The cones phase brought an exciting weekend to a close at the Tryon Fall CDE, which hosted the 2023 USEF Combined Driving National Championships for intermediate divisions. Athletes and their horses and ponies competed in the International Ring at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Photo – Louise Fox and Hidden Hollow William. (©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian)

Louise Fox (Haughton, La.) and her 2009 Miniature gelding, Hidden Hollow William, were the wire-to-wire winners for the Intermediate VSE (Very Small Equine) division on a score of 153.55.

“It’s been really awesome here. I really enjoyed it,” said Fox. “The dressage went really well for him, and then we had an awesome marathon. He went like a rocket; I say we don’t go to the start gate. We go to the launchpad. He went clear and made his time with no problem, and in the cones we had a clear round with just a few penalty points for time. So I’m very, very pleased.”

The VSE competitors tackle the same terrain and obstacles as the full-sized horses, which gives them an extra challenge, but “William” was fit and up to the task.

“It was definitely a challenging course, especially with the hills. But the footing was super. The grass was perfect, and he did even better than I thought he would,” said Fox, adding that she’s eyeing moving up to the advanced division next season. “He handles this stuff with no problem. People should take [Miniature Horses] a lot more seriously. They’re so much fun, and they’re easier to handle, and the equipment is less expensive. And of course, they’re just as cute as they can be!”

Learn more about the Tryon Fall CDE here.

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