TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published June 16, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Victoria Colvin and Golden Road secured a decisive victory in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby North Central Regional Championship, marking their third major win of the Traverse City Spring Series.
What Happened
Victoria Colvin capped off a dominant week at the Traverse City Spring Series by winning the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby North Central Regional Championship. Partnering with Golden Road, a 10-year-old Selle Français gelding owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, LLC, Colvin secured the top spot on June 14, 2026, at Flintfields Horse Park.
The pair took an early lead in the first round with a high score of 196. Returning last for the handy round, Colvin navigated Meghan Rawlins' forest-themed course with precision. Though maintaining a cautious approach to preserve her lead, she utilized the gelding’s natural turning ability to earn a second-round score of 195.5. Their overall total of 391.5 secured the win, followed by Courtney Lenkart and Allegretto in second, and Augusta Iwasaki with Small Fortune in third.
Why It Matters
This victory serves as a critical momentum builder for one of the sport's most successful hunter riders. For Colvin, the win isn't just a regional title; it is a foundational step toward the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships held later this summer.
The performance also highlights the development of Golden Road. Colvin has campaigned the gelding for eighteen months, and his "explosive jump" and ground-covering stride are now translating into consistent blue ribbons at the highest level of regional competition. Furthermore, the event showcased a modern approach to course design, with Meghan Rawlins utilizing "forest-inspired" aesthetics and multiple track options to allow riders to play to their individual horses' strengths, a trend toward more rider-choice-driven courses in the derby discipline.
Discipline Context
This event falls under the High Performance Hunter discipline, specifically within the USHJA International Hunter Derby program. These classes are designed to bring the tradition of hunting in the field back to the show ring, emphasizing brilliance, athletic ability, and "handiness." These regional championships are essential qualifying and preparation events for the national finals, where the best hunter combinations in the country converge to vie for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.
Quick Facts
- Winner: Victoria Colvin and Golden Road
- Horse Owner: John and Stephanie Ingram, LLC
- Event: $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby North Central Regional Championship
- Location: Traverse City Spring Series, Flintfields Horse Park, MI
- Course Designer: Meghan Rawlins
- Total Score: 391.5
- Runner Up: Courtney Lenkart and Allegretto
Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.