Navalo de Poheton Named Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse at Tryon International Equestrian Center

Navalo de Poheton, ridden by Andrew Kocher (USA), was named the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award recipient during the Tryon Summer VI CSI3* horse show, held from July 5-9, 2017, at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, NC.

Equis Boutique, a luxury tack and apparel shopping experience, sponsors the Best Presented Horse Award at various FEI-sanctioned events throughout the United States.

Led by President Steve Sarafin (USA), the FEI Ground Jury evaluated the turn-out and condition of horses presented for international competition during the FEI Horse Inspection held Tuesday, July 4, at TIEC. Of the 104 horses that were presented, Navalo de Poheton, a 16-year-old Selle Français gelding (Cumano x Double Espoir) owned by MKO Equestrian, LLC and groomed by Chance Williams, was selected as the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award winner.

Williams joined Kocher’s team for the Tryon Summer VI horse show while Navalo de Poheton’s regular groom, Allie Lyle, was caring for other horses at home.

“He is only 15 and is the son of a friend of mine in Knoxville,” said Kocher of Williams. “He has been hoping to come with us to the shows for a couple weeks this summer as a working student, and he has come such a long way in just a week. He is learning a lot and doing a great job.

“I have never won a best presented award before,” continued Kocher, 34. “To be honest, my wife, Jenny Jones, and I didn’t believe it when we found out. Chance did the grooming and Jenny did the braiding, so as a team we work really hard at this and it is really nice to be recognized for that.”

Navalo de Poheton joined Kocher’s string in the spring, having previously shown under fellow U.S. rider Schuyler Riley. The pair has won several FEI classes since, including the $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI3* on Saturday, July 9, during Saturday Night Lights at TIEC.

Kocher quickly came to consider the gelding his top mount, noting, “He was in a trailer accident before I got him and is lucky to be alive, let alone winning grand prix classes. I am hoping we can gain some good ranking points and prize money together in the future.”

Kocher was presented with the Equis Best Presented Horse Award by Sara Roth of Equis Boutique during the Tryon Summer VI CSI3* horse show.

Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress both the horse and rider. Featured brands available at Equis Boutique include Cavalleria Toscana, Dy’on, Flex-On, KASK, Kentucky Horsewear, Kingsland Equestrian, Manfredi Equestrian, Parlanti, and Theria Bits.

Visit Equis Boutique on Vendors Row during all events at Tryon International Equestrian Center. For more information, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or look for Equis Boutique on Facebook and Instagram!  Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.