International Hunter Derby Witness History August 21-22, 2009 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY 2009 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Presented by Dietrich InsuranceFeaturing Walsh Harness and Saddlery
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Be a part of history!
Watch the top 75 horses and riders compete over 2 days at the inaugural USHJA International International Hunter Derby Finals The two days of competition will feature the top 75 horses based on the 18 month qualifying period from December 1, 2007-June 1, 2009. The first day of the Finals, all 75 horses will compete over a course featuring HPH Hunter Derby style fences including height and handy options. This qualifying round will determine the top 25 to be invited back to compete head to head on day two. Day two will challenge the riders to navigate a classic hunter derby course in order to make the cut to the top 12. The top 12 will return to compete over a handy hunter course for a chance to claim the prestigious title of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Champion.
Qualifying & Entries
The top 75 horses on the money won qualifying list, including horses tied for the 75th place, will be invited to compete in the USHJA HPH Derby Finals. Qualifying period is December 1, 2007-June 1, 2009.
USHJA will send a prize list and Hunter Derby Finals entry blank to the recorded owners of the horses on the International Hunter Derby money won list June 15, 2009, inviting them to compete in the International Hunter Derby Finals. The Hunter Derby Finals entry blanks for the International Hunter Derby Finals must be mailed to Kentucky Hunter Jumper. All other entries, stall requests and payments must go directly to Kentucky Hunter Jumper. If a horse is unable to compete, the next available horse on the money won list will be invited to compete. There is no entry fee for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MIDNIGHT ON JULY 17, 2009. IF YOUR ENTRIES ARE NOT POSTMARKED BY THIS DATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPETE IN THE FINALS.
Scoring:
There will be four panels of judges, consisting of two judges per panel, for each round of competition. In both the Qualifying Round and Round One of the Finals, each panel of judges will give one score and the scores of the four panels will be added together to create the overall total for each round. In Round One, in addition to standard scoring, a maximum of 10 bonus points may be awarded by each team of judges to each horse/rider combination for quality, movement and jumping style. This score will be announced separately and added to each riders score.
In the Handy Hunter Round, in addition to standard scoring, a maximum of 10 bonus points may be awarded by each team of judges to each horse/rider combination for handiness of round. This score will be announced separately and added to each riders score.
Judging Methodology:
Each panel will be judging the horse and rider combinations on finesse, style, smoothness and overall accuracy of the round. Although hunter judging is subjective on a level, the basics are the same throughout. Major faults, including pulling a rail, refusal, dismount, late lead changes and inaccurate spots are given a certain score, based on the fault. Each panel of two judges must come to the score given together. This system is helpful in eliminating bias. Having three panels, stationed around the ring, also makes scores more accurate. Panel one may have an obscured view of jump 3 and 6, which panel two can see clearly. By stationing panels around the ring the whole round is judged, instead of just the jumps the judge can see clearly.
Bonus points are up to the judges’ discretion. Bonus points are given based on boldness of the round, the suitability of the horse for the course, handiness and overall brilliance of the course. Many times bonus points are the difference between the winner and the second place finisher.
Spectator Information
August 21-22, 2009 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY Tickets: There is no admission fee to watch the Hunter Derby Finals. Parking Fee: The Kentucky Horse Park will charge a $4 per car admission fee each day. Ring: Johnson Arena VIP Tables: of six are available in the ringside spectator pavilion for the Hunter Derby Finals. Tables may be reserved by contacting Melanie Fransen. Box Seats: Box seats for 8 guests are available ring side for the Hunter Derby Finals. Box seats may be reserved for $250 by contacting Melanie Fransen. Shopping: Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
