Nolte and Blue Jay Way Top $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby
Developing partnership delivers winning performance against competitive field
December 19, 2025 at 9:36 PMBy b.wehner
Emerson Nolte emerged victorious in the $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby, guiding her own Blue Jay Way to the top of the leaderboard from a field of 22 horse-and-rider combinations.
A Growing Partnership
Despite having partnered with the nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding for just six months, Nolte and Blue Jay Way demonstrated a developing connection and confidence throughout the Hunt-N-Go format. Their harmony was evident from the first strides on course.
Fluid and Focused Performance
Blue Jay Way moved fluidly around the track, maintaining a steady rhythm and a pleasant expression that reflected both relaxation and focus. The gelding answered each question with ease while showcasing his natural hunter style.
Quality Meets Efficiency
Nolte struck a thoughtful balance between polish and pace, allowing Blue Jay Way to shine while navigating the technical elements of the combined course. Their consistent effort earned a final score of 175, securing the top spot in a competitive non-pro field.
A Promising Step Forward
The win marked another encouraging milestone for the relatively new partnership, highlighting Blue Jay Way’s promise in derby competition and Nolte’s ability to bring out the best in her mount as they continue to progress together.
Photo by Winslow Photography
Related Articles
Lauren Underhill and Innamorato Shine in $15,000 Relyne by Hagyard USHJA Hunt-N-Go Derby
Lauren Underhill delivered a standout performance at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington during the Christmas in the Midwest competition, guiding Emily Sweeney’s Innamorato to victory in the $15,000 Relyne by Hagyard USHJA National Hunt-N-Go Derby in the R+L Arena.
Hunter2 hours agoVideo Available
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.
Hunter2 hours agoVideo Available
USHJA and Gochman Family to Continue Their Partnership
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association has announced the renewal of the Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals for another three years, through 2028. This grant program offers three young pony riders the opportunity to atted and compete at USEF Pony Finals in the Hunter divisions, regardless of their financial means.
HunterDecember 18, 2025
Latest News
Lauren Underhill and Innamorato Shine in $15,000 Relyne by Hagyard USHJA Hunt-N-Go Derby
Lauren Underhill delivered a standout performance at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington during the Christmas in the Midwest competition, guiding Emily Sweeney’s Innamorato to victory in the $15,000 Relyne by Hagyard USHJA National Hunt-N-Go Derby in the R+L Arena.
Hunter2 hours agoSchweppe 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.
Hunter2 hours agoBobby Boulger Dominates in $10,000 STX Open Speed at HITS Ocala
Bobby Boulger proved untouchable against the clock at the HITS Ocala Holiday Festival, guiding Fortside Candy Crush to the top of the leaderboard in the $10,000 STX Open Speed. In a class where fractions of a second mattered, Boulger delivered a polished, purposeful round that combined efficiency with bold decision-making.
Jumping2 hours ago