MLC Farm hosted its second annual Hunter Derby at By the Hounds Farm. It was a beautiful setting and a beautiful day that produced impressive riding performances.

Erica Mansfield of Red Hook won the High Classic on her horse, Nostrovia, and Michele Edel rode Starry Night to victory in the Low Classic. The Hunter Derby was divided into two different heights offered at 2’3 and 3’0 and the course consisted of obstacles replicating those found in the hunt field.

Michelle Clopp, owner of MLC Farm and course designer for the Derby, was very creative with the course and used a lot of brush, natural post and rail, stone walls, a coop and birch in the combination. Clopp stated, “It was a lot of fun creating this course and using a lot of these fun jumps. It was nice to know a lot of people had a great time. I wanted to give the riders competing in both heights an opportunity to ride against riders of their own ability or against younger horses that were not as seasoned as those in the 3’0 division. It also allowed people in the higher height to come later and not have to leave the horses on the trailers all day.”

Clopp added, “I am looking forward to our next jumper event in September. After having so much positive feedback with this Derby, I am considering holding another one on the same weekend as the jumper show. It is always fun doing the next event because it benefits the Equine Rescue and a lot of people like to help them out with donations. Hopefully, it will be as beautiful as today. Details will be announced if we add a Derby.” 
     
MLC Farm will host its charity event at By the Hounds Farm on September 23. Proceeds from that event will benefit “The Anita Memorial Fund” Equine Rescue for abused and starving horses and ponies. For more information on the horse show or information on how to donate go to www.mlcfarm.com or visit them on Facebook.