Jef Lauwers and Hallpass Repeat Victory in $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

 Jef Lauwers and Hallpass once again proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the hunter derby ring, capturing the win in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Rio Agave, for the second consecutive year at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.

The prestigious event, held on Saturday evening during Week 3 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, marked the final hunter derby of the three-week competition. Out of a highly competitive field of 21 entries, Lauwers and the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Sue Copeland led from start to finish.

Lauwers set the tone early in the first round, earning dual base scores of 89 aboard Hallpass over Meghan Rawlins’ classic track set in the Main Indoor arena. Returning last for the handy round, the pair executed a bold and seamless trip, skillfully navigating inside turns and taking all four high options. With second-round base scores of 88 and 89, and high marks for handiness and difficulty, they secured a total handy score of 194, culminating in a winning overall score of 372.

The victory didn’t come easy, as Kelly Lorek and MTM Swerte made a strong late charge. Lorek and the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding, owned by Priya Alvarez, climbed the ranks with a standout handy round to earn a second-round score of 190 and an overall total of 360 to claim second place. Rounding out the top three was Alexandra Pielet aboard Vex Freedom, owned by Vex Sporthorse Ltd., with a combined score of 346.

Lauwers’ partnership with Hallpass spans more than four years and has produced an impressive eight USHJA International Hunter Derby wins. What makes their continued success even more remarkable is their unconventional training setup: Hallpass lives with owner Sue Copeland, who keeps the gelding in top shape between shows. Lauwers meets the horse at select competitions, and their chemistry in the ring continues to shine.

As the curtain closes on another memorable edition of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, Lauwers and Hallpass have once again etched their names into its history.