Wilmington, Ohio – Erika Heintschel-Githens dominated the $15,000 Shoo-fly USHJA National Open Hunter Derby, scoring the win by nearly 12 total points aboard Naytraders LLC’s Apache 289.
The duo has had a standout winter circuit at WEC – Wilmington, securing top results in the R+L Arena to kick off their partnership.
“He is a young horse that we just got a couple of months ago. We are just getting him organized for his rider who will do him in the hunter ring,” Heintschel-Githens shared about Apache 286. “I am just learning about the horse and today was really fun! He really came to today and showed me what he is turning into. I am really thankful to his owners. They are wonderful people and great, patient horsemen.”
Joe Carnicom featured winding bending lines throughout the ring, asking riders to show off their rideability, “The course designer did a great job. I liked that there were a lot of options,” she noted. “For a young one, I could utilize more space around the ring and the handy was also super. If you had one that could turn, you could turn, and if you didn’t, there were still options for those ones too.”
Heintschel-Githens jumped a flawless first round, making light work of Carnicom’s track to earn a leading score of 86.
Returning for the handy in the lead, the eight-year-old Warmblood gelding remained on top earning an impressive 88 from the judges.
The pair earned their first derby win together with a two-round total of 175.
Heintschel-Githens discussed her experience developing Apache 286 at WEC, “The atmosphere here at WEC is like any other major indoor show. You get a really good feel for what the horses need. There is plenty of room to prepare them. We brought this horse straight here when we got him in January and it has been a great experience to develop him here.”
$15,000 Shoo-fly USHJA National Open Hunter Derby Results:
1 Apache 286, Erika Heintschel-Githens, Naytraders LLC | 86 | 88 | 175
2 R Du Sol, Devin Milan, Devin Milan | 80 | 82.5 | 162.5
3 Quick Star, Jaafar Reza Quovase, Jaafar Reza Quovase | 79 | 83 | 162
4 Troubador, Jesse Dow, Suzzane Deuel | 78 | 78 | 156
5 Hocco Des Loges, Jaafar Reza Quovase, Imani Smith | 73 | 69 | 142
6 Quinie of Paradise, Alexandria Quayle, Alexandria Quayle | 68 | 69 | 137
7 Besos Y Abrazos, Devin Milan, Elizabeth Blake | 76 | 59 | 135
8 Trapani, Katie Pelzel, Myrna Polsom | 72 | 55 | 127
9 Lego, Melissa Donnelly, Aydan Pringle | 82 | 44.5 | 126.5
10 Copernicus LJS, Rachel Truncellito, Rachel Truncellito | 49 | 77 | 126
Jenna Drago Suited Up to Win the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby Aboard Black Tie
Jenna Drago returned to WEC – Wilmington Winter Classic 15 picking up right where she left off, securing victory in the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby, this time aboard a new face, Black Tie (Diarado x Zufrieda).
Joe Carnicom crafted the track that saw 18 horse-and-rider combinations, but Drago piloted her coming seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding to a stunning first derby debut in Wilmington.
“I bought Black Tie a year ago as a five-year-old and did my first horse show on him here in the Young Hunters,” Drago shared. “Watching him progress and seeing him develop all the way to jumping the derbies has been so amazing!”
Drago’s young mount impressed around the first-round track, jumping in top, scopey form for an 86.
“He is so scopey, but the jump is still very smooth. I know that he is going to be knees to nose every time; he always gives a brilliant jump. He is truly a dream to ride.”
Returning for the second round sitting on top, a score of 78 in the handy and a two-round total of 164 was enough for the win.
Having developed their partnership at WEC – Wilmington, Drago spoke on the benefits the facility offers young horses, “WEC is amazing because everything is impressive. It is incredible exposure for them. There are great course designers, and it is great show mileage for young ones so that when you go to other big shows it isn’t a shock to them.”
$15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby Results:
1 Black Tie, Jenna Drago, Jenna Drago | 86 | 78 | 164
2 Here and Now, Avery Ocana, Avery Ocana | 80.75 | 81 | 161.75
3 Unlimited, Isabella Fabrizi, Fabrizi Equine LLC | 75 | 81 | 156
4 Dunbar, Jaime Beller, Jaime Beller | 75 | 80 | 155
5 Light Dance, Carli Ann Kooi, Carli Ann Kooi | 84 | 64.5 | 148.5
6 Quarant Van’t Vennhof, Braelynn Fifield, Elizaveta Alexanderova | 74 | 74 | 148
7 Latoulong Z, Isabelle Kaufman, Isabelle Kaufman | 68 | 79 | 147
8 No Worries, Elaina Davis, Sarah Oelerich | 72 | 74 | 146
9 Mister Wright, Jennifer Day, Jennifer Day | 79 | 59 | 138
10 Lukelele, Rachel Kolar, Rachel Kolar | 80 | 53 | 133
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Results can be found at horseshowing.com.
All horse show images are provided by Winslow Photography and can be purchased onsite at WEC – Wilmington or online through their website.