An “Exceptional” Tryon for Todd Minikus
Todd Minikus’ superstar hunter Exceptional has once again lived up to his name, sailing over jump after jump to win class after class at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina last week.
The “exceptional” winning streak culminated when the duo claimed a stellar victory in the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Tryon. Together, Minikus and Exceptional secured sizzling scores of 92 and 96 to best a field of 26 entries and claim the championship title. The pair has been unstoppable, cleaning up in competition for the last two weeks by winning back-to-back championships and collecting an impressive wealth of blue ribbons.
Exceptional, a six-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Minikus and Brem’s Sport Horses, has proven to be a promising addition to Minikus’ lineup of winning mounts.
“We are so proud of Exceptional! He really is an exceptional horse. He took five first place wins this week alone including the National Hunter Derby,” said Minikus.
“He really has a winning attitude. I feel like if this horse could talk, he’d say, When you’re good, you’re good! Why win one when you can win ‘em all!” added Minikus with a smile.
Minikus and Exceptional teamed up about halfway through the 2017 show season at the Wellington Equestrian Festival after a friend spotted the young gelding in Belgium and thought he and Minikus would be a good fit. The partnership has been going strong ever since.
“Exceptional just keeps getting better and better– he is going to make someone a top-notch horse. Selling horses is our business so I would love to find the right buyer for him,” explained Minikus. Until then you will find the dynamic duo making their mark in the show ring as they jump their way up the ranks.
Minikus also notched two additional championship wins on Los Establos Sporthorses’ Chablis S and Autumn View’s ‘Golden Sun.’ Chablis S beat out 19 entries to seize the blue in the 1.30m Open Jumper class. Not to be outshone, Autumn View’s ‘Golden Sun” got the jump on 55 horse and rider teams to bag first place in the 1.20m Open Jumper class.
Minikus, Exceptional and a stable full of his top mounts are scheduled to compete at Tryon throughout July 17th. To keep up with FEI Nations Cup veteran and U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist Minikus and his crew, follow on Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.
