Wilmington, Ohio – Twelve points separated Kelsey Epperson and Pamella Kissman’s Incredible (El Salvador x Budine) from second place in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington Winter Classic 7.
With two blue ribbons early in the week in the 3’6” Green Hunter division, the preparation to get ‘Jack’ to the ring was quite simple.
“We give him treats. A lot of bribes. He had a nice hack with his mom today and then he got more treats,” laughed Epperson.
Epperson piloted the coming 10-year-old KWPN gelding to a first round score of 89 and had an advantage returning for the handy. Bobby Murphy’s (USA) tracks suited the professional athlete’s style and set her up for the win.
“I am a big fan of jumps that are far away from each other. I like single jumps because I can just get on a nice pace and ride it. I love it when Bobby [Murphy] does courses, I always know that they are going to ride smoothly. I wanted to stay focused in the handy and hold the lead, I didn’t feel like I needed to do anything crazy to stay on top.”
After a picture-perfect second round, a score of 90 and a two-round total of 179 put the stylish duo on top, claiming the win by 12 points.
Epperson discussed the one key factor that plays into her derby success, “Every night before the derby, Tony [Epperson] has to make spaghetti! Always the same. Traditional with meat sauce. One time we didn’t have spaghetti before a derby and it didn’t go well, so now we schedule our entire week around it!”
$15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby Results:
1 Incredible, Kelsey Epperson, Pamela Kissman | 89 | 90 | 179
2 To Be Des T, Tyler Petrie, Julia Rice | 86 | 81 | 167
3 Medallion, Melissa Donnelly, Kathie Cox | 84 | 82 | 166
4 Redwood, Patrick Miller, Sarah Miller | 80 | 79 | 159
5 Candescent, Heather MacInnis, Heather MacInnis | 81 | 77 | 158
6 Mr. Blue Sky, Lilly French, Lilly French | 77 | 80 | 157
7 Tipsy, Mindy Coretz, Mackenzie O’Brien | 78 | 77 | 155
8 Surely, Sage Ingle, Sage Ingle | 69 | 74 | 143
9 Iberville Z, Kate Le Cloux, Mary Beuer | 70 | 40 | 110
Alexa Bing & Subtil Emerge Victorious in the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby
Eighteen horse-and-rider combinations met in the R+L Arena Friday afternoon to kick off hunter derby day in the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby. Alexa Bing ultimately climbed the leaderboard with her own mount, Subtil (Adelfos x Isba De B’Neville).
The duo is familiar with the winner’s circle at WEC – Wilmington having claimed numerous derby wins during the 2023 Winter in the Midwest Series. Coming back to Ohio for their first debut since indoors, Bing picked up right where she left off, “I went to all of the indoor finals in the 3’3” Amateur Owners. We haven’t shown since then, and this was my first time back in the ring!”
The experienced partnership laid down a first round score of 88 to ultimately land them in second place returning for the handy. Bing was aware of the chances that she needed to take to move into the top spot as she entered for round two.
“Since I haven’t shown in a while, I just wanted to have a consistent trip in the first round. Everything really worked out. I knew that I was coming back in second, so I wanted to try to make it handy. There were some turns that I wasn’t sure if I could pull off, but I really went for it, and he put all his effort into it. He was absolutely perfect, and I was really happy, especially with my last jump and the hand gallop.”
With a second-round score of 89 and an overall score of 177, Bing and her 17-year-old Selle Francais gelding secured the win by 14 points.
“This is one of my favorite shows. Anytime my trainer comes here I always sign up. They do such a great job, and it is so beautiful here. It is so nice because it is cold outside, but it is always nice and warm inside. It is such a great environment. I love being here and I am happy to come when I can. It was my first time showing here over the summer as well, and I thought it was so nice out there,” Bing commented on her experience at WEC – Wilmington.
$15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Derby Results:
1 Subtil, Alexa Bing, Alexa Bing | 88 | 89 | 177
2 Sandriano, Jenna Drago, Jenna Drago | 90 | 73 | 163
3 Mr. Miller, Anna Donovan, Diana Conlon | 77 | 85 | 162
4 Quo Tumus VDF, Caitlyn Grimes, Caitlyn Grimes | 80 | 80 | 160
5 Jackson Du Couer Des Collines, Maggie Lawler, Maggie Lawler |81 | 78 | 159
6 Dunbar, Jamie Beller, Jamier Beller | 79 | 79 | 158
7 HH Honeymoon, Caroline Daugherty, Caroline Daugherty | 71 | 75 | 146
8 Torento, Elizabeth Lile, Elizabeth Lile | 72 | 72 | 144
9 Kartouche, Deirdre Ligget, Deirdre Ligget | 74 | 69 | 143
10 Ugolin D’Authou, Katie Simon, Katie Simon | 76 | 66 | 142
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Results can be found at wec.net.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.