2019 WAYNE EVENTING DERBY RECAP | MAY 3-5, 2019

By Katie Lindsay

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!

2018 WAYNE EVENTING DERBY RECAP - APRIL 20-22

Whatever weather gods the Wayne Eventing Derby committee prayed to deserve a ton of thank yous, especially considering that there was a covering of newly fallen snow on the ground the day competitors’ horses started arriving at Lamplight Equestrian Center, the site of the competition. “People chilly, horse perfect,” was how one person described the weekend’s temperatures.

The “extras,” in addition to five well-filled, well-managed levels of competition, are what make this early spring weekend special. Midwestern eventers and a handful of foxhunters brave riding outside the confines of indoor rings in order to shake the rust off and hone their skills before the serious USEA Area 4 competitions begin. Horses of all breeds and riders of all levels romped around Jon Wells’ beautifully designed and built courses, and fine-tuned their dressage skills under the watchful eyes of judges Cindy dePorter and Jennifer Kotylo.

For the ninth year, Thoroughbreds were honored by The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program, the T.I.P. awards. This year’s winners were La Ferrari and Bonnie Bowman at Training level, Bora Bora Bound and Erin Loitfellner at Novice, and Sazerac and Erinn Tobin at Beginner Novice. The new Golden Oldie Award for the best placed, highest combined horse and rider ages went to Susan Schacht and Fun on Ice.

The highest placed Pony Club member at any level was honored on Sunday. Melissa Filson on Tipperary Keelin was the well-deserved winner

The Move Up Challenge was inaugurated last year and was an instant hit. After competitors complete the final round in their division, Move Up Challenge riders then jump a course one level higher. The winner of the Move Up Challenge was Kyra Bergmann and her Thoroughbred, Quid Pro Quo.

All in all, it was a successful weekend for all. Smiles outnumbered frowns, the Derby’s two beneficiaries, Midwest Dachshund Rescue and IL-WIS Search and Rescue Dogs, each received healthy donations and miraculously, not one flake of snow or drop of rain fell.

Congratulations!! The winner of the 2018 Wayne Eventing Derby Move Up Challenge was Kyra Bergmann and Quid Pro Quo, and the winner of the Golden Oldie Award was Susan Schacht and Fun on Ice, owned by Christina Cressey.

Click HERE for Results or go to the results tab

Click HERE for Wayne Eventing Derby photos

2018 Wayne Eventing Derby OFFICIALS

2017 – THE YEAR THE WEATHER GODS SMILED

For the first time in the eight years since the Wayne Eventing Derby was launched, a recap of the weekend does not include the words “snow” or “rain.” Regulars shook their heads in amazement at the ideal horse weather – high 50’s to high 60’s and lots of sun! The regular Derby and Derby Within a Derby ran smoothly over designer Jon Wells’ thoughtful and educational courses, and the new this year Move Up Challenge proved to be a hit. The winning round in the Challenge, name announced below, was described by the judge as “lovely.”

We are grateful to the riders who put this competition on their calendars and to the staff, officials, and volunteers who make it happen and manage to stay cheerful!

See you next year!

Katie Lindsay, Organizer