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The popularity of the International Hunter Derby Program prompted USHJA to develop a separate series of competitions modeled after the Derby but geared toward the up-and-coming horses and riders. The National Hunter Derby Program was launched in 2010 to provide both horses and riders a place to gain experience in Derby competition at a lower height and difficulty level. The program has enjoyed continued success and growth throughout the current competition year. In the two-round format, a minimum of two judges utilize the open numerical system to score competitors in the Classic Hunter Round (first round) on performance, hunter pace, jumping style, quality and substance, and movement. In addition, the base score in the Handy Hunter Round (second round) reflects brilliance of pace and handiness. In each round, after the judges' base score is given, one point will be added for each high-option fence jumped without major fault (i.e. refusal, knockdown), up to a maximum of four. |
The National Hunter Derby will be run using a two-round format:
FIRST ROUND: CLASSIC HUNTER COURSE
a. A minimum of ten obstacles must be offered in the Classic Hunter Round
b. Fence height 3’0”
c. There must be four option fences set at 3’5”
d. At least one in and out
e. At least one bending line
f. At least one line with an unrelated distance
g. At least one long approach
SECOND ROUND: HANDY HUNTER COURSE
a. A minimum of eight obstacles must be offered in the Handy Hunter Round.
b. Fence height 3’0
c. There must be four option fences set at 3’5”
d. The course should simulate riding over hunt country and must have a minimum of two handy options, such as: tight turns, different tracks, clever options for jump approaches, pen type obstacles, hand gallop a jump, trot a lowered obstacle not to exceed 2’6” in height, halt and/or back. Gimmicky options are not appropriate.
e. Unless the Prize List states that more than twelve (12) entries are to return for Second Round, then only the top twelve (12) horses from First Round, after all ties are broken, are eligible to return for Second Round.
