Tag Archives: USHJA International Hunter Derby

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kelley Farmer and Unspoken Win the USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Kelley Farmer and Unspoken. Photos by AnLi Kelly-Durham.

Parker, CO – July 8, 2014 – Colorado Horse Park got underway with Week V of Summer in the Rockies, their biggest ever with a Derby Day. Spectators crowded around the Derby Field to watch the feature events of the day, the $40,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Serenity Farm and the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Derby horses from far and wide travelled to Colorado to compete. Some of the country’s finest derby horses showed off their beauty, impeccable jumping form and flowing style in today’s events.

Jasen Shelley of Wellington, FL designed the beautiful courses in the Derby Field.

“I think both the National and the International Derbies rode really well,” said Shelley. “Everyone seemed to have fun and that’s what it’s all about. Juan Diaz is the person to take all the credit for the decorating. He did an amazing job. Pat (Boyle) helped me with the track and we came up with what we thought was a really good track for the competitors.”

The Derby Field at the Colorado Horse Park is an immense arena with footing and interesting banks, ramps and hills. Riders had the option of going down a ramp to a trot jump or go down a two-step bank to the trot jump. Shelley said he didn’t want the riders to be forced to take the bank option if they finished the birch oxer on the hill strongly.

“The hills shaped the way the course rode; we wanted to give them five to six strides at the bottom of the hill before they even had to think about jumping. It was really fun with the hills.”

Farmer and Unspoken down the bank to the trot jump
Farmer and Unspoken down the bank to the trot jump

Twenty-eight derby horses competed in the first classic hunter round then the top 12 scoring horse and rider teams returned for the handy round. Kelley Farmer of Lane Change Farm in Keswick, VA had three mounts that made the cut: Mindful, Point Being, and Unspoken, all owned by Glefke and Kensel, LLC. In addition, Farmer piloted Unspoken who to the top placing and the blue ribbon by earning 185 from the judges in the first round and 192 in the handy. The two judges’ panels awarded extra points for the higher options and one panel awarded a handy score of 9 for a total of 377 points for both rounds.

“She was wonderful last week in Chicago and she was amazing here,” Glefke said. “I got her from McLain Ward and she was jumping 1.25m-1.30m all last year in Florida and she’s just starting to become a real derby contender now. I’m thrilled with the way she is coming up to the derby finals, which is real cool. They got a lot of experience today for the finals.”

“We are thrilled to be here,” he continued. “This is a beautiful facility and Pat (Boyle) runs amazing horse shows. I follow Pat around to a lot of horse shows because he always makes it very believable.”

Farmer expressed her thoughts on Derby Field ring and the course.

“What a nice change to have hills with footing so beautifully built,” said Farmer who also placed third with Point Being. “It’s great; the ring – it is huge and you get to jump the bank and go up and down the hills – I think it is great!

Leslie Steele from Calabasas, CA and her Acres West Farm returned with Apandanto, owned by 4232 Enterprises. The pair was brilliant, earning option bonus points and a total of 373.5.

“He was imported into the United States by Ali Nilforushan and he’s been a jumper,” said Steele about Apandanto. “Ali asked me to press on with him so I brought him here and I showed him in the high performance. I said, ‘Okay, you’re going to be a derby horse!’ I’m lucky. He’s a great horse.”

Steele was also complimentary of the courses.

Leslie Steele and Apandanto
Leslie Steele and Apandanto

“I thought the courses were fantastic,” she said. They were beautiful, fun galloping flowing. I really love it here it has really been a lot of fun. The handy – you could be as handy as you want to be all the options were big and I like that.”

Steele planned to move up with Apandanto and she said that because he has some jumper experience, he can jump really big jumps.

“He knows how to turn inside and go,” she said. “So I chose all the hardest options I possibly could and he handled them really well.”

Two top junior riders impressed the judges in the first round, earning them a spot in the handy round. Hunter Holloway and Hays Investment Corporation’s Lyons Creek Bellini earned the fourth place prize and Kirklen Peterson and Pen Name, also owned by Glefke and Kensel, LLC, were eighth.

