About the WNRDC Hunter Derby
Join us for the WNRDC Hopeful Hunter Derby at Pipestave Hill Equestrian Area in West Newbury!
Set in an exciting “Hunt and Go” format, this derby combines the elegance of the show ring with the thrill of the hunt field.
The course features a seamless ride between two fenced grass rings beginning with Classic Show Hunter fences judged on performance, hunter pace, jumping style, and movement. It transitions into Field Hunter challenges where scores reflect brilliance of pace and handiness. This well-balanced course allows horse and rider to demonstrate rhythm, rideability, and style across both elements.
- Warmup, 18″ cross rails to 3′
- 3′ -3’3″ will be added if there is sufficient interest
- All fence heights are approximate
- For division detail, click here (link to division page)
- Entry fees can be found on the entry form (link to entry form)
- Unjudged warmup begins promptly at 7:00AM
- Judged divsions begin at 8:00AM
- Divisions run from lowest to highest heights
- The course spans 2 fenced grass rings including:
- Classic Show Hunter
- Field Handiness
- Horses will be jumping in and out of the ring during Derby courses
- Pre-registration is required; day of show adds are allowed.
- Divisions must be added online with notification given to the Show Secretary
- Rosettes (1-6) are awarded in all divisions except warm up.
- TIP-registered horses are eligible for prizes provided by The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP). Please include your TIP number on your entry form.
- Ribbons are available at the Secretary’s Tent once a division has finished.
- Management reserves the right to split or combine classes at their discretion
Attire
- All riders must wear an ASTM approved helmet when mounted – NO EXCEPTIONS
- Jacket and hunt collar required
- Tan/white breeches required
- Riders must wear their assigned number at all times when mounted
- No mane or tail braiding
- Enter via the online entry form
- Entry open and close dates are stated on the event calendar.
- Post entries will be accepted with a $35 late fee. Contact the event secretary at [email protected] for information
- There are no rider age or status restrictions
- Fees are listed on the entry form
- There is a non-refundable online registration fee
Horse Sharing
- Horses may compete in a maximum of two Derby divisions and may be ridden by different riders in each
- A horse may only compete once in a single Derby division
Tack
- No running martingales allowed
- Peacock stirrups are not allowed
- No brush boots allowed
- Contour show pad is required
- All riders of horses must wear protective headgear that meets or exceeds ASTM F1163 (M.G.L H.2158)
- Riders must wear their assigned number when mounted
- No Smoking on the show grounds
- All manure, hay, and shavings must be picked up (parking lot & show grounds)
- Dogs must be on fixed leashes while on the show grounds
Warm up Riders
- Warm-up riders are permitted
- The warm-up rider must complete an entry form, select the “warm-up” division, and sign the liability waiver that is part of the entry form
- Warm-up riders will be issued an identifying number and must wear the number when mounted
Scoring
- Each portion’s score will be totaled to create a base score, with bonus points awarded for clearing high-point option fences without major faults.
- Judge’s notes and comments will be provided