Hunter derbies dominated the second week of competition at Galway Downs during Nilforushan Equisport Events’ premier Temecula Valley Fall National Series. Hunter riders of all ages suited up in their shadbellies for a total of seven different derby classes ranging from the $500 NEE Pony Hunter Derby to the $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Featuring almost $250,000 in prize money, nearly 250 total hunter classes, and only one shot at the coveted tricolor in their respective derby, the competition was fierce all weekend long.
Augusta Iwasaki on Small Social. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.
The junior/amateurs hunter riders kicked off the competition on Friday morning, November 20, in the Optimum Performance Junior/Amateur $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. It was Augusta Iwasaki and Small Social, owned by Iwasaki and Reilly, who wowed the judges with their two near-flawless rounds separating themselves from the pack of seventeen other horse and rider pairs to earn the top spot on the podium. Iwasaki not only walked away with a blue but also a yellow ribbon placing third on Ashland Farms’, Attendu De Lannois Z. It was Clea Caddell and Spyglass Hill’s, Cavaljo, who came claimed the second-place position.
Jamie Taylor on Asteri. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.
After the conclusion of the junior/amateur section, the professionals tacked up for the last big class of the series, the South Coast Winery Resort and Spa $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Hungry for top honors, fifteen hunter pairs expertly made their way around the track in the Grand Prix Arena, but it was Jamie Taylor and Ava Peck’s, Asteri, who pulled out a win with their effortless handy round and superb style. Not far off were Emily Esau Williams and Zeitlos, owned by Alyson Trust, who finished second. Jamie Taylor managed to round out the top three with another podium position coming in third with Ever So Often, also owned by Ava Peck.
Jamie Taylor on Asteri in their presentation ceremony. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.
After two serious classes in the morning, hunter riders returned to the Grand Prix arena later on for a round of fun and friendly competition in the fan-favorite $5,000 NEE Hunter/Jumper Team Costume Challenge. Rising to the challenge in both performance and costumes were Shiloh Rosebloom and Amanda Gomez.
It was a true derby day on Sunday at Galway Downs featuring five different derby classes including the $750 Child/Adult Hunter Derby, the $500 Child/Adult Hunter Derby, the $250 Short/Long Stirrup Hunter Derby, the $250 Green Rider Hunter Derby, and the $500 NEE Pony Hunter Derby, all generously sponsored by Pony Suds.
Of the twelve horse and rider combos, it was Alicia Gilliam and Isabella Holway’s, Sandor Z, who came out on top in the Pony Suds $750 Child/Adult Hunter Derby followed by Morgan Beyler and HD Kuala Lumpar, owned by HD Horses LLC. Alisha Goto and Corynn Wolf’s Cartwright, finished up their two weeks of competition on the podium with a third-place finish.
The Pony Suds $500 Child/Adult Hunter Derby saw eleven duos navigate the two-rounds of fences with Tessa Daniels and her own C Gelacio claiming top honors. Coming in second place was Sophie Ruder and her own Ivanho HK. Emma Bayley and her partner, Artemis, topped off their week with a third-place finish.
Competition simultaneously continued in Hunter 2 with the Pony Suds $250 Short/Long Stirrup Hunter Derby 2’. Chloe Tobias and her own mount, White Walls, earned themselves a blue with their two impressive rounds trailed closely by Phedra Van Den Boom and Juelena Attard’s Casino. Kathryn Padilla and Jubilee, owned by Zoey Chambers, claimed a piece of the prize placing third.
Riders took to the ring for the Pony Suds $250 Green Rider Hunter Derby 2’3” where Emma Bayley snagged another derby win aboard Artemis. Leslie Long and her own, Lonestar State, claimed the second podium position with Ruby Grambo rounding out the top three with her own mount, Cayden A.
Week II of the Temecula Valley National Fall Series came to a close with the $500 NEE Pony Hunter Derby. The pairs showed up to the ring expertly turned-out and ready to ride for the ribbons. Though all of the pairs laid down competitive scores, it was Lauren Padilla who dominated the derby claiming a blue with So Enchanted, owned by Sprucedale INC, and a yellow with Buzzworthy owned by Highland Farm, LLC. Devin Roseboom and Girl on Fire closed out the Temecula Valley National Fall Series with a second-place finish.
Class Results – South Coast Winery Resort and Spa $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Pro:
Place / Horse / Rider
- Asteri / Jamie Taylor
- Zeitlos / Emily Esau Williams
- Ever So Often / Jamie Taylor
- Long Game / Ilana Halpern
- Drop The Mic / Nina Alario
- In Case / Leah A Von Henkle
- Hd Kuala Lumpur / Morgan Beyler
- Matador / Jamie Sailor
- Colmantino / Tara Niculescu
- Small Kingdom / Lexi Wedemeyer
- Domani / Buffy Lake
- Calida / Krystalle Glosser
Class Results – Optimum Performance $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby- Jr/Am:
Place / Horse / Rider
- Small Social / Augusta Iwasaki
- Cavaljo / Clea Caddell
- Attendu De Lannois Z / Augusta Iwasaki
- Vanderpump / Augusta Iwasaki
- Cartwright / Alisha Goto
- H Calidetta 517 / Courtney Hurley
- Havelly D / Margaret O’neill
- Imagine That / Kristina Novak
- Caracas 106 / Anna Fogarty
- Rolo / Ariya Nathu
- Instantly / Sarah Cline
- Seaside / Augusta Iwasaki