Apr 10, 2022

Doug Payne and Vandiver Double Up on CCI4*-S Wins at The Fork at TIEC

By TIEC - Edited Press Release
Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Repeating their 2021 win at The Fork, Doug Payne (USA) and Vandiver climbed from seventh to top of the pack in the, producing the fastest cross-country round of the day in the CCI4*-S Division to clinch the win on a score of 30.8. Meanwhile, Phillip Dutton (USA) and Z, the 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding (ASCA x Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by Evie Dutton, Ann Jones, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, Thomas Tierney, and David and Patricia Vos, added just 2.8 points to their previous score of 28 to also achieve a score of 30.8. With Payne’s more optimum time across the Captain Mark Phillips (GBR) course design, he won the tie-breaker. Will Coleman (USA) and Off the Record, the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse Gelding (VDL Arkansas x Ard Ohio) owned by Off The Record Syndicate, claimed third place honors on a score of 31.2 to round out the podium.

Payne and the 18-year-old Trakhener gelding (Windfall 2 x Mystic Replica XX) owned by Debi Crowley, Doug and Jessica Payne, are longtime partners, knowing each other “inside and out,” Payne shared. Using the weekend as a prep for spring competitions and as a fitness test, “the conditions were just about perfect,” he raved. “The ground was awesome, big course and everything. It was the perfect opportunity to move along a bit and use [the run] not only to sharpen up a bit, but use it as a fitness round as well. He was excellent.”

Piloting numerous international and national level horses throughout the weekend, Payne complemented the venue for the education opportunities offered to his young jumpers in particular. “I think it’s obviously a wonderful venue. And I think it’s super helpful, especially for the young horses to be able to jump in the stadium on that Thursday. And you know, we just always look forward to coming back.”

Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

The only CCI3*-S Division duo to post a double clear round, Morgan Batton (USA) and I’m Sew Ready jumped from eighth place to the win on a score of 33.2. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley kept their reserve placing, adding 3.6 time faults for a total score of 34.4 with the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Dallas VDL x Unknown) owned by Ocala Horse Properties, while Samantha Tinney (USA) achieved third place with her own Glenbrook Cooley, the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Cassidee x Prospect Pride), on a score of 40.8.

Batton and her own 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lupicor x Elcaro) had a foot-perfect day on the cross-country course set by Captain Mark Phillips, and she was “truly surprised” by the win, she revealed. “The course was so awesome. The footing is always perfect here at Tryon! I was really able to get galloping and going. It rode so well. The jumps were beautifully appointed and it was tons of fun. He jumped [from eighth] into first, which was truly a surprise for me.”

Batton and “Jackson” have been clicking in the dressage ring lately, she shared, but had positive experiences across all three phases, she reflected. “It was a fabulous weekend. I was really happy with my horse in all three phases. I felt like he put in a good dressage test. Our partnership is coming together in that phase,” Batton elaborated.

“He’s a super show jumper, so he’s always really good at holding up his end of the bargain. He was super sharp on Saturday, and really on top of it today.”

Payne was highly complimentary of Batton for her job well done. “I have to say, to have Morgan win was super special. She’s been a friend and client of ours for a while and she does a great job with him. I mean, clearly! She’s a super competitor, and she really wants to succeed. And it’s exciting to see her coming up the levels.”

Doug Payne and Fenix Rouge Du Claux. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

With a wire-to-wire win, Doug Payne (USA) and Fenix Rouge Du Claux ended their weekend on a score of 29.9 for the win in CCI2*-S competition. Their nearest competitors were Caitlin Romeo (USA) and Fernhill B Good, her own 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ramiro B x Lord de Luxe), posting a score of 40.2 for reserve. In third, Victoria Hain (USA) and her own Bounce Pass, the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding of unknown breeding, jumped clear with 6.4 time faults to finish on a score of 50.3.

Payne and the 7-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Chef Rouge x Fleuron de Dun) owned by Anna Antrobius have been working together this winter for a little tune-up, with The Fork as his final challenge before returning to Antrobius. “Her goal in sending him to us was for this competition to be the primary focus, and so I’m excited to be able to bring home the win for her with him,” Payne reported. “He’s a very talented horse and I think a horse that will be great for her going forward.”

Marissa Griffin and Conguistador. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Contesting her first CCI1*-S, Marissa Griffin and Conguistador, her own 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Van Gough x Haarlem), finished on a score of 28.7 for the win after a double-clear cross-country round. Sandra Holden (USA) and Evil Munchkin, her own 19-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Clearway x Caretino), notched reserve on a score of 33.6, while third went to Ashton Benefiel (USA) riding Kingston Van Meerzicht, the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Harley VDL x Indoctro) owned by Ashton Brooke Benefiel, to a final tally of 35.5.

Jul 02, 2024 Educational Activities

USEA Educational Activity Highlight: Sherwood Forest Hunter Pace | Sherwood Oregon | July 13, 2024

What’s a Hunter Pace? The Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center's Hunter Pace is a cross-country-style course around Sherwood Forest over various natural obstacles/terrain. The course ends with a final treat for riders to take in stunning views of Mt. Hood with a loop through the old Far Hill Farms field. The beginning of the course will first start with a warm-up loop around show jumping obstacles in the outdoor ring at Sherwood Forest and then riders will continue directly onto the course. Sign up as a solo rider, pair, or team.

Jul 02, 2024 Profile

No Longer Dreaming: Claire Allen's Goal of Qualifying for USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship is Now Reality

Claire Allen remembers when she was 11 years old, having just made the switch from the hunter/jumper ring to three-day eventing. She told her new eventing trainer that her goal was to one day compete in the United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Young Rider Championships.

Jul 01, 2024 Competitions

Alliston’s Busy Weekend, Braitling’s Reuniting with Five-Star Mount, & Kalkman’s Advanced Victory Highlight Twin Rivers Summer H.T.

As he was finishing tacking up his horse in preparation to navigate the cross-country course at the 2024 Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials, James Alliston expressed concern about navigating the 101 Freeway. That’s because as soon as he crossed the finish line aboard Intermediate level winner Addyson (Ampere x Nickerbocker) at 10:38 a.m. on Saturday—his fifth cross-country round of the morning with three at Preliminary and two at Intermediate—the West Coast-based five-star rider had to drive 185 miles on the 101 Freeway from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, to San Francisco International Airport to catch a 4:35 p.m. flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

Jul 01, 2024 Education

USEA Podcast #364: All Your Grooming Questions Answered

There is so much more to proper grooming than keeping your horse picture-perfect for the horse inspection. Good grooming practices are critical to proper horse management, no matter if you are planning for your next FEI appearance or your Starter level debut. To help you maximize your knowledge of grooming practices, we opened up the opportunity for USEA members to submit any questions they might have on our Instagram and Facebook stories. In this week's episode, Host Nicole Brown sits down with three of the highest-regarded grooms in this industry, Max Corcoran, Emma Ford, and Stephanie Simpson, and asks them all of your questions and more to help you perfect the art of grooming.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA