WWU plans 15th annual Hunter/Jumper Derby

9/23/2011 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

The annual Hunter Jumper Derby will take place Oct. 1 on William Woods University’s cross-country field. Classes are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and will run until mid-afternoon.

The show will feature the traditional range of classes, from Ground Poles to Training Jumpers. Highlights of the day will be the MHSA Medallion, the WWU/MOHJO Hunter Derby and the High and Low Jumping Derbies.
 
Prizes will be awarded to winning riders in each class, and division championships will be awarded to those riders with the highest score in each division of classes. The show is recognized by the Missouri Horse Show Association (MHSA) and the Missouri Hunter Jumper Organization (MOHJO).
 
Jacque Franco of San Diego, Calif., the show team’s vice president, said, “Show Team is very excited for the derby. There is a lot of work and preparation involved, but it is well worth it and we always have fun.”
 
“The Derby is my favorite show of the year,” said Gretchen Pani, a WWU alumna and a riding instructor in the Fulton area. “I love the grass field, I love the jumps, and I love the laid-back atmosphere. My students always have a great time.”
 
The show is free and open to the public. It is recommended that spectators bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Concessions will be available on-site, and all proceeds will help support the Hunter/Jumper Show Team.

CUTLINE:
A William Woods rider takes a jump at a previous Hunter Jumper Derby.