Tapestry Farm to Host $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Sunday

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The strong field of competitors will include rider Kelley Farmer.

Bristol, WI – July 9, 2010 – The first ever Tapestry Farm Derby Day promises a day of hospitality and exciting competition at Tapestry Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin. On July 11th, the 120 acre facility one hour north of Chicago will host a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a $5,000 USHJA 3′ Derby, and a $10,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Speed Derby. A strong field of competitors is expected including Pony Lane Farm’s Bella Blue, shown by Maggie Jayne, and Nancy Amling’s Taken, shown by Kelley Farmer. All classes will utilize the farm’s outside course on grass with its natural obstacles and featuring a beautiful, brand new bank. Spectators will have the opportunity to provide support for the worthy USHJAF’s Horseman’s Assistance Fund and at the same time enjoy the highest level of hospitality by buying a ringside table. Held in conduction with the Showplace Summertime Horse Show at Ledges, Derby Day will provide the finale to a great horse show, providing a field trip for participants and offering all a “day in the country”.

Derby Day was first envisioned by Tapestry Farm’s owner Donna Struve. Watching the growing popularity of the hunter derby format, she pictured her farm as the perfect venue to host a showcase event, giving Midwest riders the opportunity to compete close to home in an international caliber event while hosting a summer outing and raising money for charity.

For the first year the beneficiary will be the Horseman’s Assistance Fund, administered by the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation. Founded in 1995 as the American Hunter Jumper Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund, the fund has distributed over $225,000, providing instant monetary support to those in need. The fund has helped with everything from paying the monthly living expenses of a horse woman with terminal cancer to paying the medical expenses of a farrier without health insurance who needed emergency angioplasty. All net proceeds from the sale of ringside tables at Derby Day will benefit this cause.

Tables of 10 will be available at Derby Day for $2,000 / table. Catered by Classic Cuisines, patrons will be treated to a Continental breakfast and gourmet lunch with full bar, plus afternoon sandwiches and a dessert bar. Those with access to the VIP area will be able to watch the action on the derby course and the action in the tent. For individuals who would like to watch but can’t fill a table, individual seats are available at the Friends of Tapestry tables for $200/seat.

The festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. with the $5,000 USHJA 3′ Hunter Derby. The 3′ derby will give children’s and adult riders as well as those with greener horses a chance to participate in the full derby experience.

The main event will commence at noon with round 1 of the $25,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby. With natural obstacles of 4′ in height plus the most difficult parts of the bank in play, the talent and effort of the best show hunters will be on display. Round 2, the handy hunter phase, will test both the dexterity of the horse and the resourcefulness of the rider as unique challenges from the hunt field are presented.

At approximately 3:00 p.m. the course will transition from hunter to jumper for the $10,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Derby. The natural obstacles and bank will again be utilized but the clock will come into play as competitors strive for the fastest clean round.

The day’s events conclude after the jumper derby with an exhibitor party open to all. We hope as many as possible will linger to help celebrate the successful conclusion of the first Tapestry Farm Derby Day.

We look forward to your attendance as we launch the Tapestry Farm Derby Day!

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

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