A Partnership for the Ages: Samantha Cooper and Nandino Win $15,000 GGT Footing USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby

Wilmington, OH – Samantha Cooper and Nandino ‘Turtle’ delivered a standout performance Saturday morning at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC), claiming the win in the $15,000 GGT Footing USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby during the final week of the 2026 WEC – Wilmington Summer Series.

A competitive field of 14 horse-and-rider combinations gathered for the class, but Cooper and Nandino, affectionately known as ‘Turtle,’ set themselves apart with consistency and style from start to finish. For Cooper, the victory was made even more meaningful by the longtime partnership she shares with the seasoned 18-year-old Bradenberg gelding.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have the ride on him for the past 14 years. He had a successful career in the international derbies before stepping down to compete in the national derbies a few years ago,” Cooper shared.

The pair’s longstanding partnership was evident from the opening round. Cooper piloted Nandino to an impressive score of 89, putting them in a strong position heading into the handy.

“My goal was to be forward and bold. Turtle sometimes takes after his namesake, and I have to create energy,” Cooper explained. “In the handy, Melissa Donnelly did an inside turn I wasn’t considering doing, but I watched her execute it beautifully, and I was like, ‘darn it, now I have to do it too!’ But Turtle was up for the challenge, and I have to thank her for the inspiration because I think I needed it to cinch the win.”

Returning for the handy, Cooper and Nandino rose to the occasion. The experienced pair improved upon their first-round performance to earn a score of 91, bringing their two-round total to 180 and ultimately securing the top spot.

For Cooper, opportunities like Saturday’s derby are part of what has made WEC – Wilmington a fitting destination for Nandino during this stage of his career.

“One of the many things I love about WEC is that they have so many opportunities to compete in the national derbies, which allows me to bring clients of all levels while still having something for them to show in. The courses are consistently beautiful and fun; we can always count on them to run a professional, top-notch horse show.”

The victory added a memorable finish to the summer season at WEC – Wilmington, marking a partnership that has already spanned 14 years. While Nandino’s future in the show ring remains open-ended, Cooper shared that the veteran competitor continues to show the same enthusiasm for his job.

“As for the future, it’s hard to say. At 18, we take it as it comes. Retirement is on our radar just because of the number, not necessarily because of how he feels. He still loves to jump and, above all, loves to win. I’ve never had a horse want to be the center of attention as much as him. So while he owes us nothing, if he still feels good and his head is in the game, we’ll keep going!”

$15,000 GGT Footing USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby Results