ABOUT THE DERBY
International Hunter Derby
BRINGING THE SPORT OF SHOW HUNTERS BACK TO ITS ROOTS
"The International Hunter Derby Program was created to bring show hunters to the international
level, to increase spectator interest, media and sponsorship interest, and to bring tradition and basic riding principles
back to the sport of showing hunters."
The Derby will be
run using a two round format.
ROUND ONE:
A Hunter Classic Course consisting of a minimum of 10 jumps at 3'6" - 4'0", with
a maximum of 25% of the jumps set at 3'6". There must be four 4'0" - 4'3" fences in the course set as
option jumps. Obstacles to simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field such as: natural post and rail, stone wall,
white board fence or gate, coop, aiken, hedge, oxer, brush, logs, banks or ditches. Round one will be judged on style and brilliance.
ROUND TWO:
A minimum of 12 horses will return
for a Handy Hunter Course. A minimum of 8 fences will be set at 3'6 - 4'0", with a maximum of 25% of the jumps
set at 3'6". There must be four 4'0" - 4'3" option fences. The course should simulate riding
over trappy hunt country and must have a minimum of at least 3 handy options, such as: tight turn options, different track
options, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand gallop a jump, trot a lowered obstacle, walk over
an obstacle not to exceed 18" in height, lead over an obstacle, halt and/or back, open gate while mounted. Round Two
to be judged on style, brilliance and handiness. A maximum of 10 bonus points per judge may be awarded to each horse/rider
combination for handiness of round and brilliance of pace.
Each team of judges will provide one
score, and the scores from each team will be combined for the overall total for each horse. In the event of a tie for
first place, the horses and riders involved will be asked to perform another round over a shortened jump-off course.
For all other ties, one panel of judges will be designated the tie breaking panel. The total of this panel's scores
from both rounds will be used to break any remaining ties. There is no limit to the number of horses a rider may ride
in each class.
