Tag Archives: Hunter Derby Days

The Ridge’s Hunter Derby Days Returns to Jim Brandon January 6th

Jennifer Bauersachs and For Love, winners of the Winners of the $15,000 International Hunter Derby in 2016. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, FL (November 21, 2016) – Mark your calendar for celebration of the performance hunter! The Ridge Farm has announced the first of three dates for their popular Hunter Derby Days competition, set to commence January 6, 2017 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach. This year’s lineup of hunter festivities includes a $15,000 International Hunter Derby, $5,000 National Hunter Derby, and newly added this year, a $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby which will be held under the lights in the spectacular covered arena! Hosted and organized by Olympian Nona Garson and George d’Ambrosio, the Hunter Derby Days are an exciting addition to The Ridge Farm’s lineup of hunter, jumper, and equitation events that run January through April in Wellington, and two additional Hunter Derby Days are in the works for February and March.

“We are really excited for the Hunter Derby Days,” said Nona Garson. “It’s a great option for our riders to have National and International Hunter Derbies to supplement their show schedule, and in a relaxed environment. We are thrilled to be able to host for the first time the $5,000 Pony Hunter Derby, which is a new offering from USHJA. It will be a spectacular day of rides and then the ponies under the lights!”

Consistently attracting top names in the sport, including Olympians, medal finalists, and international champions, the Hunter Derby Days offers an exclusive way to gain national and international experience, as well as qualifying scores, in a utopian atmosphere. This year’s events will be held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, just minutes from PBIEC and Wellington; the facility includes a spectacular covered arena, multiple all weather warm up and show arenas, 2 barns of permanent stabling, and a full range of amenities and vendor space.

The Ridge also hosts a full circuit of hunter, jumper, and equitation shows each winter, including the Turf Tour, a selection of elite jumper events that travel to various host farms and venues, and USEF Equitation Tuesdays, which are held every Tuesday at The Ridge at Wellington.

For more information, including a full list of shows and events, visit TheRidgeFarm.com.

Girls Rule at Hunter Derby Days USHJA National and International Derbies

Maria Rasmusen and Avalon (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 23, 2016) – In the final Hunter Derby Days competition of 2016, two mares proved they possessed all of the elegance, grace, and athleticism to top the prestigious National and International Derby classes presented by The Ridge at Wellington. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center’s spectacular covered arena set the stage for the world-class hunter competition, with some of the sport’s top athletes vying for victory. Presented as a compliment to the 2016 Turf Tour series, the Hunter Derby Days continues the circuit’s reputation for an exceptional show environment, top-tier competition, and world-class amenities, footing, and course designs.

The day’s events kicked off with the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby, and saw Kristy Herrera clinch the title aboard Sweet Caroline, owned by Louisa Attenborough. The mare, who has been under Herrera’s guidance for over a year, made her Derby debut in winning form. “As this was her very first Derby, she was amazing and jumped beautifully,” said Herrera of Sweet Caroline and her winning ride. “She’s super brave, and I was unsure of how she’d do in the handy as she had never done one before, but she was right on it and listening.”

With the sun setting and the lights on in the expansive covered ring, horses and riders lined up to test their mettle over the International Derby course. Sponsored by Bright’s Creek Resort, the $15,000 USHJA International Derby saw 25 combinations in its first round, followed by the handy. Jennifer Bauersachs of Spring Hill Farm and For Love, an 8-year-old Oldenburg mare by Argentinus, epitomized the movement, jumping style, manners, and way of going demanded by elite hunter competition. “I’m so proud of her,” said Bauersachs of For Love. “I made a little mistake in the first round, but she covered it up for me so well. She really shines in the handy, so I could make some gutsy moves. Because she is so soft and attentive and wants to jump, I have a bit more leverage to make tight turns and make the ride more spectacular. The Ridge’s events are so well run and convenient, and the evening class today was fabulous as I could show and work with clients during the day and then be able to ride here at night.” Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Bright’s Creek, Bauersachs will also take home a 3-day, 2-night stay at the North Carolina resort for her exceptional performance, in addition to the international title.

