WILLIAMSBURG — Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur is in his element going fast, and that’s exactly what earned him the win on Friday at Traverse City Spring 2 as he topped the $31,100 CSI4* Speed.
With DSP Callas, a mare he’s campaigned at the highest levels for the past few years, his time was untouchable, putting him atop the podium as the class concluded
“When I have a fast horse, that’s my favorite,” Teran said. “I love going fast and it’s very exciting.”
His round was both fast and exciting. Teran was only third in the order of go, but he had already seen one blazing-fast round put in by Francisco Goyoaga Mollet (ESP) and Katniss du val Geer. He was confident he could end up in the top three if he rode a round similar to what he’d seen.
“I did a couple of leave-outs to the combinations,” he said about his strategy over Meghan Rawlins’ course. “I gambled a little to the double of verticals; the mare landed on the inside track so I went with it and trusted her and it worked.”
Coming home in 65.51 seconds, Teran was just barely faster than Goyoaga, who ended up second. Teran also had the last ride in the order of go and managed to get his second horse, Condara, into the top three as well, just a couple seconds behind his winning time.
DSP Callas (Casskeni II x Levistano) is now 14 years old and Teran believes she’s become a competitor that can jump any track at any level. She’s had a slower season this year but is building towards major events later in the fall in Traverse City.
Donnelly, Herkowitz Bring Home Hunter Derby Win
In a perfect, crisp morning for hunter derby competition, the blue ribbons went to Melissa P. Donnelly and Rachael Herkowitz in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $10,000 USHJA National JR/Am Hunter Derby, respectively. Both riders rode to high scores in the two-round classes in the Highstreet Arena, kickstarting what they hope to be successful seasons in Traverse City.
Donnelly’s two rounds aboard Iester K in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby just kept getting better as the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare showed off her skill. With an 86 in the first round, Donnelly led from wire to wire, securing an 88 in round two for the win.
“Today was lovely,” Donnelly said of her outing with Iester K, owned by Lily Kosal. “I really loved the track. It had a lot of turns and options but a lot of flow to it. I loved the handy track – a lot of options for inside turns.”
Iester K actually spent her earlier years competing in the jumper divisions, but has now made the switch to hunters. Her jumper background shone through in her handy round, surely helping the horse feel more comfortable with tighter turns.
“I couldn’t have asked my horse to be any sharper or more on par for me today,” Donnelly continued. “Every turn I asked for she was right there for me. She came back [for the handy round] even more soft and more dialed in. I think she’s enjoying a big, bright venue so it was nice for her to step right up today.”
Nearly every week of the season in Traverse City will host hunter derby action, with each week of the Spring Series presenting $10,000 National Hunter Derbies.
“I love having weekly derbies,” Donnelly remarked. “It’s great to get to practice with the horses. They really dial in and it’s so nice for the professionals and the kids to have more options, getting them ready for the big ring.”
Second-place honors were awarded to Hillary Johnson and Blue Monday, while Ehrin Rittmueller claimed third aboard Lovella.
Experience leads Herkowitz to Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby victory
Rachael H Herkowitz followed suit in the second derby of the day, the $10,000 USHJA National JR/Am Hunter Derby, earning back-to-back scores of 92 for a high score of 184 and the win aboard her partner Harmony.
“I’m feeling great; it was a big win,” Herkowitz said after her awards presentation. “It’s been a while since I’ve shown and these are our favorite shows to come to. It’s pretty much our home base – we are just three hours south – so it’s a great way to start our season here.” Hillside Farm
Training for over 30 years with Heather Irvine and Hillside Farm, Herkowitz credits the team behind her for putting them in the winning mindset.
“This is our fourth season together,” she said of Harmony, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare. “She loves a good derby. We do the 3’6″ Amateur Owners for our regular division but we love coming out here, having a nice classic and handy round, and enjoying the beautiful weather.”