The $40,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was sponsored by Serenity Farm, recognized as one of the top hunter and equitation centers in the country and is nationally recognized for its reputation of producing champions consistently on the local, regional and national circuits.

“The courses were wonderful and the USHJA would be very pleased with the high standard that Pat (Boyle) accomplished here today,” said Cindy Cruciotti, head trainer at Serenity Farm.

A huge field of 44 negotiated Shelley’s $10,000 USHJA course in the Derby Field. Twelve of the best performers returned for a handy round. Leoncito, owned by Lucy Hunsaker and ridden by Meredith Houx Remiger from Sandia Farm in Albuquerque, NM, won the blue ribbon and the victory gallop. Remiger accurately negotiated the course earning a 93 in the first round and an 86 in the second with 4 bonus high option points for a total of 183. In close second was Paul Rohrbach and Nancy Moore’s Morocco with a total score of 181.

“It was a great course,” said Remiger. “I just rode the best that would show off my horse the way he jumps. He went around and had a blast doing it.”

“Toby” has been with Remiger for the last three or four years. She started him in 3’3″ and moved him up to the 3’6′. Remiger thanks Hunsaker, who has had him since he was an unbroken 3-year-old, for letting her ride him.

“I am very lucky,” said Remiger “He loves the derby. He is a wonderful, happy, laid back horse.”

Earlier in the day the $2500 Pony Hunter Derby (Small, Medium and Large) and the $2500 Children’s/Adult Hunter Derby were held in the Olson Family Main Hunter Ring.

Cinderella, owned and ridden by Sarah Bigbee, was awarded the top prize in the $2500 Children’s/Adult Hunter Derby. Brooke Brombach and her own Nantucket earned first place honors in the $2500 Pony Hunter Derby.

“We were a little bit better; we didn’t have as many big chips,” said Brombach about her improvements over her first round. “He loves doing the rollbacks, all the bendings – everything about it was fun. His barn name is Tucker; he is a spoiled little boy. He is 18 years old. He is always begging for cookies. He is a really good pony. I love doing the pony derbies; they are awesome.”

Visit CHP at: http://coloradohorsepark.com/.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

June 4-8 Summer in the Rockies I
June 11-15 Summer in the Rockies II
June 18-22 Summer in the Rockies III*
July 2-6 Summer in the Rockies IV
July 9-13 Summer in the Rockies V*
July 16-20 Summer in the Rockies VI

*WCHR Member Events

Hunter Highlights:

$5,000 National Hunter Derby – Week III
$15,000 International Hunter Derby sponsored by Winsome Farm – Week III
$10,000 National Hunter Derby – Week V
$40,000 International Hunter Derby sponsored by Serenity Farm – Week V

Jumper Highlights:

$25,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by Holiday Inn of Parker Grand Prix – Week I
$25,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by Littleton Equine Medical and Platinum Performance – Week II
$30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by McElvain Energy – Week III
$30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by Griffis Residential – Week IV
$50,000 Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix – Week V
$50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix – Week VI
$10,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic sponsored by The Kathy and Brad Coors Family
$20,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic sponsored by The Kathy and Brad Coors Family

Plus:
$10,000 July Grand Prix Rider Bonus for the Leading Grand Prix Rider sponsored by The Kathy and Brad Coors Family – Weeks IV-VI

Prize List:
For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:
Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Entries close 30 days before each show.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                         (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                         (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office               (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx. 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx. 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx. 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

AnLi Kelly-Durham for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Kennzo and Molly Ashe Cawley Claim Top Spot in $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Molly Ashe Cawley and Kristen Abbatiello-Neff’s Kennzo in the handy round of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Wellington, FL – March 31, 2014 – As a top show jumper, Molly Ashe Cawley has ridden in her fair share of jump offs. Yesterday however, she rode in a jump-off that was strikingly different than any of the others – it took place in a hunter derby.

