Tell me about Hunter Derby clinics.

[pds]

I saw this video and think it looks interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEG_bBMPx0c

Has anyone here ridden/audited a clinic specifically focused on Hunter Derbies before?

I hear/read alot about hunter derby classes at shows but since I have not been showing this year I have not actually watched one.

[chrissymack]

I attended a clinic focusing on derby & handy hunter classes this spring at WEF with Lousie Serio. It was great!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2AYB0Nr8ww

[pds]

What a nice looking jumping field.

So other than being outside a ring what was diff. about the Derby Clinic you rode in than others?

[chrissymack]

Compared to traditional hunter classes of today, derbies often integrate more natural jumps, are ridden at a more forward pace, and ask more questions of the horse & rider (ie. hand gallop over a fence to a halt, trot jumps, dismounting, leading your horse over a fence by hand, etc.).

In this particular clinic we were able to have some fun with the bank, roll backs, unrelated distances, etc.

[pds]

So they are like how hunter classes of the 60's and 70's were? Called a Derby class now because of the $$?

I'm glad to see the developement of these Derby classes and hope they do more to replace the "cookie cutter" hunter classes that have become so prevalent.