Consistently attracting top names in the sport, including Olympians, medal finalists, and international champions, the Turf Tour’s Hunter Derby Days offers an exclusive way to gain national and international experience, as well as qualifying scores, in a utopian atmosphere. Newly introduced this year, the evening class was a huge hit for riders and spectators, and featured a wealth of amenities from complimentary refreshments all day, full lunch and dinner, a horse shuttle service provided by Meadowbrook Horse Transport, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Between the National and International classes, Wellington Equine Sports Medicine hosted an educational seminar highlighting their advanced diagnostic philosophy. While spectators enjoyed a complimentary multi-course dinner provided by The Ridge, Dr. Susan Oakley and Dr. Ann Moretta demonstrated their comprehensive evaluation procedure, as well as the advanced ultrasound and holistic performance acupuncture they employ to keep equine athletes in top form.

The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport offers a door-to-door horse shuttle to each of the Turf Tour venues, including Hunter Derby Days. To schedule pick up, contact them at 954 415 7217.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Hunters under the Lights: The Ridge Introduces Elegant Evening for Hunter Derby Days

Peter Wylde (Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 2, 2016) – Riders across Florida are invited to join The Ridge at Wellington for an elegant evening of dining, socializing, and world class hunter derby competition on March 18th at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. As the second Hunter Derby Day event during the Turf Tour show series, March 18th’s nighttime class will take place in the fantastic, oversized covered arena at Jim Brandon, setting the stage for a unique and welcoming ambiance to showcase the elegance and beauty of performance hunters.

Consistently attracting top names in the sport, including Olympians, medal finalists, and international champions, the Turf Tour’s Hunter Derby Days has crowed numerous household names in the hunter world, including Kelly Farmer and Peter Wylde, and offers an exclusive way to qualify for other International titles and the National Hunter Derby Championships in a utopian atmosphere. Newly introduced this year, the evening class will include even more amenities for riders and spectators, including VIP table packages, a rider’s lounge, and a competitor party, in addition to the exceptional services offered at every Turf Tour show.

The evening’s classes will include a $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, both with courses designed by Kevin Giblin. Judges Mindy Minetto, Christina Schlusemeyer, Sue Ashe, and Linda Andrisani will evaluate each pair on their form and the horse’s movement over elegant natural obstacles, while spectators look on from the comfort of elegantly appointed tables.

Kelly Farmer and It’s Me rode a fantastic set of rounds to win the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on February 5th, setting the standard for world class hunt seat in the first Hunter Derby Days.

Kelly Farmer and It’s Me
Kelly Farmer and It’s Me

Molly Sewell proved her mettle in the morning, taking both first and second in the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Derby. She topped the field with lovely rides Leslie C. Campbell’s E. L. Raymond, and took the Reserve Championship title with Mtm Caruso S, owned by Brynn Hanson.

For those interested in entering the second Hunter Derby Days competition, contact The Ridge at Wellington at RidgeShows@aol.com, 908 500 0996, or view a full prize list. Farms or individuals seeking information on purchasing VIP table packages, or with any other questions regarding the event, please call 908 500 0996.

The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Kelly Farmer and Molly Sewell Top the Turf Tour’s First Hunter Derby Days

Kelly Farmer and It’s Me (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (February 6, 2016) – The fantastic covered arena of the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center set the stage for the first of this year’s Hunter Derby Days, presented by The Ridge at Wellington. As a branch of the 2016 Turf Tour, the Hunter Derby Days showcased some of the top hunters in the world being judged on their form and their horse’s movement over elegant natural obstacles.

2014 Hunter Derby Days Champion Kelly Farmer returned to defend her title, and for the second year in a row she clinched the international class. Farmer and her own It’s Me put in a fantastic performance in both rounds of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby to the standard for world class hunt seat at The Ridge. She was followed closely by Louise Serio aboard Jessica Burger’s Rock Harbor who rode to the Reserve Champion title. Round one of the International Derby was won by Farmer on Kent Farrington’s Like I Said, while Serio and Like I Said secured the win in the Handy. Farmer and It’s Me placed second in both rounds, ultimately earning them the overall win in the International Derby.

