The 2016 season of the Canadian Hunter Derby, Western Series, was the biggest one yet with 14 classes held in Alberta and British Columbia. Cornelle, owned by Patricia Beattie and ridden by Rodney Tulloch lead the 3’6” division with four wins earning 78 points. The Calgary native will be competing for the 2016 series Western title at Royal West, but the battle between the provinces will be fierce as the reigning Western Champion, Brent Balisky, from British Columbia has brought three horses to contest the title.
Competition gets underway in the heart of Calgary at the Stampede Park on Wednesday, October 26 with the $10,000 Venture Publishing Derby. The class is the first national qualifier for the Western championship and will have 24 competitors. The $25,000 Salentein Wines Derby will be an exciting competition the following night – Thursday, October 27th. Renowned judge, Bobbie Reber, will determine who is crowned the Western Champion.
In the 3’0 division, Wendy Valdes from British Columbia is the leading contender to claim the $10,000 Canadian Hunter Derby 3’ Junior /Amateur national final. Watch on livestream for her mounts For Me and Cool Charmer as they battle 18 other horse/rider combination for the title.
The Canadian Hunter Derby Series started in 2011. Rocky Mountain Show Jumping Tournaments have been a huge supporter of the series from its inception.
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