BURBANK, Calif.– Kyra Palmer and Burberry, trained by Elvenstar earned the year-end championship in the Gold Coast Carousel Derby presented by The Plaid Horse. As this year’s overall champion, Kyra received a custom plaque as well as a one-year subscription to The Plaid Horse Magazine.
“A goal of mine is to one day compete in the big hunter derbies,” Kyra said. “I’ve been riding for about five years now. I started riding when I took summer camp at Elvenstar and haven’t stopped since. I ride almost every day and I love it. My trainers have really helped me to improve. They always remind me to relax and focus on one jump at a time.”
The Carousel Hunter Derby was started in honor of Sandra McKeon and her long and illustrious horse show career. The Carousel Hunter Derby is open to Child and Adult Amateur riders competing at or below 2’9.”’ The derby consists of both hunter classic and handy hunter style lines, turns, and jumps.
Photo Credit: Kristin Lee Photography
In the USHJA National Hunter Derby, it was Tangled Up In Blue piloted by trainer Lisa Wall who earned the highest marks. “There was a very nice, flowing course,” she said. “We just tried to do all the handy options and she was perfect. This is such a special mare and I’m lucky to be able to ride her.”
Lisa also earned a $750 LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus for winning two hunter derbies aboard the same horse during the 2019 Gold Coast Series. “I really appreciate that LEGIS supports hunter riders,” she added. “The bonus money helps me be able to show more and take the best care of my horses.”
Lisa is looking forward to ending her show season at the LA Season Finale at Hansen Dam Horse Park. The show will feature a variety of special classes and awards for hunter riders, including a USHJA National Hunter Derby, a Hunter Under Saddle Derby, a Carousel Hunter Derby, and a Grand Champion Hunter award.
USHJA National Hunter Derby Results
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