Tryon – Victoria Free triumphed in the first $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of 2025 at Tryon International, riding her horse Step Up to a score of 378 points. The event, held on May 16, 2025, featured 14 teams competing on a course designed by Archer “Skip” Bailey. Free’s performance secured her the winner’s rosette, marking a significant achievement in her equestrian career.
Free’s Winning Strategy
In the competition’s handy round, Free and Step Up, a 2016 Hanoverian gelding owned by Andrea Block, earned an impressive 193 points from two judges. Free expressed her excitement about the win, stating, “It feels pretty incredible! That was definitely our highest score, and our first Derby win.” She credited the return of handy points in international derbies for enhancing the competition experience. “I love that they’ve added back in the handy points for these International Derbies, so you can see those scores,” she added.
Free’s approach to the first round emphasized consistency, which she believed was key to their success. “I wasn’t really worried about the grass or the jumps, because he’s generally a very brave horse. The big thing is just consistency: if you keep the canter consistent, all the jumps tend to show up really nicely,” she explained. This strategy paid off as they led into the second phase of competition.
The partnership between Free and Step Up has been nurtured over time. “He’ll do anything I ask of him; he’s special that way,” she noted, highlighting the bond they share. Reflecting on her history with Tryon International, Free remarked, “I’ve come here since the beginning… being able to bring him up to a derby at this level is really fun.”
Strong Performances Across Categories
Colin Syquia (PHI) also made waves in the international derby, securing second place with Front Page, a 2014 Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Cynthia Sulzberger. Syquia scored 367 points over two rounds. He acknowledged the challenge of competing on grass but expressed confidence in his horse’s abilities.
In the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Havens Schatt (Georgetown, KY) claimed victory aboard Haku with a score of 188 points. Schatt also took third place with Chacoon’s Rouet PS, scoring 180 points. She praised Haku’s adaptability and experience, stating, “To go on the grass like that was new for him… I feel this year that’s going to be kind of his thing to get ready for next year.”
Schatt emphasized the importance of varied experiences for young horses. “That’s one reason we came here instead of Kentucky! The two horses [of mine] that got ribbons today, they’re ready for that kind of experience – not just the same rings or the same jumps,” she explained. Her positive feedback extended to the course design by Skip Bailey, noting its suitability for younger horses.
Anna Tyler (Raleigh, NC) dominated the $15,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby with two mounts, achieving a total score of 182 aboard Your Welcome BC. She expressed pride in her performance and her horse’s capabilities.
The Tryon Spring Series continued with events scheduled through May 18, including Saturday Night Lights featuring Touch-A-Truck night and the $35,000 Bobcat Grand Prix in Tryon Stadium.
The Tryon International Equestrian Center has been a prominent venue for equestrian competitions since its inception. The recent events showcased a blend of talent and dedication among riders and their horses, reinforcing Tryon’s reputation as a premier destination for equestrian sports.