Wellington, Florida (March 2, 2016) – Riders across Florida are invited to join The Ridge at Wellington for an elegant evening of dining, socializing, and world class hunter derby competition on March 18th at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. As the second Hunter Derby Day event during the Turf Tour show series, March 18th’s nighttime class will take place in the fantastic, oversized covered arena at Jim Brandon, setting the stage for a unique and welcoming ambiance to showcase the elegance and beauty of performance hunters.
Consistently attracting top names in the sport, including Olympians, medal finalists, and international champions, the Turf Tour’s Hunter Derby Days has crowed numerous household names in the hunter world, including Kelly Farmer and Peter Wylde, and offers an exclusive way to qualify for other International titles and the National Hunter Derby Championships in a utopian atmosphere. Newly introduced this year, the evening class will include even more amenities for riders and spectators, including VIP table packages, a rider’s lounge, and a competitor party, in addition to the exceptional services offered at every Turf Tour show.
Kelly Farmer and Its Me, winners of the first Hunter Derby Days $15,000 USHJA International Derby. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography
Peter Wylde. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography
The evening’s classes will include a $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, both with courses designed by Kevin Giblin. Judges Mindy Minetto, Christina Schlusemeyer, Sue Ashe, and Linda Andrisani will evaluate each pair on their form and the horse’s movement over elegant natural obstacles, while spectators look on from the comfort of elegantly appointed tables.
Kelly Farmer and It’s Me rode a fantastic set of rounds to win the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on February 5th, setting the standard for world class hunt seat in the first Hunter Derby Days.
Kelly Farmer and Its Me. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography
Molly Sewell proved her mettle in the morning, taking both first and second in the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Derby. She topped the field with lovely rides Leslie C. Campbell’s E.L. Raymond, and took the Reserve Championship title with Mtm Caruso S, owned by Brynn Hanson.
Molly Sewell, winner of the first Hunter Derby Days $5,000 USHJA National Derby, with Nona Garson and George d’Ambrosio. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography
For those interested in entering the second Hunter Derby Days competition, contact The Ridge at Wellington at RidgeShows@aol.com, 908 500 0996, or view a full prize list. Farms or individuals seeking information on purchasing VIP table packages, or with any other questions regarding the event, please call 908 500 0996.
The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, including a full prize list, visit The Ridge at Wellington’s website. For up to date information on the Hunter Derby Days and related events, follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.
Meadowbrook Horse Transport offers a door-to-door horse shuttle to each of the Turf Tour venues, including Hunter Derby Days. To schedule pick up, contact them at 954 415 7217.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography