Kelsey Epperson & Stiletto Step Out in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-N-Go Derby of WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 11
21 FEB 26 Wilmington, OH
Wilmington, Ohio – Kelsey Epperson saved the best for last in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby of World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) Winter Classic 11. Out of a 21-horse field, Epperson and her final entry of the class, Stiletto (Maximus x Caprice), stepped out to take the top spot.
New to the R+L Arena, Lynn Mullins designed the Hunt-N-Go track for Hunter Derby Friday. Epperson “loved it,” she noted. “It was so nice to have a fresh perspective. I have never actually ridden one of her courses, but her tracks all week have ridden beautifully. It was super smooth today.”
Epperson discussed her partnership and plans with the stunning mare owned by Michelle Carroll. “I’m super excited. I haven’t done a derby on her in a long time, and her owner shows her in the 3’3” amateurs. We decided to do it for fun because I want to try to do the International Derby in Traverse City this summer,” she explained.
“So we thought we would just try it, and she was so good. She’s super fun because she’s not one that needs to look at anything. When I went into the ring, I just picked up my canter and went, and she was so bright the whole time.”
The 12-year-old Warmblood mare made every handy effort effortlessly and showcased her lovely expression around the track to earn an overall score of 180 for the win.
A Winning Duet: Rachael Herkowitz & Harmony Win the $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby
Nearly 30 horse-and-rider combinations kicked off Hunter Derby Friday at WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 11 in the $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby. In the end, it was a winning duet we’ve seen before, as Rachael Herkowitz and Harmony (Quiran x Romance I) returned to the winner’s circle.
Seventh to go in the posted order, Herkowitz set an early lead and was “thankful to come out on top,” she smiled.
Despite a break from the show ring, Harmony never missed a beat and returned to winning form. Herkowitz expressed her gratitude for her mare and team.
“We haven’t shown since the National Horse Show, so she had some time off. She is just a phenomenal horse,” she shared. “She loves her job, and we have a great team behind us. I really couldn’t ask for more than that. She makes it so easy and so fun.”
The Hunt-N-Go track, designed by Lynn Mullins, asked the field of athletes to showcase their rideability and handiness, and Herkowitz did just that.
“I have never done a Hunt-N-Go format here before. It was challenging because the jumps came up a bit quickly. It really tested everyone’s ability to do the inside turns, and there were a lot of great options. It was a really well-ridden course, and it differentiated the styles of horses here today.”
The 11-year-old Holsteiner mare impressed the judges, earning a two-round total of 175 for her classic and handy efforts to secure the win.
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