Wellington, FL – February 3, 2015 – Riders will want to get their entries in quickly for the second annual Hunter Derby Days at The Ridge at Wellington. On Friday, February 6, 2015, The Ridge at Wellington will offer their first-class $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Entries are filling fast as the top hunter riders in the nation gather for a battle of the best on the turf. Part of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, the International and National Hunter Derbies are the perfect fit into the Wellington Winter Circuit as riders prepare for the steadily approaching hunter derbies at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
On February 6 and March 20, 2015, the hunters will take over The Ridge at Wellington. Both the sand ring and the open derby field will be reminiscent of the traditional hunt field with natural obstacles and tasteful adornment. The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby kicks off the day at 8:30 a.m in the sand ring and the second annual $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will begin on the grass at 1 p.m.
On Thursday February 5, there will be a ticketed hunter warmup offered from 8 am until 4:30 pm, open to everyone. International Derby horses must be on the grounds by 1 pm for check in for Friday’s event, per USHJA rules.
This year, the derby courses will be designed by Kenneth Krome. A host of highly esteemed judges will be evaluating the top hunter derby horses in Wellington, including Linda Andrisani, R. Scott Fitton, Mindy Minetto and Dee Thomas.
Last year professional hunter rider Jennifer Alfano rode 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Champion, Jersey Boy, to the first place finish in the 2014 $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Peter Wylde and Smoking Gun claimed the second International Hunter Derby with a phenomenal two rounds on The Ridge at Wellington’s derby field.
The prize list for the hunter derby is available here. <<http://www.theridgefarm.com/documents/2015-HUNTER-DERBY-PL-jan12.pdf>>
The Ridge at Wellington Hunter Derbies are the epitome o
f what the show world strives to accomplish. With unparalleled hospitality, and the careful and knowledgeable minds of Olympian Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio, the Hunter Derby Days are a horse show run by horsemen for horsemen.
In the world of hunter derbies, The Ridge at Wellington provides an exhilarating opportunity for riders of all levels. As a stand-alone derby day, the national and international classes are fully dedicated to showcasing and perfecting the derby classes with ideal turf that rivals the traditional fox hunting fields, reveling in the sport and athleticism of the horse.
The Ridge at Wellington is a premiere state-of-the-art facility that offers the best of the equestrian sports with varying competition levels. Their shows offer a wide array of classes, as well as generous prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Located only two miles from the prestigious Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Ridge at Wellington offers one of the most centrally located horse shows in Wellington.
For more information about the Ridge at Wellington please go to www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264. For more information please e-mail info@TheRidgeFarm.com.
Stalls are limited, please submit entries no later than February 2, 2015 to ensure stall reservations.