After an unusual finish, Ashe and Kristen Abbatiello-Neff’s Kennzo earned the exciting victory in the Winter Equestrian Festival $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

From a starting field of 50 in Saturday’s classic hunter round, the top 25 returned to the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring on Sunday afternoon for the handy hunter round where it all came down to two – Ashe and Kennzo and Kate Ross and Friday Night.

Following the classic hunter phase, Ashe and Kennzo came into the handy round in third place with a combined score from the two judging panels of 178. Ross and Friday Night sat six points behind in seventh place, but when Ross and Friday Night earned scores of 90 from both judging panels, along with handy bonus points of eight and nine, they shot straight to the top of the leaderboard. Those scores would hold up as the best handy round scores all day and gave her a cumulative overall total of 371.

No one came within reach of Ross and Friday Night’s scores until Ashe and Kennzo cantered over the final oxer toward the in-gate, closing out a seamless round that earned them scores from the judges of 89.5 plus eight handy bonus points and 84.5 plus five handy bonus points. Those scores, coupled with points for three high option fences, would give Ashe and Kennzo a two round total of 371 – the same score as Ross.

In the rare event of a tie after the second round (something that has only happened one other time in hunter derby competition), it comes down to a third, jump-off round. With no third round course pre-designed, Ross and Ashe were asked to jump fences one through eight of the Kenneth Krome designed course again, with handy bonus and high option points still in play.

Ross was the first to return, and as a rail hit the ground Ashe knew the class was hers to win or lose. Kennzo rose to the occasion and turned in another beautiful trip, securing the victory for Ashe and for the team at Norfield Stables LLC.

Molly Ashe Cawley and Kennzo
Molly Ashe Cawley and Kennzo

“I thought Kennzo was good in the handy. He was right there with me the whole time,” Ashe said. “He did everything perfectly.”

Ashe continued, “Kennzo was on his game. I haven’t shown him much recently. This is his third hunter derby this season. He comes out and his great every time. I was sort of sad that we didn’t get to go in the field [at The Stadium] today, to be honest with you. He likes things like that. He seems a little bored sometimes in the Grand Hunter Ring, but they made a very exciting course today that sort of had us all quaking in our boots.”

The win for Kennzo and Ashe comes as the final exclamation point on a successful Winter Equestrian Festival season for Norfield Stables LLC. The team will now return home to their two bases at the beautiful Red Gate Farm in Newtown, CT and Sleepy Hollow Stables in Scarborough, NY.

Norfield Stables LLC is a full service riding and training facility run by Molly Ashe Cawley, Chris Cawley, Timmy Kees and Emanuel Camilli. With all four talented riders and trainers at the helm, Norfield Stables LLC is able to cater to riders across the equitation, hunter and jumper divisions. Norfield Stables expanded to Sleepy Hollow Stables in 2013, and with its ideal location just 30 miles from New York City, Norfield is easily accessible to riders coming from the city.

To learn more about Norfield Stables LLC, find them on Facebook here.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Unstoppable Victoria Colvin Claims Top Two Spots in $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Victoria Colvin and Inclusive. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – May 12, 2013 – Fifteen-year-old phenom Victoria Colvin has a lengthy winning resume that rivals that of riders two to three times her age. Last night, under the lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, Colvin added both the first and second place finishes in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Dietrich Insurance, to her ever growing list of impressive accomplishments.

Colvin took the early first round lead aboard Listen, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, with scores of 87 and 86 from the two judging panels combined with high option points for a total of 181. Kelley Farmer and Taken, owned by Jessica Stitt of Elburn, IL, came close to surpassing Colvin in the first round with scores of 84.5 and 88 for a grand total of 180.5 with high option points included, but the top spot would remain entirely untouched until Colvin returned to better her top score herself, this time on the back of Inclusive, also owned by Parker.

