Hunter Highlight of the Year: Victoria Colvin at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship

Victoria Colvin delivered a performance for the history books on Saturday evening, August 16, 2025, capturing the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship with Dicoblue PS during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

A Championship Decided Under the Lights

Contested under the lights in the iconic Rolex Arena, the championship finale brought together 30 of the nation’s top hunter combinations. When the final scores were confirmed, Colvin held her lead to secure the victory, becoming the only rider to win the prestigious championship four times on four different horses.

A Track That Tested Every Detail

Course designers Ken Krome and Meghan Rawlins set a demanding handy track featuring 12 obstacles that tested scope, rideability, and decision-making. Riders navigated four high-option fences, including a bold wall, a log bounce, and a creative horseshoe element that allowed competitors to choose their own line and direction before opening up to a hand gallop to a wide final oxer.

Overcoming Adversity Earlier in the Day

Colvin’s win was made even more remarkable by the events earlier in the day. She sustained an injury in the warm-up after falling from another horse and being struck in the ribs. Despite the setback, Colvin returned to the ring with trademark focus and composure, delivering a poised and confident ride when it mattered most.

Standout Scores Seal the Title

The judging panel—Abby Blankenship, Jeanne Marie Dunford-Miller, Lynn Forgione, Tammy Provost, Mike Rosser, and Scott Williamson—rewarded Colvin and Dicoblue PS with standout handy-round scores of 92, 95, and 96. Combined with their leading classic-round score and all four high options, the pair finished on an impressive two-round total of 608.

A Historic Fourth Championship

With the victory, Colvin joins Hunt Tosh as one of only two riders to claim the championship four times. She stands alone, however, as the only rider to accomplish the feat on four different horses, having previously won in 2017 with Cuba, 2018 with Private Practice, and 2019 with El Primero.

Building a Formidable Partnership

Dicoblue PS, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, has been partnered with Colvin since she sourced him in Ocala two years ago. Together, they have developed into one of the most formidable combinations in the hunter derby ranks.

Rounding Out the Podium

Jennifer Hannan and Cellestino secured reserve champion honors, maintaining second place with a final score of 597 after earning handy-round scores of 91, 92, and 93. John French rounded out the podium in third after reuniting with his former mount Milagro, now owned by Zoe Wolf. Their strong handy effort earned scores of 90, 93, and 89.5 for a two-round total of 583.5.

A Defining Moment of the 2025 Season

Defined by grit, resilience, and precision, Victoria Colvin’s 2025 championship performance stands as one of the most significant hunter moments of the year—and a milestone achievement that further cements her legacy in the sport.

Photo by Winslow Photography