First Hunter Derby Kicks Off at 2025 WEC – Ocala Spring Series
Riders compete in two derby classes under pleasant weather conditions
March 31, 2025 at 2:44 PMBy s.wilhelm
The inaugural Hunter Derby Friday of the 2025 WEC – Ocala Spring Series began with favorable weather, featuring 34 horse-and-rider combinations navigating courses crafted by Lynn Mullins.
The natural aesthetics of hedges and greenery enhanced the atmosphere as riders aimed for top placements in two derbies: the $5,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby and the $5,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby.
In the Open Derby, 15 entries contended, with Josh Dolan achieving victory aboard Marty McFly, a seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood, and securing second place with Catfished. Dolan expressed satisfaction with both horses' performances during their derby debuts, highlighting the seamlessness of their initial course and their strong handy round.
Related Articles
Your Ultimate Equestrian Christmas Gift Guide
The holiday season is here, and whether you're shopping for your horse, your barn bestie, or treating yourself (because let’s be honest—we all deserve it), we’ve wrapped up the ultimate equestrian gift guide for Christmas. From thoughtful stable essentials to rider must-haves, these ideas will bring joy to every horse lover in your life.
OtherDecember 4, 2025
Introducing: ClipMyHorse.TV Watchmas!
Introducing: ClipMyHorse.TV Watchmas! 🎄🐴This holiday season, we’re unwrapping something truly special for you.
OtherDecember 4, 2025
3 Graces Dressage Partners with US Equestrian as Official Sponsor of Festival of Champions Grand Prix National Championship
3 Graces Dressage of Wellington, Florida has partnered with US Equestrian and is the official sponsor of the Dressage Festival of Champions and the dressage Grand Prix national championship to be staged at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala next May.3 Graces is owned by Carol Cohen Hodess and her husband and daughter, Rebecca.
OtherDecember 3, 2025
Latest News
Nina Mallevaey Soars to World No. 12
A Breakthrough MomentNina Mallevaey has officially stepped into a new echelon of the sport. With her rise to World No. 12, the French star has confirmed what the international show jumping world has been watching unfold all season—this is no longer a breakout year. This is a breakthrough career moment.
Jumping46 minutes agoLive Highlights This Week
This week delivers a packed international calendar as elite equestrian sport takes center stage across multiple continents. From CSI5* show jumping in California to dressage in Ocala and the iconic CHI de Genève in Switzerland, riders, teams, and fans alike are set for an unforgettable week of competition.
Jumping1 hour agoNicole Bourgeois and Mc Queen Command the Field
A Dominant Performance on the Grass FieldNicole Bourgeois and Mc Queen delivered a tour-de-force performance on Friday, December 5, decisively winning the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Hermès, at Desert Holiday 1.
HunterDecember 8, 2025