Successful Hunter Derby Competitions at World Equestrian Center

World Championship Hunter Rider week saw leading hunter athletes gathering at the R+L Arena during Winter Classic 16.

Nineteen horse-and-rider combinations participated in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-N-Go Derby, where Melissa D rode Lily Lutgen’s horse Keeper to victory. Joe Carnicom designed the successful Hunt-N-Go track, which Donnelly appreciated for its flow and options. She expressed satisfaction with the performance of Keeper, a green horse she recently began riding, noting that he demonstrated improvement during the course. Keeper, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, impressed the judges with his jumping style, achieving a total score of 176.

Other results in the Open Hunt-N-Go Derby included Elliott in second place with a score of 175 and Zoe Power in third with a score of 173. In the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby, Milagros De Jong and her horse Grandslam ES secured first place, staying ahead of the competition from her position as the ninth rider. De Jong valued the Hunt-N-Go format for its challenges and described the course as engaging. Her horse, a nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding, earned a score of 169.5, which remained unchallenged. The second and third spots in this division were taken by Sandriano and Cornus Alba D’or, respectively. These results highlight the strong performances in both the Open and Non-Pro divisions at Winter Classic 16, underscoring the ongoing commitment to equestrian excellence.

For detailed results, refer to horseshoeing.com or the WEC Blog.