The Bobby Murphy designed first round course included 11 obstacles, most of which were meant to imitate the types of fences horses and riders would encounter on the hunt field. The course also presented four fences with higher jump options. If cleared successfully, the higher options were each worth an additional point added to each of the judges’ scores. Electing to take all four of the high options, it was over this first round course that Colvin and Inclusive turned in a total score of 188, with scores of 90 from both sets of judges, to take over the lead.

That lead would go utterly untouched the rest of the night, as the top 12 scoring horse and riders returned in reverse order of their position for the handy round. The handy round featured a slightly shortened track of nine obstacles, again including the four higher options as well as a brush fence, a trot fence, a hand gallop to an oxer and numerous opportunities to showcase inside turns that could aid riders in earning points for handiness.

Shawn Casady and Ascot, owned by the HJ Group LLC of Sewickley, PA, returned to the handy round in the eighth place position with scores of 68 and 76 following the first round. Taking all of the high options and exhibiting the horse’s handiness, Casady maneuvered Ascot to second round base scores of 82 and 81 and the eventual sixth place ribbon.

Jennifer Alfano finished the first round in fifth place and maintained that spot through the handy round aboard Rose Hill, owned by Sharon O’Neill of Snyder, NY. Finishing in fourth were Farmer and Taken. After claiming the third place position in the first round, the pair slipped one position with second round scores of 73 and 70, plus a total of 12 points for handiness and 8 points for selecting all four of the higher fence choices.

It was junior rider Meredith Darst who came through in the handy round to edge into the third place position with Tilou, owned by Lochmoor Stables of Lebanon, OH. Darst and Tilou came into the second phase with a scores of 84 and 86, behind Farmer, but with a great display of handiness and the utilization of two of the higher fence options Darst and Tilou earned a second round score of 179 – broken down to two scores of 80, plus a total of 15 handiness points and four points for the two higher fence approaches. The duo’s total two-round score of 355 would guarantee their top three finish.

Victoria Colvin and Listen
Victoria Colvin and Listen

Listen was the first mount Colvin returned to the handy round, and while she already held the first round lead by seven points with Inclusive, Colvin knew she needed to be extra handy to ensure that Listen remained in the top ribbons.

“With Listen I knew I had to go all out,” Colvin explained. “The handy course was good for that. There were lots of places to gallop and places to turn inside and show off your horse. It rode really nicely.”

Those inside turns, gallops and high fence options earned Colvin and Listen second phase scores of 84 and 78 added to 16 handy points and eight high option points, giving the horse and rider combination an overall score of 367.

When it came time for Colvin to return with Inclusive, she knew she only needed a second round combined score of 180 to surpass her overall score on Listen and hold the lead on Inclusive. With that score and the lead easily in her grasp, Colvin took a slightly different and less daring approach with Inclusive.

“With Inclusive, I went around smoothly, and I was a little bit more careful since he was already winning,” Colvin shared.

That strategy paid off. Second round scores of 83 and 94 plus 17 handy points and eight high option points added to their leading first round score for a grand total of 390, guaranteeing the victory gallop for the talented pair.

Following her one-two finish under the lights of the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, Colvin, Listen and Inclusive will head to the Devon Horse Show in Devon, PA. From there, Colvin plans to return with both mounts for the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals held at the Kentucky Horse Park in August. The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby offers riders a prime opportunity to prepare for the derby final, and the class would not be possible without presenting sponsor Dietrich Insurance.

Dietrich Insurance offers the sport horse community numerous comprehensive equine related insurance products. By staying abreast to the latest market trends, Dietrich Insurance is able to provide programs accommodating individual requirements, through qualified companies at competitive premium prices. For more information on Dietrich Insurance visit http://dietrich-insurance.com/.

