Mill Spring, North Carolina, USA – June 06, 2024 – The second week of international competition got underway on Wednesday at the Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) with the running of the $32,000 Two Phase CSI 3*.

The highlights of the class were three double-clear rounds by Amanda Derbyshire (GBR): aboard Otto BH, the 2012 Zangersheide stallion, Derbyshire took the win in a speed phase time of 34.09 seconds. She also claimed fourth place honors with Cornwall BH (Unknown x Cambridge 8), the 2008 Holsteiner gelding, in 35.85 seconds.

Otto BH (Norton D’eole x D-armel Van’t Kamerveld), the 2012 Zangersheide stallion owned by Derbyshire, has had his fair share of successes in the Tryon Spring Series in addition to his Two Phase win. “He’s a fast horse”, she said of her partner. “It was a perfect course with a lot of gallops. He’s naturally very fast and careful, so it made it a little easier.”

The United States was represented on the podium as Todd Minikus (USA) and Kiekeboe Spirit (Darius x Game Boy), the 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Spirit Group, tripped the lasers at 34.79 seconds to claim reserve honors.

Samuel Parot (CHI) and David Guetta (Zento x Vigaro), his own 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding, toured the Ken Krome (USA) course in a time of 34.89 seconds to round out the competitive podium. 

Derbyshire noted that the Two Phase track suited Otto’s speed and accuracy on course. “There were a lot of fast riders, and I am lucky enough to have some nice horses and a great team around me right now – it makes things easy,” she revealed.

With Wednesday’s win, Derbyshire and Otto BH broke their streak of second place finishes. “I’m glad I got out of “second mode” today!” Derbyshire shared. “I’ve had four seconds in a row with Otto, so today’s win was nice to get out of that.”

According to Derbyshire, maintaining the stallion’s self-assurance is key to the team’s success. “We keep up his confidence. I pick the right classes from and never over-faze him. He’s a careful horse, and it took a long time for me to get his trust. We pick and choose the right classes from, and don’t do too much. He always puts it out there when I ask him to,” she shared. 

Final Results – $32,000 Two Phase CSI 3*

1) Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) & Otto BH  – 0 / 0 – 34.09

2) Todd Minikus (USA) & Kiekeboe Spirit – 0 / 0 – 34.79

3) Samuel Parot (CHI) & David Guetta – 0 / 0 – 34.89

Source: Press Release (edited) by Rette Solomon from Tryon International

Photos: © TIEC / Sarah Sturgis for Natalie Suto Photography / Reagan Ibach

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