HJE Holland Hosts First Hunter Derby of the Season

Duerne, Netherlands. – Apr. 3, 2022 – Hunter riders dawned their Sunday best for the €1000 Horseflight Hunter Derby hosted by the Hunter Jumper-Equitation Holland Horse Show at Green Valley Estate, The Netherlands. Following a full day of hunter and equitation competition, the two-round derby was the climax of the day. Following stiff competition from some of the top European riders, it was 16-year-old Anthony Schreinemachers who prevailed over the rest of the pack with his mount Cameron (Contendro II) owned by Leon Thijssen.

Anthony Schreimachers and Cameron with Patricia Bade van Motman (left) and Joan Scharffenberger-Laarakkers (right). Photo by Mathilde Tarchiani

Hunter Jumper-Equitation Holland is bringing a new style of riding to the traditional European showjumping scene in Holland as the exclusive presenters of hunter and equitation classes. With USEF rated and USHJA trained judges flown in from the United States, HJE Holland offers a new form of competition for all ages to enjoy.

In their second show of the season, riders were eager to take to the ring in the traditional two-round hunter derby judged by Fran Dotoli. Set at the 1.00m-1.10m height, it was Emilia Vatto of Finland who led the talented pack aboard Comme il faut’s Rubin (Comme il Faut). The duo impressed Dotoli with her near perfect round. Hot on her heels was Dominique Greeve whose solid first round score landed her in second aboard Checkpoint BB heading into the handy round.

Riders and their respective mounts returned at the conclusion of the first round in reverse order for the handy round featuring a shortened track with the purpose of testing the horses’ handiness and style. After an unlucky rail took Vatto out of contention for a podium finish, young Dutch rider, Anthony Schreinemachers rode to the occassion aboard Leon Thijssen’s Cameron. The duo performed with textbook style and finesse over the handy hunter track which would score high enough to overtake the lead and secure their first win of the season.

Anthony Schreimachers and Cameron. Photo by Mathilde Tarchiani

Schreinemachers who has only ridden his mount Cameron for 8 months, showcased effortless horsemanship beyond his years expertly piloting the mount to precision over all of the obstacles, taking handy yet balanced tight turns, while maintaining an upward, lofty canter and even tempo of cadence. Trained by Wiljan Laarakkers, Schreinemachers is an up and coming young rider in Holland with top results in the jumpers who is now trying his hand in the American Hunter divisions exclusively offered by HJE Holland.

Dominique Greeve and Checkpoint BB. Photo by Mathilde Tarchiani

Greeve maintained her second-place position throughout the handy round earning the reserve championship title aboard Springstal ‘t Bergse Bos’ Checkpoint BB (Comilfo Plus), while third place was awarded to Annabel Adriaanse with Ponyhof’s Ice Boy (Ginus X Voltaire).

Elsa van Zutphen and her pony Dobbey placed 2nd in the Low Children’s Hunter. Photo by Mathilde Tarchiani

HJE Holland competition will resume Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10 featuring another opportunity for riders to take a share of the €1000 prize in the Horseflight Hunter Derby as well as try their hand at another new class offering, the M. Michael Meller International Medal, presented by QBS Equestrian. This challenging equitation jumping competition open to rider aged 35 and younger features a first round of 8-14 jumping efforts set at 110 cm. The top four scoring riders are to be called back to ride in a second jumping round as a ‘test’ designed by the judge. Sponsored by M. Michael Meller of MMM Horseman and QBS Equestrian, The M. Michael Meller International Medal was created to reward riders that exemplify the best style of riding as well as embody a sportsmanlike composure. At the conclusion of the year, the rider who exhibited the best combination of horsemanship, skill, and presentation and who competed in at least four of the M. Michael Meller International Medal classes will be presented with the prestigious M. Michael Meller Style of Riding Award. By giving the award, Meller hopes to encourage riders to strive for excellence while exemplifying “form with function” in the show ring.

Emilia Vättö and Comme il faut’s Rubin placed 3rd in the Open Working Hunter. Photo by Mathilde Tarchiani

In addition to the year-end perpetual trophy, the recipient will also be given the opportunity to embark on an all-inclusive 10 day immersive “study abroad” opportunity to come and ride with top equestrians in the United States courtesy of M. Michael Meller, MMM Horseman, and QBS Equestrian.

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