Hunter Turns, Handy Wins: Pieters and Tibri’s Cedarwood Road Shine at Fieldstone’s USHJA National Hunter Derby
- rsherer44
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Halifax, MA - May 17, 2025 –Saturday’s USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Dover Saddlery brought the energy as 30 riders gave standout performances to the GGT Footing Grand Prix ring at Fieldstone Show Park. After two rounds of competition, it was Eleanor Pieters and Tibri’s Cedarwood Road who took the victory, earning a combined score of 176 and dazzling in the handy round with bold inside turns and a strong and consistent pace that wowed the judges. Camilla Murray and Rio D’oro delivered a polished pair of rounds to claim a close second place with a combined score of 175, while Jesse Fortier and Diagon Alley earned third with a combined score of 167.5.
The classic round of the derby featured traditional hunter elements, while the second round brought many challenging questions. Riders showed up in the handy round, taking varying approaches to fence one, executing a trot jump, and opting for several technical inside turn opportunities that rewarded decisiveness and control.
Pieters used the derby as a strategic warm-up for next week’s Devon Horse Show. “Tom is actually my equitation horse,” she explained. “We knew we wanted a little more hunter style practice heading into Devon, so this was the perfect opportunity.”
Hoping to bring home a blue ribbon, Pieters was focused on executing a flawless handy round. “I knew I didn’t have anything to lose,” she said. “I wanted to go all out and take every inside turn, show off a good gallop. He was right there with me every step of the way.”
The 8-year-old gelding, affectionately known as “Tom” in the barn, has proven to be a pleasant surprise since joining Pieters’ string six months ago. “We got him just before New England Finals, and every time we ask him to do something new, he just exceeds our expectations,” she shared. “Today was one of those days, I didn’t go in expecting to win a hunter derby, but he just put his ears forward and went for it. He’s one of those horses who’s all heart.”
Now a regular at Fieldstone, Pieters was quick to highlight the difference the venue’s updated Grand Prix ring has made for riders and horses alike. “I’ve been showing here for years, and the new footing has made a huge difference. We’ve tested it in every kind of weather, and it just holds up,” she said. “Today the show was packed, and every ring was busy all day, and this ring made it possible to keep things moving smoothly and safely.”
Competition at Fieldstone Spring Festival II comes to a close Sunday, but don’t miss out on the featured event: the $20,000 Grand Prix. For live updates and full results, follow Fieldstone Show Park on social media or visit FieldstoneShowPark.com.