Inaugural Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships Conclude

Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 13, 2021—The first year of the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships wrapped up after five championships were held across the country. North, North Central, South, South Central and Southwest regions saw champions crowned throughout the year.

New in 2021, the Regional Championships served as an additional benefit to USHJA International Hunter Derby Program participants. Exhibitors did not need to qualify for the Championships and chose to compete in any one regional of their choice.

The North Central Championship kicked off the Regional Championships at the Split Rock Hunter Jumper Classic I CSI3* on held June 9-13 in Lexington, Kentucky, with Havens Schatt, of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Ken and Amy Wexler LLC's Cascartini taking the top prize. Greg Crolick of Clarkston, Michigan, finished reserve aboard Handwritten, owned by Jon Cotton.

Amanda Steege, of Califon, New Jersey, and LaFitte De Muze, owned by Cheryl Olsten, topped the North Championship, July 6-11 at the I Love New York Horse Show in Lake Placid, New York. Jean Sheptoff, of Littleton, Massachusetts, and her own Camillo VDL took reserve.

The Aiken Fall Festival I hosted the South Championship, September 8-12 in Aiken, South Carolina. Megan Rosenthal, of Charlotte, North Carolina, rode The Pirate Bay, owned by Fairy Tale Farms, LLC, to the top tricolor. Reserve went to Elizabeth Boyd, of Camden, South Carolina, and Gigi Manigault's Walk-Off.

The South Central Championship took place at the Southwest Showdown, September 22-26 in Katy, Texas. Alexandra Ansteth, of Spring, Texas, and Tori Wiesner's MTM Hay Day won the title. Katia Cannon, of College Station, Texas, and her own Canal Street took reserve.

The championships wrapped up with the Southwest Championship at National Sunshine Series II on November 9-14 in Thermal, California. Nick Haness, of Temecula, California, and Caldiano, owned by Double Down Farm, LLC, were named champions. Shawn Casady, of Harriman, Tennessee, and Ashland Farms' Cassario 8 earned reserve.

In 2022, horses may compete in a maximum of two Regional Championships per year, and competition returns with six championships for exhibitors to choose from:

  • North Championship - I Love New York in Lake Placid, New York, July 5 -10, 2022
  • North Central Championship - Split Rock Hunter Jumper Classic I in Lexington, Kentucky, June 8-12, 2022
  • South Championship - Aiken Fall Festival II in Aiken, South Carolina, September 14-18, 2022
  • South Central Championship - Southwest Showdown in Katy, Texas, September 21-25, 2022
  • Northwest Championship - Northwest Spectacular in Wilsonville, Oregon, August 31 - September 4, 2022
  • Southwest Championship - National Sunshine Series II in Thermal, California, November 8-13, 2022

The USHJA would like to extend a special thanks to Regional Championship hosts Split Rock Jumping Tour and Derek Braun; Morrissey Management Group and Matt Morrissey; Campf Horse Shows & Productions, Inc. and Mike Gallaway; Equus Events and JP Godard; Southbound Show Management and Patrick Rodes; and Desert Horse Park International and Steve Hankin

The USHJA would also like to thank Title Sponsor Platinum Performance; Official Sponsors CWD, Parlanti, Nutrena, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Veterinary Pharmacy; and award sponsor Essex Classics.

Learn more about the USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships at ushja.org/IHDRC.

Photos: Kind Media and Jerry Mohme Photography