HUNTER DERBIES
Ten years ago, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association introduced the hunter derby, a two-round class designed to bring more athleticism, bravery and brilliance into the hunter ring, initially just at the international level. It has been so popular that USHJA has since created similar opportunities for riders at other levels, ranging from introductory, or “outreach,” derbies to pony derbies and national derbies. This year alone, more than 2,300 horses and ponies were entered in USHJA sanctioned hunter derbies. Why so much growth in derby competitions? For professionals, these competitions offer large cash purses and can be a good venue to showcase and sell talented hunter prospects. Derbies offer juniors and amateurs an intriguing format that encourages them to learn new skills and ride more challenging courses. Like the international derbies, national and pony events held at rated shows offer prize money, which engenders more excitement for riders and spectators alike.
In 2019, pony riders will have the opportunity to compete at one of two championships offered on either coast. The USHJA Pony Hunter Derby East and West Coast Championships will be held at the Kentucky Summer Classic, July 30 to August 4, in Lexington, Kentucky, and the Blenheim Fall Tournament, September 11 to 15, in San Juan Capistrano, California, respectively.
What is A Hunter Derby?
Most hunter derbies are run as a two-round competition. Both rounds typically include natural fences reminiscent of the hunt field, such as stone walls, logs, brush jumps,
