May 19th, 2012 ~ Conyers, GA – It was a bustling evening at the acclaimed Georgia International Horse Park as the crowd watched 25 of the country’s top hunter riders compete under the lights in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance. No stranger to the winner’s circle, Liza Boyd took home the blue ribbon last evening aboard Mrs. Janet Peterson and Finally Farm’s Quatrain while capturing the second place on her and Mrs. Janet Peterson’s Brunello. The team from Finally Farm in Camden, SC just came off a one-two win at the Aiken Spring Classic Derby and the Camden Spring Classic Derby back in April with Brunello taking the top spot over Quatrain in both of those classes.
It was finally Quatrain’s time to shine as the 8-year-old’s boldness and consistency garnered him and Boyd the top scores of the night. In round 1 they received an 87 and 88 plus 8 high option bonus points from the judges and in the second handy round received an 84 and 88 plus 8 bonus points and 13 bonus handy points, giving them the winning total of 376 over Brunello’s 370. Towell was pleased at how far Quatrain has come along this spring. Just this past February he was competing in the jumper ring in Palm Beach. The pair also captured the High Performance Hunter Championship earlier in the week that division sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian. Julie Curtain and Morgan Connely’s Hanover On The Rocks took home the third place ribbon in the Derby and Alamo and Mariah Friedland rounded out the top 4.
The course was designed by seasoned course designer J. P. Godard and included many natural obstacles and stylish jumps reminiscent of the hunt field including coups, brush boxes, gates, and walls. Godard enjoys having the hunters on center stage in the big ring (the 400×410 International Arena home to the 1996 Show Jumping in the Olympic Games) because it gives horses and riders a chance a show off their skills under the lights in a special setting that isn’t your average hunter ring. It is also a treat for the crowd to watch!
During the class exhibitors and spectators alike were treated to a Derby party and Exhibitors Dinner catered by Proof of the Pudding and sponsored by Equus Events and the 2012 Atlanta Spring Challenge Hospitality Sponsors.
The action continues this weekend in the hunter and jumper ring featuring the $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix Saturday evening along with Preakness Party sponsored by Daniel F. Geitner Stables and Cathy and Daniel Geitner. Equestrian Connect will also be sponsoring and ice cream party under the hospitality tent at 2 pm on Saturday.
For a more information please call 803-643-5698 or log on to www.equusevents.com.
Contact: Equus Events, Inc.
803-643-5698