Back on Top: Crolick & Tangelos Take the $15,000 USHJA National Hunt-N-Go Derby at Winter Classic 3

Wilmington, Ohio – The R+L Arena at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC), evocative of a winter wonderland, welcomed 20 top hunter riders to contest the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-N-Go Derby.

The unique format challenged riders to showcase both their classic hunter rounds and handy efforts over a single course. In the end, Greg Crolick secured his second derby victory of the season aboard Paula Monforton’s experienced mount, Tangelos (Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve x Silbermaedel Dree Boeken).

After securing a second consecutive derby win with the same horse, Crolick shared his excitement about the partnership.“I’m very happy with him. He was a little fresh earlier in the week, but today he came out wonderful. He really likes to be challenged. He’s brave, looks for the turns, and enjoys the job.”

He also reflected on how the hunt-and-go format suited both horse and rider.
“I was very happy it was a hunt-and-go. I like that format, especially when you have a greener horse—if there’s a small mistake, you’re allowed to keep going. I had one greener horse in the class, and that was what happened. So, it was really good for him to just keep jumping and let me ride forward.”

Crolick and the nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding were greeted at the in-gate by their supportive team after a combined score of 179 secured the lead.

Speaking about the support system behind his success, he emphasized the importance of his team. “It’s definitely a family team! My wife, my sister-in-law who manages the barn, and all the staff back home—it’s amazing what they do to make all of this happen. The parents are here supporting. They all want to see their horses do well, see me do well, and it really makes the whole weekend go better!”

Amy Krebs Pilots Castino to First $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby Win

Twenty-seven junior and amateur riders met for the $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunt-N-Go Derby, where Amy Krebs piloted her own Castino (Casino Grande x Virgilia 4) to his first ever derby victory.

When asked about her mount, she described their developing partnership.
“He’s a newer horse. I got him in July. He’s turning eight, and we imported him after he did the 1.35m in Europe. We’re still figuring each other out. He was a little wild earlier today, so we’re learning what his routine needs. But he’s super chill, really sweet, and very straightforward. He’s not spooky and just wants to jump around. I don’t quite know all his buttons yet, but I have high hopes for him!”

The eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding jumped in textbook style, showcasing a bright future ahead in the hunter ring. The duo impressed with both their classic and handy efforts, earning a total score of 176.5.

Reflecting on the track, she explained her thoughts on the hunt-and-go format.
“I’m used to the hunt-n-go format. I love being extra handy, so I went through the trees at the end. I thought it was going to be a really good course for him. There were a lot of singles where I could canter down and hunt it and let him give me a good jump, but overall, I thought it was pretty straightforward.”

As a developing partnership, she also spoke about how the venue supports young horses.
“I say this all the time, but I love coming here with young horses. You can get in here at night and it’s really good for them. He’s been in this ring the last two nights jumping around instead of showing, just coming in and being able to do bits and pieces and work on things. It’s really helpful for the young ones. They need the practice, so it is so nice to just be able to jump around and get them used to the job.”