Brian Moggre (Flower Mound, TX) and Nikita Jolie cleared the short-course in 28.582 seconds to take top honors in Thursday’s $25,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake in the International Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). In second, Shane Sweetnam (Lexington, KY) piloted Viti de Longa, a 2009 Selle Francais mare (Contendro I x Babeth Desmulottes) owned by Seabrook LLC, to a jump-off time of 28.807 seconds, while Andrea Torres Guerreiro (Waterford, VA) collected third aboard her own mount Fifty Shades, stopping the timers at 29.125 seconds aboard the 2008 Westphalian gelding (Call Me Number One x Sheltana).
Brian Moggre on Nikita Jolie. Photo by TIEC.
In addition to besting a competitive field, with 53 entries testing the Lewis Pack (Mill Spring, NC) course design, Moggre also claimed fourth aboard the Major Wager LLC owned MTM Vivre le Reve, a 2009 Westphalian gelding (Ustinov x Chellana). Nineteen horse-and-rider pairs challenged the jump-off track, with eight double-clears on the day. For both of Moggre’s mounts, it was their first class after COVID-19 related pauses in horse showing, he explained:
“It was actually the first class back showing for those two horses of mine. I thought it was very welcoming, but at the same time a nice track for the competition. I was very happy with how my horses performed,” he shared. “After having such a long break due to the current circumstances, it is very exciting to be showing again.”
Shane Sweetnam on Viti de Longa. Photo by TIEC.
“I started riding Nikita Jolie about halfway through the winter season in Florida, and I’m still getting to know her,” Moggre said of the 2010 Oldenburg mare (Numero Uno x Jatricia M) owned by Ashland Farms. “The mandatory break was actually a bit of a blessing in disguise because I got to know her much better. I’m super happy with how she performed. She and I are really clicking, and it’s a great partnership.”
Andrea Torres Guerreiro on Fifty Shades. Photo by TIEC.
Moggre will base at TIEC for a few weeks before venturing to other venues, he explained. “We’ll see how everything is going and what horse shows decide to run. After this week, so far, it’s been very promising that horse shows can operate with the COVID-19 restrictions. I think TIEC has done a great job of making the show productive for everybody while maintaining safety. It’s been a great experience. I’m just so happy to be horse showing again!”
For full results of this class, click here. The Tryon Spring 6/92nd Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Charity Horse Show continues through Sunday, June 7, featuring Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation competition. Live ring feeds are available here.