Kelley Farmer Breezes to Bookend Podium in $40K USHJA International Hunter Derby at Tryon Summer 4

Kelley Farmer (USA) and David Glefke’s Meaningful scored a total of 377 points over two rounds to take top honors in Friday evening’s $40,000 USHJA International Derby at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), also claiming third with In Writing, the 2009 Holsteiner gelding (Quirado x Pandora VLL) co-owned by David Glefke and Wendy Hofmeister, on a score of 374.5. Daniel Geitner (USA) and his own mount Banks Mill, a 2011 Warmblood gelding of unknown breeding, claimed reserve with a total score of 375.5.

Kelley Farmer on Meaningful. Photo by Sportfot.

The Dean Rheinheimer (USA) course tested 24 entrants over the initial track, with the top 12 scoring a minimum of 152 in order to qualify for the handy round. Farmer and the 2013 Oldenburg gelding (Almoretto x Romisch Blau) walked into the second round with a score of 168, adding 209 to top the field – in Meaningful’s second competition since arriving in North America. “I thought the course was very nice – I was very happy with it. This is only his second show in America! He’s already learning how to become a top hunter,” she explained. “He was also champion in the High Performance [4’ division], winning every class this week. I could not be more thrilled with him.”

Farmer was last to go in the handy with In Writing, with whom she captured the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at TIEC during Tryon Spring 6 competition, and admits that “they should have been first and second place. Rider error got in the way – tonight was my fault. He’s truly an amazing horse! I just got him from Europe last fall.

Daniel Geitner on Banks Mill. Photo by Sportfot.

“The footing feels incredibly nice,” Farmer said of the newly re-engineered Tryon Stadium footing. “European horses [in particular] love it and are very comfortable with it.” Farmer continued about returning to competition post COVID-19 pauses in the equestrian calendar, saying, “TIEC has done an amazing job with this whole scenario. I know it’s not easy for any of us, and I think the management, staff, and everyone at TIEC has done an outstanding job managing the situation.

“As competitors, we know that this is a privilege for us to be able to continue to horse show and work during this time. We very much appreciate all of the efforts. I have the utmost respect for everything that TIEC has done,” Farmer concluded. “Without you all, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing our jobs.”

Kelley Farmer on In Writing. Photo by Sportfot.

For full class results, click here.  Tryon Summer 4 competition continues through Sunday, July 5, with competitions closed to spectators and with highlight classes streaming live here.  Saturday features the $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby at 8:00am in Tryon Stadium, as well as the 8:00pm $137,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3*.