Birthday Win for Izzy Beisel in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby Riding Cygnet 

11 APR 26 Wilmington, OH

A rider in equestrian gear guides a gray horse over a jump in an indoor show jumping arena with artificial trees and a scoreboard in the background.

Wilmington, OH – A strong field of hunters gathered at the R+L Arena for the final Hunter Derby Friday of the World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series. Joe Carnicom set a winding track, complete with beautifully decorated natural fences that allowed horses to jump in top form.

A rider in equestrian attire guides a white horse over a wooden jump in an indoor arena during a show jumping event.
Izzy Beisel & Cygnet. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Seventeen stunning hunter combinations took on Carnicom’s flowing tracks, but it was Izzy Beisel who rose to the top of the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby, celebrating her birthday with an impressive win aboard Cygnet, owned by Mr. & Mrs. David Beisel.

A group of people poses indoors with a white horse and rider; one person holds an oversized check. A small dog stands in front of the group.
Izzy Beisel & Cygnet. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Beisel and the eight-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding delivered a polished classic round to earn a score of 92. Returning for the handy in the lead, the pair stayed consistent, navigating tidy turns while maintaining an open, flowing canter to secure a 93. Their combined score of 185 earned them the victory.

A rider on a gray horse jumps over a green and white obstacle during an indoor equestrian event.
Izzy Beisel & Cygnet. Photo by Winslow Photography.

The win held special meaning for Beisel, “This derby win was so special for me not only because it was my birthday, but because of this special horse! Cygnet was my mom’s 26th wedding anniversary gift from my dad, so it’s definitely a family affair!”

Ainsley Russell and Budapest Are Golden in $12,500 2nd Round Equestrian National 3’ Non-Pro Hunter Derby

A rider in equestrian attire on a white horse jumps over an obstacle during an indoor show jumping event, with spectators seated in the background.
Ainsley Russell & Budapest. Photo by Winslow Photography.

The $12,500 2nd Round Equestrian National 3’ Non-Pro Hunter Derby welcomed 18 talented junior and amateur competitors to vie for top honors, but it was Ainsley Russell who piloted Jamie Mills’ Budapest (Cartogran x Silvana Blue) to the win after two consistent rounds.

Russell and the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding laid down a seamless first round to earn a score of 87.5.

A group of people pose indoors with a horse and rider; one person holds a large check and another holds an award sign. Large ribbons are displayed in the background.
Ainsley Russell & Budapest in the winner’s circle presented by 2nd Round Equestrian. Photo by Winslow Photography.

Returning for the handy in the lead, the pair aimed for consistency and delivered, navigating tidy turns to earn a score of 87 for a two-round total of 174.5 and the win.

Hunter Derby Friday Results