Wellington, FL – December 4, 2011 – The 2011 edition of Equestrian Sport Productions’ Holiday and Horses show concluded today with the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby as the highlight class in the International Arena. Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, rode Nancy Amling’s Taken to the win.
There were 18 entries in the derby, and the top 12 returned for a second handy round. Farmer and Taken held the lead through the first round, which they set by scoring a 180. They returned as last to go in the handy round and with handy bonus points of 8 and 9, they bettered their score with a 188. Their total of 368 gave them the win by three points.
Second place went to Kristy McCormack and Sundance, who received scores of 175 and 189.5 from the judges – they had a spectacular handy round – for a total of 365. Elizabeth Kenny and Bravo van de Kwaakelhoek finished on a total of 363 for third place, while Farmer placed fourth with AM Free’s Bases Loaded at 350 points. Generous and David Olinyk also had 350 points for fifth place.