San Juan Capistrano, Calif.—Apr. 3  

It wasn’t just blue ribbons that riders in the $10,000 Scarlett’s Jumper Derby were in pursuit of during the Blenheim Spring Classic II. They were also doing their part to help support a local organization that helps at-risk children.

The $10,000 Scarlett’s Jumper Derby is named for Scarlett Danielle Rodriguez, a local horse lover who passed away in 2012 at age 21 from a drug overdose. “Out of our family’s love for horses, we chose to have ‘Scarlett’s Derby’ be the first step,” said the Rodriguez family. “For all of you who knew Scarlett and all who will get to know her through us, join us as we turn this brilliant but short life into something that changes and touches many young lives. I know Scarlett would love nothing more.” The derby began in the spring of 2014 and runs both in the spring and the fall.

Using all the derby elements available, Canadian Peter Holmes designed the track once again this year. “This is an amazing facility because it has so many natural obstacles. A grob [a ditch at the bottom of a slope], a water jump, a liverpool, a bank. A derby like this creates a lot of unknowns with the riders and the horses since they don’t compete over this type of course often,” he said.

After 23 entries attempted to tackle the course, only four finished clean: Canadian Carly Kist aboard Rockpoint Equestrian’s Simba, Bryna Closson on Larkspur Equestrian’s Blitz and last year’s first and second place winners, Kyle King on SIG White Chocolate and Karl Cook riding Banba, owned by Signe Ostby. 

Karl Cook on Banba. Photo by Alden Corrigan

After battling it out last spring, this year the tables turned for Cook and King in the jump-off. Cook had the advantage of going last, knowing exactly what he had to do to beat King’s leading time of 27.85. Shaving off 4/10 of a second, Cook claimed the top prize in a time of 27.40. 

Cook enjoys the Derby format on the speedy Irish-bred Banba (Cruising–Donhill Silver). “She’s best at the derbies, this and speed classes. Derbies require a lot of galloping,” said Cook.

Proceeds from the class benefit the Park Place Foundation for children and teens, a non-profit organization that teaches at-risk children basic horsemanship skills and helps them build relationships with horses. According to the Park Place foundation, “We strive to make changes in how we perceive and treat addiction and mental illness through education, increased awareness and sharing the personal stories of peers who have fallen victim to this disease that is riddled by shame, isolation, loneliness and a sense of failure.”

Artist Anita Lawson created this jump to show the message of the class. Photo by Alden Corrigan

This spring’s Scarlett’s Jumper Derby also presented James’ story, a 26-year-old who battled depression and addiction and passed away in December 2014. “We began the journey with Scarlett’s Derby and as we continue, we are committed to finding ways to educate, strengthen and empower this young generation,” said the Rodriguez family. “We hope that, when faced the dangerous choice of drugs, they choose to live ‘clean.’”

$10,000 Scarlett’s Jumper Derby
Place – Horse – Rider – Owner – Faults/Time 
1.  Banba – Karl Cook – Signe Ostby – 0/0/27.402
2.  SIG White Chocolate – Kyle King – SIG International, Inc. – 0/0/27.854
3.  Blitz – Bryna Closson – Larkspur Equestrian, LLC – 0/0/31.631
4.  Simba – Carly Kist – Rockpoint Equestrian – 0/4/30.757
5.  Irish 77 – Marc Grock – Moonlite Beach, LLC – 4/110.163
6.  Highland Elegance – Kelly McKnight – Kelly McKnight – 4/110.471
7.  Birhan – Jason McArdle – Alexandria Smith – 4/110.580
8.  Baraka – Nayel Nassar – Nayel Nassar – 4/113.220
9.  Pizzazz – Rebecca Bruce – Rebecca Bruce – 4/119.464
10.  Zan Chin – Kelly McKnight – Jane Hind – 4/123.565

Karl Cook on Banba. Photos by Alden Corrigan

(LEFT) Karl Cook sports one of his signature bow ties (RIGHT) Artist Anita Lawson decorated the special jump memorializing the message of the class.

Kyle King took second on SIG White Chocolate.