Brought to you by The Plaidcast
Hunter riders know the routine: big finals often bring as much chatter about scoring as they do about standout rounds. The sport is subjective, and subjectivity can fuel criticism, frustration, and negativity. But this year’s Green Incentive and International Hunter Derby Finals in Kentucky offered something refreshingly different. The buzz wasn’t about questionable judging or complaints behind the scenes. It was about the horses, the riding, and the sport itself.
Trainer, rider, and judge Michael Tokaruk summed it up simply: “I didn’t hear any complaining whatsoever about the judging. From my perspective, I thought they did an incredible job.”
When the Panel Gets It Right
Tokaruk, who competed himself, was quick to point out how consistent the scores felt from round to round. Whether he was watching from the stands or riding in the ring, he found himself in agreement with the judges’ decisions. That’s not something riders often admit.
“It’s not an easy thing to do,” he explained. “It’s a long week, splitting hairs among really nice hunters and largely professionals riding them. But they nailed it.”
The panel’s strength meant exhibitors trusted the process. Even when riders had small mistakes like a late lead chang or distance that didn’t quite work out, the penalties reflected reality without feeling arbitrary. That clarity fostered confidence, which in turn helped competitors focus on their rounds instead of second-guessing the scoreboard.
Positivity in the Schooling Area
The fair judging was only part of what made this year’s finals stand out. Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse and host of The Plaidcast, noted how much the overall tone shifted compared to other years.
“I’ve literally left and gone home in past years because I was so sick of the people,” she admitted. “But this was one year where the people didn’t overshadow the horses or the sport. The judging didn’t overshadow the sport. The course design didn’t overshadow the sport. It was just great riding.”
Tokaruk echoed that observation from the schooling ring. He recalled when Jennifer Hannan and Celeno laid down a brilliant 97 in the first round. Instead of muttering about politics or favoritism, fellow competitors applauded. “There was a high level of respect and positivity toward fellow competitors,” he said. “That’s what it should be—recognizing excellence, not resenting it.”
Why It Matters
Moments like this are important for the future of hunters. Finals should be about showcasing the very best horses and riders, not about controversies that leave exhibitors and fans disillusioned. This year’s event proved that when the judging is transparent and the atmosphere respectful, the sport can shine the way it’s meant to.
Tokaruk left inspired to return in 2026, not discouraged. “It makes me excited to want to go back next year. It makes me excited to want to have more derby horses,” he said. That sentiment, looking forward rather than walking away, is exactly what keeps the hunter ring thriving.
Hunter riders often say that subjectivity is both the beauty and the curse of the discipline. Derby Finals 2025 showed that when judging panels are strong, course design is thoughtful, and competitors embrace sportsmanship, the beauty wins out. It wasn’t about drama, politics, or frustration. It was about great horses, great riding, and a sport that, at its best, can inspire everyone who watches.
Want more insight from Michael Tokaruk? Listen to the special episode of The Plaidcast, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for conversations with the most influential voices in the equestrian world.
