Jenny Karazissis and Undeniable win the Fleeceworks Grand Prix Hunter Derby at the 2014 Del Mar International Horse Show. Photo by: McCool Photography.

Now in its third year, the Grand Prix Hunter Derby has been an incredible success story, bringing action, excitement and against-the-clock drama into the normally sedate hunter ring. Pitting the nation’s top hunters against each other in a test of style, pace and lightning-fast on-course decision-making, these classes are exciting to watch, and even more exciting to ride. Points are added or subtracted according to whether the rider is under or over the time allowed, and horses are judged on performance, way of going, style and handiness.

“Grand Prix Hunter Derbies are new and exciting,” says Jenny Karazissis of Far West Farms on why she loves riding in the Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series. “They’re not only exciting to ride in, but also to watch!

The first class in the 2015 series is the $2,500 Grand Prix Hunter Derby at the Flintridge Spring Classic, followed by the $2,500 Far West Farms Grand Prix Hunter Derby at the 94th Annual Flintridge Horse Show. The Central California Show Series at the brand new Paso Robles Horse Park will also host Grand Prix Hunter Derbies on the beautiful grass field! In all, riders get a chance to compete in ten Derbies held throughout the season in order to qualify for the $25,000 Grand Prix Hunter Derby Final, held at the Del Mar International Horse Show in October.

“I hope to compete in the Grand Prix Hunter Derbies at the Paso Robles Horse Park. I love that area and look forward to someplace new to show.” says Karazissis. She confesses, “Del Mar is by far my favorite venue!”

The derbies are open to all riders, and consist of two rounds, jumped at either the 3’3″ or 3’6″ height. The course has at least two option fences set at two to three inches above the respective heights.

“The Grand Prix Hunter Derby series brings a new level of excitement to the hunters, and the enthusiasm for these classes has been fantastic,” Dale Harvey said. “Each year, we’ve had more entries than the year before, and West Palms Events is looking forward to an amazing 2015 season.”

West Palms Events is excited for the opportunity to continue the successful Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series, beginning with Flintridge this Spring! Stay up to date on information about the Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series and the 2015 show season by visiting our website and following us on Facebook!