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Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Announces USHJA International Hunter Derby

February 28, 2026

Cleveland, Ohio, February 28, 2026 – The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Horse Show will host a “$10,000 International Hunter Derby” Saturday, July 19th as part of the nine-day horse show. This class will be held in the evening at 6 p.m. in the RISO Horse 2000 Ring and will be sponsored by Craighead Farm, Novelty Ohio along with a benefit party for the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show endowment fund.

Celebrating the 43rd anniversary of the Cleveland Grand Prix, North America’s first show-jumping grand prix, this year’s horse show will take place July 12th through July 20th, 2008 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills, Ohio.

The International Derby series was created to bring hunters to the forefront of the international circuit, showcasing their rich heritage and increasing awareness of this long-standing tradition to both spectators and other equestrians.

According to the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), the greatest difference between the hunter classes seen at a regular hunter competition and the Derby class that will take place at this year’s Hunter Jumper Classic is that the courses and specifically the construction of the fences along the course. The courses will be built to encourage and reward brilliance and daring from the rider and true athletic ability from the horses.

The class will consist of two rounds – a classic hunter round and a handy hunter round. Fences will be set at 3’6” to 3’9” with four 4’ option fences. Obstacles will simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and the course will offer a variety of jumps with different appearances such as natural post and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, hedge, brush, logs, and natural foliage.

Co-Chairman, Gail Tobin said that the Hunter Derby will be a welcome addition to the Hunter Jumper Classic.

“We are delighted to be selected and welcome the Derby riders to this year’s Classic,” said Tobin. “Their daring and outstanding athletic ability will be an incredible addition to our Show.” The winner of the Hunter Jumper Classic International Hunter Derby will be eligible to compete at the Hunter Derby finals in the fall of 2008.

Course designer for the International Derby will be Michael Rheinheimer, Willoughby Ohio and the judging duties fall on Ralph Caristo, Saugerties New York, Randy Mullins Wellington Florida and Jim Zulia Eustis Florida. A fourth hunter judge which is required will be named shortly.
Background on the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic

The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected horse shows, featuring international riders in a spectacular show of Olympic-qualifying equestrian competitions and Grand Prix events. This long-standing Cleveland tradition is celebrated not only for its incredible equestrian sport and showmanship, but also for a past rich in financial support to various local charities in the community. Over one million dollars has been put back into the local community.

“This is the premier hunter jumper event in Northeast Ohio,” said Tobin. “In 2005 our organization made the decision to install a RISO 2000 horse ring which is one reason why the American Gold Cup returned to our show grounds 2 years ago. We are always making improvements and pride ourselves in superior footing in our competition rings. Last year we provided our exhibitors with brand new stalls that were more spacious and appealing along with providing a safer and more enjoyable stabling area.

Highlights of the Hunter Jumper Classic besides the Saturday July 19th International Hunter Derby include the $50,000 Cleveland Grand Prix, $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame series, Young Jumper qualifying classes and the Friday night $10,000 Welcome Stake sponsored by Craighead Farm.

The Hunter Jumper Classic is brought to you by the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show Inc., a 501(c )(3) organization, and a member of the United State Equestrian Federation and part of the NAL and Washington International Horse Show qualifying series.

For a complete details or more information, visit our website at www.clevelandhorseshow.com or phone 330-903-9915.

Written by HJN Staff Reporter · Filed Under Chagrin Valley Farms 
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