Tryon, N.C.—July 23  

Todd Minikus rode Quality Girl to victory in the $216,000 Tryon Estates Grand Prix CSI 4* at Tryon International Equestrian Center, taking the final tour around the jump-off course and finishing as the only pair to earn a double clear effort on the night.

“Quality Girl jumped fantastic. It felt so solid the whole way around that I never even questioned if she would rub a jump. She really was on her job tonight,” Minikus detailed. “You know, she’s tough. She has an opinion about everything and you have to pick and choose your battles with her. She’s a pure winner though and has been that way since the day we got her.”

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl on their way to victory in the $216,000 Tryon Estates Grand Prix. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography

Minikus and Quality Girl crossed through the timers in 41.09 seconds to secure the win, while Marilyn Little and Clearwater collected second place, finishing the track in 41.47 seconds and adding 4 faults to their score. Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Testify dropped two rails for a total of 8 faults around the short course in a time of 42.82 seconds.

The track rode as difficult as it walked for the riders, testing accuracy and technicality, a specialty of course designer Catsy Cruz. Of the 30 original entries contesting the first round, only 23 pairs completed the course, while seven pairs finished the evening with 4 faults.

“The course rode very tough and the time allowed was fast. The 4AB combination was difficult and so was the liverpool combination,” said Minikus. “You couldn’t get away with a green horse on this track. You really needed an experienced horse who could handle the questions.”

While recognizing the established partnership he has cultivated with Quality Girl, Minikus also took the time to appreciate his team and supporters. He commented, “Along with an experienced horse though, you have to have a top team. My wife, the girls that work for us, and all of our supporters and sponsors put in so much effort and it’s always a great feeling to finish on top because it’s a testament to their hard work too.”

Minikus was prepared for the trying track aboard longtime mount Quality Girl, a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare (Quidam’s Rubin x Dobrock) owned by the Quality Group and Todd Minikus LTD, who has showcased her fierce and competitive attitude in some of the world’s largest classes. Her feisty demeanor pairs well with her careful technique and provides a perfect balance for Minikus, who is able to harness both traits to produce clear rounds.

“When you enter the jump-off as the last pair and the other riders have had rails, you want to think it’s a luxury, but really, it’s the opposite. If you try and be too careful and have one down, you don’t place as well,” he commented. “I wanted to go fast enough that if we did have one down I could still hit the gas pedal and be fast enough for the win.” 

After a few weeks of rest to recover from a minor injury, Quality Girl returned to international competition in top form, showcasing her scope and agility throughout the week of competition. With three horses steadily moving through the ranks of FEI classes including Vita 24 and Babalou 41, Minikus feels that his team is in a confident place looking towards the fall season.

Minikus and team have been based at TIEC for the full four weeks of the Tryon Summer Series and have seen the positive impact of increasing international competition opportunities in the United States. Minikus, who was short listed as a potential combination for the U.S. show jumping team for the Rio Olympic Games with Babalou 41, owned by Two Swans Farm, spent much of the spring circuit in Europe and commented on the changing tide for riders now basing year-round in the United States.

“It’s just pluses across the board in terms of FEI ranking points, prize money, and a class venue. There’s an incredible fan base here. People really like to come out and enjoy the Saturday nights, which continues to give the sport more exposure,” he continued. “It’s a really a win win for everyone.” 

Anna Davila, who oversees the care of Minikus’ mount Quality Girl, was presented with the Absorbine Grooms Award, honoring her commitment and dedication to the overall care and well-being of the outstanding mare. The efforts of Abigail McArdle  were also honored at the conclusion of the class, as she received the Leading Lady Rider Award presented by realtor Meg Atkinson, recognizing her top finishes in each of the FEI classes at TIEC this week.  

Marilyn Little and Clear Water took second place in the $216,000 Tryon Estates Grand Prix. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography

Final Results $216,000 Tryon Estates Grand Prix CSI 4*

1.  QUALITY GIRL, 2003 Oldenburg mare by Quidam’s Rubin x Dobrock, TODD MINIKUS (USA), Quality Group and Todd Minikus, LTD: 0/0/41.093

2. CLEAR WATER, 2007 Holsteiner gelding by Clearway x Come On, MARILYN LITTLE (USA), Karen O’Connor: 0/4/41.473

3. BULL RUN’S TESTIFY, 2004 Selle Francais gelding by Dollar Du Murier x Oberon Du Moulin, KRISTEN VANDERVEEN (USA), Bull Run Jumpers, Inc.: 0/8/42.826

 

4. CASPER, 2006 Oldenburg gelding by Contender x Baloubet du Rouet, SHARN WORDLEY (NZL), Sky Group: 4/73.170

 

5. CARRABIS Z, 2003 Zangersheide stallion by Canabis Z x Grannusso, RICHIE MOLONEY (IRL), Equinimity LLC.: 4/74.820

 

6. BULL RUN’S FAUSTINO DE TILI, 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Berlin x Darco, KRISTEN VANDERVEEN (USA), Bull Run Jumpers Five, LLC: 4/75.730

 

7. MARK Q, 2002 Irish Sport Horse gelding by Obos Quality x Positively, KEVIN BABINGTON (IRL), Kevin Babington and Deirdre Bourns: 4/75.860

 

8. HITCHCOCK VD BROEKKANT, 2007 Belgium Warmblood gelding by Canturo x Heartbreaker, ALISE OKEN (USA), Hi Hopes Farm, LLC.: 4/76.090

 

9. CORONA 93, 2004 Hanoverian mare by Cordalme x Lenz XX, MARILYN LITTLE (USA), Raylyn Farms, INC.: 4/77.590

 

10. SHORAPUR, 2005 Hanoverian mare by Stakkato Gold x Drosselklang II, KEVIN BABINGTON (IRL), Shorapur LLC.: 4/77.82

 

11. ROYCE, 2004 Oldenburger Springpferd stallion by Café Au Lait x Grandilot, MARGIE ENGLE (USA), Elm Rock Partners LLC.: 8/72.190

 

12. ADAMO, 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Lupicor x Ekstein, ABIGAIL MCARDLE (USA), Plain Bay Sales: 8/73.970