the winter,” Ruyle remarked. “She was a little wild, which makes the round a little more exciting than smooth, but it was good!”

Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo Z

According to Ruyle, the course designed by Colm Quinn (IRL) rode differently than anticipated. “Some of the turns were definitely set on a bend that was sometimes hard to follow. I thought it was easier to take a wider track. In two of the bending lines, I was a little off track and didn’t actually do the numbers I had planned – you just ride off your eye at that point.”

Owned and shown by Jacqueline Ruyle (USA), Cyramo Z (Clarimo X Vigo D Arsouilles Stx) stopped jump off timers at 35.95 seconds to win the Grand Prix.

Alexandra Worthington (USA) & De L’Oiseliere

Alexandra Worthington (USA), and Turn A Blind Eye LLC’s De L’Oiseliere (Kapitol D’argonne x Unknown), the 2013 Selle Français gelding, took reserve honors with a time of 35.95 seconds.

Lauren Tyree (USA) & Voltanos

Rounding out the podium was Lauren Tyree (USA), aboard her own 2013 Oldenburg gelding Voltanos (Voltaire Pref x Lordanos), marking a time of 42.08 seconds. 

In the jump-off, Ruyle took all factors into account. “I knew it was a smaller jump off, and also [Cyramo Z] was very wild! I knew I had to maybe take a little more time in my turns, because I didn’t have the same ability I’d have on a quiet day. But she came out there, performed super, and found the middle of the jumps. She was awesome!”

Taylor Morris was awarded Groom’s Award presented byTryon International for her care and dedication to Cyramo Z, alongside Tryon International’s Drew Page

Ruyle and Cyramo Z have celebrated many wins together, including the team’s first ever FEI Grand Prix win in Tryon’s 2022 Summer Series. “She was my first 2* win last year, and now she’s done it again this year!”

“I really just love Tryon and I think they do a great job,” Ruyle concluded. “The facility is very, very horse friendly, and we’re going to stay until the end of this summer circuit.”

Podium: 2) Alexandra Worthington, 1) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA)and 3) Lauren Tyree (USA) in their presentation ceremony alongside (L-R): Tryon Equestrian Partners Carolinas President Sharon Decker, ESMF Board Member Joe Kendrick, Tryon International Director of Events & Entertainment Jeff Fissel, Darin Aldridge, Earl Scruggs Center Executive Director Mary Beth Martin, ESMF Board Member JT Scruggs, and Brooke Aldridge.

Final Results – $78,000 Earl Scruggs Music Festival Grand Prix CSI 2*

1) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo Z – 0 / 0 – 35.95

2) Alexandra Worthington (USA) & De L’Oiseliere – 0 / 0 – 39.95

3) Lauren Tyree (USA) & Voltanos – 0 / 0 – 42.08

As the highest placing female rider in the Grand Prix, Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) was awarded the Leading Lady Award presented by Marthaler Jewelers, alongside Matthew Blair of Marthaler Jewelers and team.

Source: Press Release (edited) from Tryon International

Photos: © TIEC / Natalie Suto Photography