MILL SPRING, N.C.--Jimmy Torano of Mohrsviille, Pa., rode Daryl Portela’s Laskano to win both $2,500 Green Hunter 3’6” over fences classes at the Washington International Horse Show on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at the International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring.
Jimmy Torano on Laskano (Photo by Shawn MacMillan)The Washington International was moved from its usually venue in Washington to Tryon due to Covid restrictions, and Tuesday’s opening day of competition featured the start of the professional and amateur hunter divisions, as well as welcome classes for child and adult hunter riders.
Although a riding accident with a different horse kept Portela from riding Laskano, she recognized the horse’s potential in the show ring and asked Torano to take over the ride.
Torano was happy to oblige.
“LASKANO is a horse we have had for about a year and a half,” said Torano. “He is a horse that is very consistent and wins everywhere he goes. It has been a great opportunity for me. He has had a great year and has basically been champion or reserve everywhere he’s been so far.”
“We started off on a good note here,” he said. “We won both classes today so hopefully he can continue and end up champion.”
Torano says Laskano has already had a busy indoors season, so after WIHS, he will do a couple of shows back home in Wellington, Fla., and then have time to rest ahead of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
“He will take a break in December and then we’ll have him ready for the winter for his Green Hunter 3’9” debut,” said Torano.
Liza Towell Boyd on Ferrari, with a score of a 90, won the $2,500 Green Handy Hunter 3’9” over fences class.
Ferrari has been winning in the hunter ring, but his career started in the jumpers which Boyd believes gave him his edge.
“Michael Morrissey and Lourdes de Guardiola turned Ferrari into a hunter about a year and a half ago,” she said. “He was doing big jumper classes so he’s quite seasoned and obviously over qualified for the job, which is nice. He is quite good in the handy rounds from his jumper mileage, and I think that helped us get the 90.”
After her first rides in Tryon Stadium, the former winner of multiple hunter derbies including the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals three times, says she has enjoyed the experience so far.
“This is quite different than the Washington D.C. venue and ring but show management is doing a great job and they are making the best of everything,” she said. “I think it’s fun riding in that stadium and for me, I’m sort of like the ‘derby girl.’ I love the hunter derbies. That was a really fun ring with sort of a derby feel.”
