Jumping
The Hope family of Barrington, IL, is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the inaugural $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Speed Derby at the Wachovia Showplace Spring Spectacular II Horse Show in Wayne, IL. The competition, managed by Showplace Productions, will be held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center the week of June 17-22, 2008. The Hope family, who rides with Diane Carney at Telluride Farm, is thrilled to bring this new, exciting class to the Spring Spectacular II schedule.
The $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Speed Derby will be held on Tuesday, June 17, after the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Dietrich Insurance and featuring Walsh Harness and Saddlery. The speed derby's unique format will include the natural obstacles from the hunter competition in its course plan, and the Hope family is excited to be a part of this innovative class.
Kathleen Hope, mother of junior rider Caitie Hope and Megan (Hope) Risko, commented, "When we go to Spruce Meadows, my favorite class to watch is the famous derby. It's such a cool class, with natural jumps and all the bells and whistles. It's different than normal show jumping. I thought it would be fun to bring the derby format to the Midwest, since there has been more of a focus on natural obstacles at the hunter derbies."
She added, "We chose the second week of the Spring Spectacular because we love that show and the manager, Pat Boyle, does a lot. He offers fun activities for the riders, exciting classes, and the horses and riders that attend are always great. I thought this was an opportunity to try something we haven't seen in the Midwest. We wanted to do something fun at the show, and I think people will appreciate something new."
Hope has been involved in the horse industry for almost 20 years. Her daughter Caitie currently competes in the junior hunters, the junior jumpers, and the equitation classes. She rides Lyle and Caped Crusader in the hunters and La Paz and Corrato in the junior jumpers. Hope's older daughter Megan, who is married and has a baby boy, competed as a junior and recently started to show again. Hope's two sons also ride, but they do not compete at shows. "I have always loved horses, and I finally learned to ride myself. I show once a decade," Hope laughed. "I love the sport; I love the horses; and I love the discipline and the difficulty involved. It really teaches you humility, hard work, and compassion."
The $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Speed Derby will make its debut at the Spring Spectacular II, and manager Pat Boyle looks forward to this exciting new addition. "I think the speed derby will add some creative flavor to the jumpers, as they will be jumping a look from 30 years ago," said Boyle. "The Hope family's involvement is why we are able to add such an interesting class and give the riders a speed derby that has both a modern day feel and vintage material all mixed in together. It will be a true test of their riding skills."
In addition to the Hope family, these sponsors provide essential support for the hunter and jumper derbies on Tuesday, June 17: Equine Productions and Tommy and Debbie McIntyre, Canterbury Farm and Greg Franklin, Brookwood Farm and Caroline and Rush Weeden, Telluride Farm, Donna Leetze, and Wrenwood Farm.
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