Hunter competition continues today as the first week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows comes to a close with the naming of champions in the Junior Hunter and Children’s Hunter divisions. Next week, riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, with the highlight $5,000 Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby scheduled for Saturday evening.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy have taken the USHJA International Hunter Derbies by storm this year, taking top ribbons in the prestigious events. Photo By: SportFot

Furnace, PA – July 3, 2012 – The 2012 State College Classic saw an overwhelming victory from SBS Farms, Inc. last week. Jennifer Alfano dominated the professional divisions with her top mounts, as well as securing the first place award in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with the talented Jersey Boy. Luke Olsen caught the judges’ eyes in the equitation classes, earning the first place prize with Serenade in the Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal. Jessica Liffin took the Low Junior/Amateur Hunter Reserve Championship aboard Imparco.

In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Danny Robertshaw’s Lions Paw with Alfano in the irons stole the show. Lions Paw was awarded the blue ribbon for his beautiful conformation in the Model. Alfano then guided the thoroughbred to the first and second place ribbons over fences, as well as the first place award in the under saddle. They eventually secured the division’s reserve championship honors. Alfano also exhibited Dragon, owned by Redfield Farm, to two second place finishes in the over fences and the handy round.

Continue reading Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Take Third Place Prize for $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy earned the third place award on Sunday, April 1, 2012, after completing their rounds and earning a total score of 386.5 points. Photo By: SportFot

Wellington, FL and Buffalo, NY – April 3, 2012 – The $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby got underway Saturday afternoon in the Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. It was the first time a hunter event, and especially one of such prestige, was held on the grass venue. Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy stepped up to the challenge, emerging as the third place victors.

The event opened up with a competitive field of 54 horse and rider combinations, welcoming the best hunter riders across the nation to give it their all over the challenging hunt course designed by Bobby Murphy. The challenging course for the event consisted of four option fences, which included the final fence, a hedge jump set at 4’5″ on the highest side. Riders received an additional bonus point from each panel of judges for taking the higher options, which many of the top finishers opted to take. The course only included two oxers, but the horses jumped brilliantly, showcasing their immense talent over the course reminiscent to that of an actual hunt field.

Continue reading Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Take Third Place Prize for $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at HITS Ocala

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy took the top honors Saturday night at HITS VI Ocala Winter Finals. Photo By: Hunter Messineo

Ocala, FL – March 12, 2012 – It was an incredible night for the 2012 $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the HITS VI Ocala Winter Finals. Spectators gathered together as the anticipation continued to rise, waiting to see who would take home the victory. In the end, it was SBS Farms’ Jennifer Alfano who executed brilliant rides throughout the two-round event, rising to the top of the leaderboard with four horses. She and her veteran mount Jersey Boy took the top honors and led the victory gallop, proving unbeatable throughout the competition. Alfano also guided Miss Lucy to the second place finish, completing flawless rounds and earning top scores from the judges.

The evening began as riders were tested over a classic hunter course, with the top 12 horse and rider combinations advancing to the handy hunter course. The scores earned in the classic hunter round were combined with the handy hunter round, combining the two round totals for the event’s overall results. The course definitely proved to be no easy feat. It mimicked a picturesque hunt field, testing horse and rider alike as they navigated the course and vied for the top honors and the chance to make it into the esteemed top 12. Jersey Boy took an early lead with the high scores in the first round totaling 187 points from the panel of judges, and Miss Lucy did not fall far behind with her first-round score of 170 points.

Continue reading Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at HITS Ocala →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USEF

Kelley Farmer and Taken Win $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Holiday and Horses

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Kelley Farmer and Taken won the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Photo © ManciniPhotos

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.

Continue reading Kelley Farmer and Taken Win $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Holiday and Horses →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USEF

Victoria Colvin Wins the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show

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Victoria Colvin and Inclusive

Bridgehampton, NY — Victoria Colvin, 13, of Loxahatchee, FL, took top honors on Inclusive, owned by Scott Stewart, in the Inaugural $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, on Saturday.

Colvin finished third in Round One and first in the Handy Hunter for an overall score of 398.500 points. Colvin’s trainer, Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL, finished second, third, and fourth, receiving an overall score of 396.00 on Dedication, owned by Fashion Farm, third on Garfield with an overall score of 378.500 points, owned by Steeplechase Farm, Inc., and fourth on Declaration, also owned by Fashion Farm.

