Schweppe and Cataumet Rise to the Top in $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Lauren Schweppe captured a highlight victory at the HITS Ocala Holiday Festival, guiding Cataumet to first place in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with two composed and well-executed rounds that set them apart from a competitive field.

From the outset, the pair impressed with a classic round that emphasized quality and correctness. Cataumet jumped with an effortless, ground-covering stride, maintaining a steady rhythm and an appealing shape at every fence. Schweppe’s understated ride allowed the horse’s natural presence and technique to take center stage, earning strong marks from the judges and positioning them near the top heading into the handy.

Returning for the second round, Schweppe shifted gears seamlessly. The handy course asked riders to balance efficiency with polish, and Schweppe answered with confident decision-making and smooth execution. Cataumet remained relaxed and attentive through tighter turns and inside options, showing the adaptability and composure that often define winning derby performances.

Their ability to maintain quality while embracing the more technical elements of the handy ultimately secured the victory, separating them from a deep lineup of experienced hunter combinations. The performance highlighted not only Schweppe’s feel and precision in the derby ring, but also Cataumet’s consistency and reliability at the international level.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby once again served as a focal point of the Holiday Festival’s hunter competition, delivering a strong showcase of talent. Schweppe and Cataumet emerged as the standard-setters, closing out the class with a performance that blended elegance, strategy, and confidence.