Alabama Horse Shows Featured Horse Show - SuCaro Ridge Hunter Derby

SuCaro Ridge Equestrian Center

Alabama Horse Shows is pleased to highlight special horse shows in Alabama. It takes a special event to be highlighted. We are fortunate in Alabama to have dedicated competitors that consistently turn out for horse shows. Some are competing for year end awards, some are developing horses or riders. But there is another competitor that is special: the one that competes for the joy of his sport. It is this competitor that seeks venues that challenge their horsemanship while keeping the nostalgia and glamour in showing horses. And occasionally we can find a show that beckons the elegance of shows in the past - when showing horses was truly a special occasion.

These elements came together splendidly at the SuCaro Ridge Hunter Derby the weekend of April 25, in Tallasee, AL. Owned by Judy Pirtle, longstanding dressage competitor and trainer, SuCaro Ridge has developed into a premium dressage and eventing barn in central Alabama. Christine Prescott is the efficient and thorough Show Manager and Secretary. Events at SuCaro Ridge run on time, efficiently, and every competitor is made to feel special.

What is a Hunter Derby?
Hunter Derby classes bring us back to the classical style of hunter riding when horses were rewarded for being brilliant and riders for making clever choices. The concept of the class is very new and exciting, even though the idea is to return to the original roots of the hunter horse. Hunter shows originally were designed to test field hunters in the off season. Today, shows have progressed beyond that original need and have become highly competitive and specialized in pursuit of year end awards. The greatest difference between the hunter classes in regular hunter competition and the classes at a hunter derby is in the course layout, the construction of the fences, and the track the course will follow. The courses are built to encourage and reward brilliance and daring from the rider and true athletic ability from the horse.

In a Hunter Derby, obstacles must simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and the course should offer a variety of jumps with different appearances such as: natural post and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, aiken, hedge, oxer, brush, logs, natural foliage. Natural obstacles such as banks and ditches are encouraged. Most courses offer options from which the rider can choose.

SuCaro Ridge
The course was simply stunning, with obstacles constructed with every attention to detail, adorned with live foliage. The course was laid out on grass under the mature pines at Judy Pirtle's lovely equestrian farm. What a treat to ride on good turf and in the shade! The obstacles and courses were brilliantly constructed. Natural poles were used in lei of painted poles for the jumps. The spectators were well entertained with course changes every class. Riders were given several options from which to choose, making almost every ride different. The judge was able to reward those that took more challenging lines or options. The course consisted of a wishing well, natural coop, roll top, picket fence, verticals, brush boxes, and even a water jump!

SuCaro Ridge Hunter Derby Series

Show Manager and Secretary Christine Prescott kept the show running efficiently and with organization. The awards were beautiful. There will be three shows in the series with the Championship show set for September 5. This is not to be missed! SuCaro Ridge has plans to make the championship truly special for both competitors and spectators. In order to compete, you must have placed in the top of your division during the show series - it is by invitation only!

Make your plans now for the next show in the series. Alabama Horse Shows lists all of the fantastic shows at SuCaro Ridge. Take a step back in time - to a time when horses and riders turned out for shows, competitions were friendly to competitors, and the spectators were thrilled and entertained. Try something new - at the SuCaro Ridge Hunter Derby Series!

If you would like to have your equestrian event featured, please contact Shannon McGlon @ 334.296.3543 M-F from 8 AM to 7 PM.