Ocala, FL – A picturesque sunny Florida day set the scene for the second Hunter Derby Friday of the 2024 November Show Series. Tucker Williams designed inviting tracks for the three competitive hunter derbies: $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.
In the $12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby, Josh Dolan and Meg Robinson’s Something Blue (Carambole x Special BP) made a triumphant return to the WEC Stadium. The 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding showcased his brilliance with a flawless first round, earning an impressive score of 92.
This was Something Blue’s first derby since the [Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship] in August. Despite it being the pair’s first outing back in the derby ring, Dolan had his eye on an inside turn that no other rider attempted. “I always try to talk myself out of doing something risky in the moment,” Dolan admitted. “But I jumped the double, looked right, and it didn’t seem as difficult as I thought. I saw my track, led him to the right, and asked for a good jump. He flew to it, melted through the next line, and really put in great effort for the trot jump and the last two fences.” The bold strategy paid off, earning the duo a second-round score of 96 and a two-round total of 188, securing the victory.
Dolan holds a deep appreciation for his partnership with Something Blue. “It’s just amazing to ride the horse now,” he shared. “Yesterday, when I was flatting him at home, I told his owner, ‘He is just a dream to ride.’ He can handle lines so well—he just walks down, then explodes over the fence to really show off. He does all the tricks. That’s why I could take the inside turn to the oxer that no one else did.”
Looking ahead, Dolan is excited for the future for both his current and new mounts. “I have quite a few new ones, which is really exciting. Blue will transition more to the Adults with his owner, Meg, but I hope I can still share him for the international derbies. Meg is a great owner, and I’m so thankful I get to ride such a talented horse,” he expressed. “This is the first winter where I have more than two stars—I’ve got four or five, and I think they’re going to be really amazing.”
$12,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby Results
Crystal Young and MTM Nonchalant Notch the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby Victory
Crystal Young and MTM Nonchalant (Kannan x Foloma VDL) claimed victory in the $10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. The nine-year-old Warmblood gelding, owned by Adelle Alletto, delivered two stunning rounds with matching scores of 90, earning a two-round total of 180. For Young, the win was particularly special as it marked her return to competition following some time off.
“We got him two years ago from Mike McCormick and Tracy Fenney,” shared Young. “He was originally intended to be a junior hunter for Adelle, but I’ve been competing with him in the professional divisions. He had a setback last year, so we’ve had to be patient. He’s the type of horse that thrives on challenges, and this was the perfect stage for him.”
The derby course provided just that—a true test of rideability. “The course was challenging enough to keep him alert without overwhelming him,” Young said. “He stayed focused and gave me everything he had. It was so much fun to ride him out there.”
The victory was even sweeter given their shared journey back to competition. “This was our first horse show since my fall in July,” Young reflected. “Coming back and winning our first derby together was incredibly special. He was a superstar and gave me so much confidence for what’s ahead.”
Looking ahead, Young plans to alternate MTM Nonchalant between the First Year Green divisions and derbies to keep him engaged and ready for bigger challenges. “If I can hang on, we’ll aim for the biggest and best events,” she joked. “He’s just amazing, and I’m incredibly lucky to have the support of the Alletto family, who always prioritize the happiness and health of their horses.”
$10,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby Results
Hayley Waters Wear Secures Second Consecutive Victory in the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby
Fresh off her one-two finish during last week’s Hunter Derby Friday, Hayley Waters Wear once again claimed the top spot, this time aboard Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Waters’ Genuine (Diarado x Kampari W), in the $10,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby.
Waters Wear and Genuine set the tone with a stunning first round that earned a top score of 94. Entering the handy round in the lead, Waters Wear focused on smoothness and precision. With a second solid score of 89, their overall total of 183 secured their lead in the victory gallop.
Reflecting on her performance, Waters Wear shared, “I thought the first round was nice! There were two two-strides today and some very long bending lines.” After watching a few riders in the handy before her, she opted to switch things up, “I ended up changing my plan last minute. Genuine was coming back on top, and I watched a few horses struggle to get the six in the line across the middle. I chose to do the low option there to play it safe to cover the six nicely.”
Looking ahead, Waters Wear expressed excitement about the nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding’s potential. “I plan on continuing to show him in derbies. I would love to do the $75,000 Jr/Am Derby here at the end of the winter circuit! I would love for him to keep doing what he’s been doing. He has been such a dependable guy for me.”