Kalli Core Pilots Karakter to First $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby Win

Ocala, FL – Hunter Derby action returned to the WEC Stadium during Week I of the 2025 December Series. Fifty-five horse-and-rider combinations showcased their style across three competitive classes: the $12,500 Golden Ocala  3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby, and the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby. Ken Krome designed winding, open tracks that encouraged riders to highlight their horses’ brilliance. 

The feature class, the $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, closed out the afternoon in the WEC Stadium, where Kalli Core ultimately rose to the top aboard Donna Rosman’s Karakter (Kannan x Clarissa 121). Core piloted the nine-year-old KWPN gelding to a flowing, confident first round that earned an impressive score of 88.

Heading into the handy round, Core adjusted her plan after watching the competition step up. “For my handy I was thinking about doing the smaller fences, but then Josh Dolan jumped all of the high options and got a good score, so I knew that if I wanted to win, then I had to do all of the high options. He was just perfect.”

Another consistent score of 87 secured a two-round total of 175, clinching the victory.

Core shared her appreciation for the talented gelding and his progression. “He’s a homebred from here in the States. He just moved up to the 3’9” Greens this week. We’ve been knocking on the door for a derby win at this height all year, so it feels really nice to get it done.”

She also spoke highly of the venue. “WEC is probably the best place in the world. Everything is so amazing. It’s run so well, and everyone’s really friendly. You kind of build a relationship with the whole team here. And it’s nice to know that everybody’s just a phone call away if you need anything.”

Above all, the win was meaningful for the entire team behind Karakter. “I’m thankful for everybody who’s been a part of this horse’s journey. It feels good that he got a win, and he definitely deserves it.”

$12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby Results 

Small Love, Big Performance in Conover’s $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby Victory

The December Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala kicked off Friday morning with the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby, where 17 horse-and-rider combinations vied for top honors over a beautifully designed course. In the end, it was Augusta Iwasaki’s Small Love (Chacco Blue x Wisilvia), piloted by Kate Conover, who secured the winning title.

“I have a good relationship with [Small Love]. I’ve ridden her for quite a few years. I’m her back-up when [Augusta Iwasaki] is not here in Ocala, so I know the horse quite well,” Conover said.

Small Love and Conover set the standard early, delivering a picture-perfect first round for a score of 94.

“For [Small Love] it’s a jumping competition. She jumps amazing. It’s just letting the jump win the class—keep it smooth and simple,” Conover explained. “It’s easy to get caught in her technique, and that’s my job: not to get in the way of that.”

Conover and Small Love executed a strategic plan that earned them a handy score of 91, bringing their overall total to 185.00—enough to clinch the victory.

“I practiced the right and left approach to the first jump in the schooling area,” Conover said. “I told Erica Quinn, who was helping me, that I liked the feeling off the right. For [Small Love], it’s important to land straight and then go to the next fence. And to jump four, I landed and really slowed down before I thought about turning right.”

Conover added that the team behind Small Love made the win even more meaningful.

“Liz Reilly has supported me for a long time, so it’s always nice to reconnect with her. Erica Quinn and Luke Olsen are great friends of mine. It’s a great time with all of these people and horses, and it’s an added bonus when we have good results,” she expressed. 

$10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3′ Open Hunter Derby Results

Emma Brody & Corzico Melloni Z Emerge Victorious in the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby 

Ocala, FL– Twenty-four horse-and-rider combinations vied for the blue ribbon in the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby, but it was  Emma Brody who emerged victorious aboard Corzico Melloni Z (Cornet Obolensky x Zicora H), owned by Brody Sporthorses.

“The first round had a lot of long, open lines that were off your eye, so I tried to stay forward and smooth,” Brody said.

Brody and the nine-year-old gelding posted an 82 in the classic round, positioning them well heading into the handy. 

“We got [Melon] to be my equitation horse, and he’s very handy,” Brody shared.

The duo’s experience proved advantageous. The pair delivered a standout handy round that earned a 90, securing a two-round total of 172 and the winning title.

“He’s always with you and tries his heart out every time,” Brody added. “I always have so much fun riding him.”

$10,000 USHJA National 3′ Jr/Am Hunter Derby

Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV

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