One of the superstars of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, Jersey Boy, retired at this year’s championships after 10 years of competing in derbies.
So, we decided to take a look back at one of Jersey Boy’s very first derby appearances, which was at the $20,000 Wrenwood Farms ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby on April 6, 2008.
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The first USHJA International Hunter Derby had been held in December 2007, and by the spring on ’08, Jenny Sutton decided to host one at her picturesque Wrenwood Farm in Naples, Fla. The class was held on a lush grass field and featured many permanent natural fences, such as a real stone wall, an in-and-out of live hedges, and a bank. It was the only year the Wrenwood derby was held, and it was the second derby start for Jersey’s Boy, then just 6 years old. He finished seventh overall.
You can read the Chronicle’s original 2008 report on the class and see some photos from the class, which was won by Jen Alfano aboard Rock Star.
Jen Alfano and Rock Star, the winners of the $20,000 Wrenwood Farms ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby in 2008. Photo by Molly Sorge
Jersey Boy cantered into seventh in the Wrenwood derby with Jen Alfano in just his second derby start. Photo by Molly Sorge
Jersey Boy made one of his first derby appearances at the Wrenwood hunter derby, jumping to seventh place with Jen Alfano. Photo by Molly Sorge
Katherine Newman and Almeo navigated the bank at Wrenwood, which involved a jump up, a small vertical on top, then a drop down. Photo by Molly Sorge
In the early days of the derbies’ handy rounds, riders had to open a gate from in the saddle and then ride through the opening. Here, Jen Alfano opens the latch aboard Sting. Photo by Molly Sorge
And then Alfano guided Sting through the gate. Photo by Molly Sorge
The Wrenwood derby was an elegant day, complete with a classic car tailgate. Photo by Molly Sorge
Louise Serio rode Castle Rock at the Wrenwood hunter derby. Photo by Molly Sorge
Tatiana Dzavik and Undercover jumped one of the live hedges in the Wrenwood hunter derby. Photo by Molly Sorge
Jennifer Alfano and Sting jumped one of the coops on course at Wrenwood. Photo by Molly Sorge
The jumps at the Wrenwood derby were all constructed of rustic, natural material, and the stone wall was made of real stone topped with a rail. Photo by Molly Sorge
The rolltop at Wrenwood had sod laid over it. Photo by Molly Sorge
