March 31st, 2013 – It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Wellington, FL. as WEF exhibitors and spectators came together one last time to watch top hunters compete in the final leg of the $50,000 USHJA Hunter Derby. The Stadium’s grass course was set up with elaborate hunter jumps that were decorated with flowers, bushes, hay, and colorful additions all throughout the immaculately kept ring. While riders mounted and warmed up the growing crowd took their seats, in the VIP tent and on the small grass hill overlooking the ring, with snacks, drinks, cameras, binoculars and even champagne to watch and celebrate another end to a great 2013 circuit.

25 entries from round 1 advanced to the final handy phase of the derby that included tight turns and distances to show off beautiful hand gallops across the field. The horses were on their A-games and riders took the necessary measures to bring out their best rides in order to wow the judges that were meticulously watching their every move. With highly experienced riders like Liza Boyd, Kelley Farmer, Louise Serio, Jennifer Alfano, and Victoria Colvin the competition was steep and maybe even slightly intimidating for the less experienced entries. Horses and riders really had to communicate well and step into the ring with confidence in order to exhibit the essential poise of being a hunter. As the final entries made their way around the course final scores began to increase and soon enough a winner was announced.

Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy were awarded scores of 88.5 and 89.0 by the judges with 8 high option points and 13 bonus points, giving them a 198.5 second round total that added up with round 1’s 186; an overall score of 384.50 that secured a tricolor victory.

[quote_simple] Miss Lucy is “just one of those horses that aims to please all the time.” – Jennifer Alfano [/quote_simple]

Standing just shy of 16.3 hands, Miss Lucy is an 11 year old Dutch Warmblood chestnut mare owned by Helen Lenahan of Buffalo, NY. Trained by Susan Schoellkopf and ridden by seasoned pro Alfano, Miss Lucy displays characteristics opposite of those associated with chestnut mares. Very calm and collected around the course she portrayed grace and confidence and displayed no signs of mare-ish behaviour. Instead she had her ears pricked forward the entire time, jumped beautifully over each fence and really displayed her handy skills.

Jennifer Alfano says Miss Lucy is “just one of those horses that aims to please all the time” and added that the mare “takes her job very seriously,” which is no doubt clear to the avid hunter eye. The equestrian world is full of talented horses, but it takes more than just talent to win and be successful; a horse must have heart, passion, even a sense of pride and competitive nature for what they do in order to fully embody their talent. We think it’s fabulous to see horses that really put their heart into what they do and aim to please their rider!

Congratulations to Jennifer Alfano & Miss Lucy on a victorious $50,000 USHJA Hunter Derby tricolor win! We look forward to watching the both of you continue to wow the judges throughout the year!!

Overall Derby Results:

Placing Rider Horse Score

1st Jennifer Alfano Miss Lucy 384.50

2nd Victoria Colvin Inclusive 382.00

3rd Kristy McCormack Temptation 380.00

4th Brady Mitchell Medalist 374.50

5th Elizabeth Boyd Brunello 363.00

6th Kelli Cruciotti Monterrey 358.00

7th David Oliynyk Generous 358.00

8th Sophie Michaels Coco 353.75

9th Elizabeth Boyd Fieona 343.50

10th Lindsay Mutschle Fielding 342.75

Photos: Copyright of EverythingEq

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