Tammy Provost of Zionsville, IN, won the inaugural 2008 United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby Class on Friday, December 7, at the Lake St. Louis Holiday Series, in Lake St. Louis, MO, managed by Tommy McIntyre. Aboard Daquiri, owned by Penny Cooper, Provost soared to the top against a field of 27. The two-round format consisted of a handy hunter and classic round, which asked competitors to navigate through the challenging courses of bending lines, banks and natural obstacles.

"USHJA commends Tommy McIntyre for setting the bar in his creative efforts and support of this inaugural class. It is through the support of the competition managers that we are able to institute this ground-breaking program," sated Chrystine Tauber, Vice President of USHJA and Co-Chair of the USHJA High-Performance Committee.

The top 12 riders were provided with ribbons and prizes, as well as an aray of halters and lead ropes provided by Walsh Harness and Saddlery.

Rounding out the top 12 placings were:

2nd—Brenda Mueller aboard That'll Do, owned by Diane Carney and Don Stewart
3rd—Richard Rinehart aboard Winston, owned by Catherine Rinehard
4th—Christina Jason aboard Contender, owned by Micaela Kennedy
4th—Kirstie Dobbs aboard Accord, owned by Treesdale Farms
6th—Brenda Mueller aboard Cactus, owned by Diane Carney
7th—Tammy Provost aboard Almost Majic, owned by Ally Moyer
8th—Whitney Kent aboard Arto, owned by Whitney Kent
9th—Katherine Frame aboard Double Delight, owned by Katherine Frame
10th—Amanda Thomas aboard Kapalua, owned by Hadley Graham
11th—Caroline Weeden aboard Argento, owned by Rose Traubert

The USHJA International Hunter Derby was developed throughout 2007. The goal of this program is to create a venue to showcase the hunters and bring back the tradition and showmanship which the hunters were founded on. The 2008 series will consist of approximately 30 classes across the country.

For more information and upcoming classes of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, please visit www.ushja.org/programs/intl-htr-chall.shtml.