The Hunter Derby is one of the most prestigious competitions in the Winter Showdown. It brings riders, owners, and trainers together at the biggest equestrian center in America. Moreover, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) make sure only the active members enter the competition. Encompassing three demanding rounds—the Classic Hunter Style Round, the Handy Hunter Round, and, if necessary, the Jump-Off Round.

Each round is carefully assessed by the judges, who reserve the bonus score treat for higher-height fence jumpers. The wait comes to a close now as the equestrian update revealed the champions of the meet.

Equestrian teams rewarded for victorious finish

Under the bright Florida sun, the Winter Classic took place where the audience witnessed the third Hunter Derby Friday of the 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series. In an Instagram post shared by @worldequestriancenter, the picture of the victorious duo with the heftiest reward was featured with the caption: “Daniel Geitner earned a double victory, winning the $20,000 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby aboard Easy Money, and the $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Open Hunter Derby with Even Steven!”

With an outstanding first-round performance, South Carolinian Geitner and the lovely gelding earned 82 points from the judges. Speaking about his equine force, he said, “It’s pretty neat for a horse as tall and big as he is to go from the giant ring last week to come into a normal sized ring this week, and still be so rideable and handy.” “’Easy’ is an incredible horse,” he adds.

The Instagram post added, “Grace Loughlin and Briljant Z were victorious in the $15,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby! Tiffany Cambria received the prestigious Style of Riding Award presented by Bill Rube.” Both  riders expressed their gratitude crediting their respective horses for the stellar wins, posing a close threat until the end.

The champions’ racing story

With an easy first round, Geitner led the horse to an outstanding score of 90, however fell to the fourth position in the handy round. Geitner explained, “There was an inside turn from one to two that I’ve done in the 3’ derby, it was really tight, and it was even more snug in the big derby. I had ground to make up but he’s such a nice horse, I was able to get it done. Then the rest of the course just flowed,” reflecting on the encounter.

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Lastly, Cambria and her nine-year-old horse performed flawlessly in the first round, obtaining a remarkable score of 92. They attacked the next round with confidence, holding onto their lead and earned a convenient score of 90.5 and a victorious two-round total of 182.5. Cambria praised the action at WEC Stadium, complimenting the riders’ flawless footwork and amazing leaps.

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