TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published March 21, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Professional rider Kelsey Epperson secured a rare one-two finish in the USHJA National Open Hunter Derby, while Brooke Gregory earned her first Wilmington derby win in the Non-Pro division.
What Happened
Kelsey Epperson dominated the $15,000 Shoo-fly USHJA National Open Hunter Derby during Winter Classic 15 at World Equestrian Center, Wilmington. She secured both the first and second-place spots, winning aboard Apache 286 and taking reserve with All Rise.
Epperson and Apache 286, a nine-year-old Warmblood gelding, led from the start. They earned a 91 in the first round and a 93 in the handy round for an overall score of 184. This marked the duo's third derby victory of the 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series.
Epperson also found success with All Rise, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Despite it being their first week competing together, Epperson moved the horse from fourth place after the first round up to second overall, finishing with a total score of 176.
In the $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby, Brooke Gregory claimed her first Wilmington derby victory riding her own 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Calisinni. Gregory maintained high scores across both rounds (88 and 87) to finish with a 175, securing the win by a seven-point margin over 22 junior and amateur riders.
Why It Matters
Epperson’s one-two finish highlights the importance of the winter circuit for professional stables. For trainers and riders in colder climates, the consistent schedule at WEC, Wilmington provides a controlled environment to solidify partnerships with new mounts, such as All Rise, and refine the performance of "green" horses before the spring and summer outdoor seasons.
The results also underscore the significance of the "handy" round in hunter derbies. In both the Open and Non-Pro divisions, the winners were determined by their ability to navigate Michael Pegg’s technical tracks with precision. Epperson’s climb from fourth to second with All Rise, and Gregory’s consistency, demonstrate that athletic, tidy turns and smooth options are often the deciding factors when scores are tight at the top.
Discipline Context
These events fall under the USHJA National Hunter Derby program, which bridges standard hunter height classes and the high-performance International Hunter Derby level. These classes emphasize the horse’s jumping style, brilliance, and rideability. The "Open" section allows professionals to showcase horses for owners, while the "Non-Pro" section provides a high-stakes competitive environment for junior and amateur riders to test their skills over derby-style tracks featuring natural obstacles and "handy" options.
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.