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