International Hunter Derby August 20-21, 2010 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY The Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

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 12 month qualifying period from June 2, 2009 through June 1, 2010. The first day of the Finals, all 75 horses will compete over a qualifying course featuring hunter derby style fences, which will include height and handy options. The top 25 horses who show the most brilliance and handiness will be called back to compete on the second day of the Finals. Round 2 will test the riders’ abilities to showcase their horses over a classic hunter course and determine the top 12 horses of the Finals. The top 12 will return to compete over an exciting handy hunter course that will decide the champion of the second annual USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

Qualifying & Entries

The top seventy-five (75) horses on the money won qualifying list, including horses tied for the seventy-fifth (75th) place, will be invited to compete in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, provided that the horse has earned a minimum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) during the qualifying period. Any "wild card" rider/horse combinations will be in addition to the top seventy-five (75) horses.

USHJA will mail a prize list and Hunter Derby Finals entry blank to the recorded owners of the horses on the Hunter Derby money won list on June 15, 2010, inviting them to compete in the International Hunter Derby Finals. The Hunter Derby Finals entry blanks for the Hunter Derby Finals must be mailed to Kentucky Horse Shows, Inc. 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 Hunter Derby Finals.

Entries must be POSTMARKED by July 16, 2010. 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

Tickets: There is no admission fee to watch the Hunter Derby Finals.

Parking Fee: The Kentucky Horse Park will charge a $5 per car admission fee each day.

Ring: New Indoor Coliseum

VIP Hospitality Ring Tables Tables: Tables of six are available in the VIP seating area for the Hunter Derby Finals. Tables may be reserved by filling out this order form or by contacting Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org.

Important: As the Hunter Derby is rooted in tradition we are encouraging all trainers, owners and spectators to help us return to days past and make Saturday August 21st a Black Tie Affair.

Shopping: The USHJA Merchandise Booth will be open on Friday, August 20th from 8:00am-1:00pm and on Saturday, April 21st from 3:30pm-8:00pm.

Please stop by the new USHJA Headquarters located on Cigar Lane for a tour of the Museum and Gift Shop.

Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.