Leah Von Henkle and In Case Photo Credit: Kristin Lee Photography
By Brooke Goddard
BURBANK, Calif. – The 2020 Gold Coast Series presented by Damoor’s Feed & Tack kicked off with Gold Coast February (Feb. 14-16) at LA Equestrian Event Center. In the S&S Bankcard USHJA National Hunter Derby, In Case owned by Eve Aron and ridden by professional Leah Von Henkle clinched the win with an overall score of 174.
Leah was impressed with In Case and his continued progress in the show ring. “He’s still young, but he is so pleasant to ride,” Leah shared. “We have recently been competing in the 3’9’’ Green Hunters. These fences in the derby were slightly lower than that, so I wanted to be sure he was paying attention to the jumps and jumping well. I was so happy with how he listened to me. We love coming to LEG shows and had fun with the Valentine’s Day activities this weekend.”
Course designer Charles Throckmorton was pleased by the way Leah piloted his tracks. “There was a lot of good competition in the hunter derby,” he explained. “I tried to challenge the riders with various of tests in the handy round. There was a trot fence, long approaches, and some tight turns. Leah rose to the occasion and navigated the course well.”
Leah is now in contention for a LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus if she wins another USHJA National Hunter Derby aboard In Case during the 2020 Gold Coast Series. “It’s so nice that LEGIS recognizes riders,” she added. “I would love to win a bonus. We will be coming back to do more derbies at Gold Coast and look forward to doing a few USHJA International Hunter Derbies this year too.”
In second place was junior rider Ella Kaplan trained by Kathy Megla and her own Gorki De Kalech. As the top placing junior rider with an overall score of 168, Ella also received a Damoor’s Feed & Tack Gift Certificate. In third place was junior rider, Mary Wickstrom trained by Cha Cha Jago and her own Di Samorano. See full results below.
Look for more news and photo highlights from Gold Coast February and stay tuned for a post-show survey in your email. We look forward your feedback as always and we hope you have a LEGendary experience.
RESULTS FROM THE USHJA NATIONAL HUNTER DERBY
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