The
WAYNE EVENTING DERBY
Bids A Fond Farewell
After a memorable ten-year run, it is time for the Wayne Eventing Derby to bid farewell to its competitors, volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters.
After the demise of the Maui Jim Horse Trials, the Wayne Eventiing Derby was the brainchild of our founder/organizer, the late Katie Lindsay. The Derby became the first “show” of the season which allowed riders to give their horses a low-key start before their first serious competition.
Several recent complications made the Derby more challenging:
- Covid canceled shows throughout the country.
- Lamplight Equestrian Center, our home for nine years, was sold and we no longer had a venue.
- Katie Lindsay passed away.
- New business and accounts had to be formed to run the Derby.
- The lack of a clear understanding of the cost to run the Derby.
In 2021, with the help of Wayne Equestrian Center, the Wayne Eventing Derby’s organizing team was able to hold the Derby at the Dunham Woods Horse Show grounds. It was so good to see our many friends again. We were pleased with the turnout even while running under Covid protocols. The Derby ran at a significant loss, but we felt 2022 would improve since horse shows were getting back to normal.
At the end of 2021, facility changes caused us to once again search for a new venue. Fox Valley Saddle Association seemed like the perfect place since they had so much infrastructure in place. However, weather and lack of entries forced us to cancel the 2022 Derby. The plan was to run this year and evaluate our future after the 2023 Derby. Unfortunately, there were miscommunications for our date, and we were left in limbo. It seemed to be an omen for our future, and we have decided to end the Wayne Eventing Derby's long run.
I want to thank all of the Derby staff, officials, sponsors, supporters, competitors and above all, our volunteers for the support you have given to the Wayne Eventing Derby since it began in 2010. Although we will not have the Derby, I do hope to see you throughout the show season.
All my best,
Becky Bowen
THE 2021 WAYNE EVENTING DERBY
WAYNE EQUESTRIAN CENTER
** APRIL 30, MAY 1, MAY 2, 2021**
The 2019 Wayne Eventing Derby is in the Books
When the 2019 Wayne Eventing Derby wrapped, we were able to donate a significant amount of money to our two non-profits: Midwest Dachshund Rescue, and Illinois-Wisconsin Search & Rescue Dogs. These two organizations are entirely volunteer-based, and the money donated will go directly to their efforts.
The Derby was held on a weekend sandwiched by two snowstorms. The original weekend for the Derby saw 8-1/2” of snow, but due to conflicts, the Derby was rescheduled to the first weekend in May. This was a stroke of luck, because Mother Nature dropped another 5-1/2” of snow on the weekend following the Derby. However, Derby competitors were treated to a lovely spring weekend with dry, cool and sunny weather. We must be doing something right!
This year, the Wayne Eventing Derby saw a record number of entries. As usual, Jon Wells’ courses proved to be both challenging and educational. One Starter division competitor said that when she first looked at the course, she thought, “There’s no way!” But after successfully completing both rounds, she happily reported that she now felt ready to compete at a recognized horse trial. This is exactly the purpose of the Wayne Eventing Derby; to provide a great warmup and confidence-building experience for the eventing season.
A high point of the weekend was presenting long-time Derby volunteer Becky Bowen with a special four-foot long tri-color rosette to recognize her as the Best Volunteer Ever, as well as to mark the occasion of her new title: Competition Director. Congratulations, Becky, and we can’t say this enough: Thank you for all you do!
This year the derby also saw a record number of wonderful volunteers and generous sponsors, for which we are eternally grateful. With our final thanks to all, we wish you a good eventing season. See you next year!
Please go to the RESULTS tab to view this years results.
Photos from the 2019 Wayne Eventing Derby
by Rare Air Eventing Photography
Jon Wells, doing his fence building magic. A pile of lumber overnight became Derby jumps, and went from an urban garage work space to their winter storage site.