Molly Sewell proved her mettle that morning, taking both Champion and Reserve in the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Derby. She topped the field with lovely rides Leslie C. Campbell’s E. L. Raymond, and took the Reserve Championship title with Mtm Caruso S, owned by Brynn Hanson. Generously sponsored by Dietrich Equine Insurance, the National Derby served as a way for riders to qualify and earn points for the National Hunter Derby Championship across the various divisions including Performance Working Hunter, Pre-Greens, Amateur Owner, and Junior Hunter. The Turf Tour’s trademark hospitality and relaxed atmosphere carried over to both the National and International Derbies, with complimentary lunch, an organized horse shuttle, and permanent stabling offered to all competitors.

Judges George Wallace, Diana Carney, Spencer Chatham, and Carol Hoffman were tasked with evaluating and awarding the best rides in each of the USHJA events, and Kevin Giblin’s course designs set the stage for a true test of the agility and elegance of performance hunters. Organized by Olympian Nona Garson, George D’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman, The Turf Tour’s competitive, utopian show atmosphere is matched only by its hospitality. For only $75, riders can schedule pick up and drop off at the Turf Tour’s weekly venue, including both of the Hunter Derby Days competitions, as well as a trip back to their farm anywhere in Wellington after their rides. With the inclusion the pageantry and athletic prowess of performance hunters through the Hunter Derby Days, 2016’s Turf Tour is setting a new standard for national and international competition.

The Turf Tour continues Saturday, February 6th at Carben Farm (formerly Ashland Farm) with the headline Grand Prix on the turf field. The second of the Hunter Derby Days will take place on Friday, March 18 at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The evening class will take place under the lights, and will offer a unique atmosphere for riders and spectators to experience world class hunter competition.

The Ridge will also host a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, including a full prize list, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

The Ridge at Wellington’s Hunter Derby Days Kick Off February 5th

Wellington, Florida (February 1, 2016) – Early February is a busy week for sports and the south Florida equestrian circuit is no exception. The Ridge at Wellington’s diverse winter show circuit expands this week into the upper echelons of American hunter competition, with two Fridays showcasing the elegance and agility of the performance hunters. Set to debut in 2016 on February 5th and continue March 18th at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, both Hunter Derby Days will feature a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and $5,000 USHJA National Derby, totaling over $40,000 in prize money.

As a unique and dynamic way to qualify for national and international caliber championships, Hunter Derby Days serve as a true test for the finest jumping hunter horses and riders in the US, as well as a lead in for the International Hunter Derby Finals to be held in Lexington, Kentucky at the USEF Headquarters. As part of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, the popular derby circuit is celebrating its third consecutive year in 2016, and has attracted a strong following of top riders. Past winners include champions Kelly Farmer and Peter Wilde, who will return to the competition on February 5th to defend their titles; the event continues to attract the best riders and exceptional horses as they hone their skills.

Judges George Wallace, Diana Carney, Spencer Chatham, and Carol Hoffman will be tasked with evaluating and awarding the best rides in each of the USHJA events, and Kevin Giblin’s course designs will set the stage as the fantastic covered arena at Jim Brandon swaps the brilliant show jumping fences for the natural obstacles and elaborate courses of the hunter ring.

Organized by Olympian Nona Garson, George D’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman, The Turf Tour’s competitive, utopian show atmosphere is matched only by its hospitality, which includes free breakfast and lunch for all competitors, spectators, and owners, riders’ lounges, competitor parties, and an equine shuttle organized through Meadowbrook Horse Transport. For only $75, riders can schedule pick up and drop off at the Turf Tour’s weekly venue, including both of the Hunter Derby Days competitions, as well as a trip back to their farm anywhere in Wellington after their rides. With the inclusion the pageantry and athletic prowess of performance hunters through the Hunter Derby Days, 2016’s Turf Tour is setting a new standard for national and international competition.

The Ridge will also host a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, including a full prize list, please go to www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992