The Handy Hunter course included several options for bonus points and Colvin took them all with “Captain,” as he is affectionately called.

“I wanted to take all the options in the Handy,” said Colvin. “They had really tight turns, so it was a little tough, but I wanted to take all of them.”
Colvin was surprised that she finished ahead of her trainer. “Scott had five in the class and he had three left after I went, so I was surprised that I won,” said Colvin. “Scott is always amazing.”

Stewart was not surprised. “She and Captain are always hard to beat,” said Stewart. “I was really happy for them.”

Continue reading Victoria Colvin Wins the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

$20,000 USHJA Hunter Derby Brings Tradition, Excitement to Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay

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Kelley Farmer and Clearly. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 22, 2011 – With few clouds in the sky and a light breeze, it was a lovely afternoon for the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Horse Shows by the Bay Series III. The Flintfields Horse Park grounds were buzzing all day with excitement for the evening’s event, which challenged 21 entries with a traditional course in the Grand Prix ring. Kelley Farmer made a clean sweep of the top four spots on Clearly, Praise, Red Sky, and Bases Loaded. Amazingly, Farmer and her first three rides produced a three-way tie involving an overall high score of 387. Peter Pletcher smoothly jumped into the next three places on Copperfield, Primero, and Tell All, accumulating several highly impressive scores of his own. An enthusiastic crowd turned out for tonight’s derby, making the class a definite favorite among spectators and riders alike.

The event kicked off with an exhibitor party, generously sponsored by Outback Steakhouse of Traverse City, which featured great food, drinks, and conversation. The first horse took the course at 5:30pm, with high scores dominating the scene from the very start. Kelley Farmer and Bases Loaded hit a home run with a combined score of 180 in their first round. Bases Loaded is owned by Am Free, Inc. Peter Pletcher and Copperfield, who is owned by Jennifer Noski, also turned in a great early combined score of 171 in the first round. Carson Gibson and Caden, owned by Shadyside Farm, had a flowing first round that resulted in a solid 163 combined score. Farmer returned on Clearly, owned by Jane Gaston, to add a 185 combined score to her growing list of first round feats. Farmer’s highest first round score came on Red Sky, owned by Larry Glefke. A whopping 196 put Farmer in contention for a second derby win, but Pletcher was also a competitive presence in the Grand Prix ring tonight. On Tell All, owned by Susan Baker, Pletcher earned a 173.5, adding to the slew of stunning scores in the much-anticipated derby. Near the end of round one Farmer returned on Praise, owned by Selma Garber, and received plenty of praise for another high score of 191.

Continue reading $20,000 USHJA Hunter Derby Brings Tradition, Excitement to Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Louise Serio and Rock On Win $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show

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Louise Serio and Rock On (Pictured at Brandywine Valley Summer Series) Photo By: PMG.

Littlestown, PA – June 30, 2011 – It was an excellent week for the horses and riders of Derbydown during the Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show, held June 21-26 at Swan Lake Stables. The talented Louise Serio took home three tricolor ribbons throughout the competition. Serio also earned the win in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Jennifer Burger’s Rock On. The talented group of riders at Derbydown earned multiple winning results after successfully competing in the show’s challenging hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions.

Serio piloted Jennifer Burger’s Rock On to the top of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The pair took home the winning title after beating out 25 competitors. Serio also garnered championship honors with Rock On in the First Year Green Working Hunter Division. The dynamic duo swept the division earning the blue ribbon in all of the division classes topping out at 50 points.

Jennifer Burger also achieved her own success aboard her second mount, Rock Star, earning a first and third place ribbon in the 3’3 Amateur-Owner 35 & Over Hunter Division.

Serio picked up another championship, this time in the High Performance Hunter Division aboard Phillipa owned by Jennifer Burger. Serio and Phillipa earned four blue ribbons and a yellow ribbon throughout the division. They racked up an impressive 44 points to secure the championship title.

Continue reading Louise Serio and Rock On Win $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show →