Lexington, KY - The USHJA International Hunter Derby made its debut to the world this morning, at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Four of the country’s top hunter riders, demonstrated and educated over 1000 spectators about the exciting International Hunter Derby. The course, which demonstrated the tight turns necessary for a handy hunter, a variety of derby fences and the hand gallop, was designed by Bobby Murphy.

The USHJA demo riders were: Jen Alfano and Jersey Boy, Peter Pletcher and Argentum, Louise Serio and Rock Star, Liza Boyd and Brunello and Tammy Provost and Peridot. Today’s performance was with four of riders including fan favorite, Peter Pletcher who expressed his excitement about showcasing the hunters during the Games.

“It was amazing and I thought it was great. The crowd was so much bigger than I had thought it would be, and it was so much fun,” said Pletcher. “It was such an enthusiastic crowd, the kids loved it and the autograph signing was a huge hit and all the kids were talking about wanting to ride hunters.”

Commentators for the demonstration were Danny Robertshaw and Chairman of the High Performance Hunter Committee, Ron Danta. Danta shared the goal of the committee in holding this demonstration during the Games. “Our dream is to get Hunters recognized so they will be part of WEG in the future, and this is the first step in doing so,” he said. “It is an incredible opportunity for the American Hunter system to be shown to the world.”

The International Hunter Derby Demonstrations will continue throughout the week in Equine Village behind the USHJA headquarters. Upcoming demonstrations will be held on:

Friday October 8th at 4 pm
Saturday October 9th at 4 pm
Sunday October 10th at 10am

For more information on the USHJA International Hunter Derby visit www.ushja.org or contact us at 859-225-6700.