Devon, PA - The $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was a labor of love. The class was presented by the Wheeler family in honor of their parents, Kenneth and Sally Wheeler, whose names alone bring back images of phenomenal Hunters exploding over huge solid natural jumps on outside courses.

Doug Wheeler spoke on behalf of the family. "This is in honor of my mom and my dad. Devon has been a part of our family's tradition and history for years. I was there as a lead liner myself, but I've always enjoyed Devon through the eyes and memories of my parents," he said. "The entire family is enjoying this through their legacy."

"All three (Wheeler) boys, their children, we all do horses in some capacity," he added. "I do the Hunters and my two brothers do the Saddlebreds, which are also a part of Devon. Hopefully we boys can continue a little of the tradition that my parents created."

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Diane Carney of Telluride Farm and Rush and Carl Weeden of Brookwood Farm, this year's Hunter Derby jumps were shipped in all the way from Chicago. The standalone Chicago Hunter Derby held in Antioch, IL, is considered one of the finest in the country due in part to The Weeden's and Diane's passion about, and commitment to the Hunter Derby.

Rush Weeden says his passion for beautifully executed Hunter Derbies may have stemmed from what he describes as a mid-life crisis. "I love doing the jumps and getting things organized," Weeden said. "I've had a good time riding in them. I'm one of the older riders, so it brings back memories for me. Back in the day you didn't need a jump crew back then, you just needed an ambulance!"

Diane Carney of Telluride Farm based in Hampshire, IL, has spent many decades in the horse industry and points out that the competitive Hunter has evolved from Foxhunting to outdoor courses to the ring. "I vividly remember what was the Hunter Classic at Chagrin with Rodney (Jenkins), Bernie Traurig and Charlie Weaver," she said. "We watched that, knowing that on grass, with different looking jumps, that weren't necessarily spooky or gimmicky, but asking the questions that resulted in great riding. It's that type of riding that I think the Derbybrings back into fashion." To Diane, "Tradition equals classic values. Great tradition evolves. A good hunter, a good course, no matter what, comes from roots."

Charlie Weaver and Super Flash.

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF CHARLIE WEAVER
Charlie Weaver, a legendary horseman and rider, passed away on June 7, 2010. Charlie grew up riding in Fairfax, VA. Born with a natural ability and passion for horses that would carry him through life, Charlie Weaver's first mentor was horsewoman Mrs. A.C. Randolph, with whom he made famous the hunters War Dress and Army Wife.

His next job proved to be very influential on his career when he went to work for Bernie Traurig. Through Bernie, Charlie moved to Cismont Manor Farm to work for Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wheeler. He made and rode the most famous champions of the time, including Super Flash, Ruxton, Early Light, Stocking Stuffer, Weather Permitting, Play Games, Fun and Games, Two For One and Just For Fun.

From 1985 to 2000, Charlie Weaver worked for Paul and Robin Greenwood in North Salem, New York at their Old Salem Farm. During this time he met and trained Kelly Klein and Stormy Good and continued to do so for the next 24 years until the time of his death.

He was Champion and Leading Hunter Rider numerous times at every major competition including The National Horse Show, Harrisburg, Washington, Upperville, Middleburg, The Hampton Classic and of course, Devon, one of his all time favorite shows. His last Leading Hunter Rider accomplishment came in the famed Dixon Oval in 1999.

Charlie Weaver was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2002, joining two of his famous mounts, Stocking Stuffer and Ruxton. In 2006 he was inducted into the Upperville Colt and Horse Show Wall of Honor.

The true joys of his life were his partner, Brian Simonson, his horses, and of course his current dog, Swell. To know Charlie was to know that he belonged with Brian.

They say the way to heaven is on horseback. So ride on, Charlie, we will miss you."

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy.

JERSEY BOY AND JENNIFER ALFANO DEFEND THEIR 2010 TITLE WITH A VENGEANCE

A field of 28 of the top horse and rider combinations gathered on the very last day of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair to take the 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby title back to their hometown, but it was not in the cards.

Both the 9-year-old Jersey Boy ridden by Jennifer Alfano and owned by SBS Farms, and the 13-year-old Brunello, owned and ridden by Liza Towell Boyd maintained their 1st and 2nd place positions throughout both rounds of competition. Jersey Boy bested Brunello by 6 points in each round posting scores of 184 and 200 respectively.

Junior rider Lillie Keenan, 14, from New York City rode Chansonette Farm LLC's 11-year-old gray gelding C Coast Z to a round 1 total of 176 to end up 3rd in the first round and 5th overall after the handy. At the other end of the spectrum, the oldest horse in the competition was 16-year-old Midnight Date ridden by his owner Rachel Geiger of Malvern, Pennsylvania.

The unseasonably crisp weather had it's effect on Jersey Boy says Alfano. "He made me a little nervous in the first round," she said. "He was a little frisky, but then in the Handy round he felt unbelievable. He was really on. He's a funny horse, when he wants to win, he wants to win, and he intended to win today. He's such a great Handy horse always. He has such a loose natural gallop, and he turns so easily. He's one of those horses that can gallop and turn at the same time, which is rare."

That ability was tailor made for today's course. "I thought the course was great today. The first one was really nice, it walked like it was going to be fairly easy, but I think there were a lot of problems. I liked the Handy, there were plenty of options in the Handy, both inside and around," says Jen. Susie spoke to the size of the jumps and J.P. Godard's course. "The verticals on most of the jumps were set at 3'9" and the bigger options were 4'3". I love the fact that he allowed the riders to choose their own track rather than dictating one."

Susie Schoellkopf, owner of Jersey Boy, was thrilled with today's win. "It's hard to win them back to back, and its hard to win as much as we've won with him, but Jen is such a great rider and she knows her horses so well they're hard to beat. They're a great pair."

The win was particularly poignant for Jen and Susie as the class was dedicated to the memory of Charlie Weaver. "It means so much, Charlie was such an amazing rider and person. The fact that this class is in his memory is really special," says Alfano. "He was a huge supporter of Jen and Jersey Boy," adds Susie.