Sapphire Riding Academy and Sea Change Farm Return as Major Sponsors of the 2016 Chicago Hunter Derby, Presented by Canadian Pacific
August 8, 2016 - Antioch, IL
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo by The Book LLC
Photo by Aullmyn Photography
The Chicago Hunter Derby, to be held September 9-11, 2016, would not be possible without the support of loyal sponsors, including Sapphire Riding Academy and Sea Change Farm. For the third year in a row, Sapphire Riding Academy generously returns as the exclusive presenting sponsor of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Sapphire Riding Academy will also be presenting the awards for the High Point Junior and the High Point Amateur. Sea Change Farm returns for its second year in support of the Chicago Hunter Derby, sponsoring the $7,500 International Welcome Stake and the $2,500 National Welcome Stake.
“We are extremely appreciative to have such an incredible base of supporters who make it possible for us to not only host the Chicago Hunter Derby, but to continue to improve the event year after year while giving back to the local and equestrian communities,” said Caroline Weeden, co-founder of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause and the Chicago Hunter Derby.
Now in its ninth year, the Chicago Hunter Derby, presented by Canadian Pacific, raises money for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the USHJA Foundation and the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, while running both a $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL.
“We are proud to be sponsors of the USHJA National Hunter Derby for the third year in a row,” said Doug Boyd of Sapphire Riding Academy. “We would like to wish all of the exhibitors good luck and a special thanks to all of the other contributors. We still love the traditional splendor that this event has to offer. It is truly the most magnificent derby course in the United States. The grass field, along with the hills, not to mention jumping in-and-out of the forest, make it such an exciting event for both spectators as well as exhibitors.”
Sapphire Riding Academy is a premier hunter/jumper training facility located in Mettawa, Illinois, offering full-service training with an experienced staff and on-site management to oversee all operations. With seasoned trainer Doug Boyd at the helm, Sapphire Riding Academy’s program is creating champions in all divisions from beginner to grand prix levels. The facilities offer modern amenities including a heated, climate-controlled barn and indoor arena. They are currently expanding their property with an additional five acres of grass turn-out paddocks with beautiful Kentucky fencing. To learn more Sapphire Riding Academy, visit www.sapphireridingacademy.com.
Maria Rasmussen of Sea Change Farm echoed similar sentiments to Boyd regarding the opportunity to be a part of this year’s Chicago Hunter Derby.
“The Chicago Hunter Derby is run by a group of really great people working to support really great causes. I try to be a part of it every year for that reason,” Rasmussen said. “The field and venue are really nice, and the course is always a lot of fun so the horses really get to enjoy being out on the big grass field. From horses to riders to spectators, it’s a great event for everyone.”
Based out of Netzky Family’s Corporate Way, LLC in Mettawa, IL, Sea Change Farm is a leading hunter/jumper riding and training program, led by Rasmussen. With riders competing at all levels from the short stirrup divisions to the grand prix ring, Sea Change Farm prides itself on maintaining a tight-knit, family atmosphere while continually achieving great success in the show ring. Click here to find out more about Sea Change Farm.
To learn more about the Chicago Hunter Derby, presented by Canadian Pacific, please visit www.ChicagoEquestriansForACause.com.
ABOUT CANADIAN PACIFIC
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit www.cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO HUNTER DERBY
Founded by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause (CEC), the Chicago Hunter Derby will return to the beautiful Annali-Brookwood Farm on Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11. The ninth annual stand-alone USHJA hunter derby event will feature a $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and two Welcome Stake classes, all while raising funds for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation and the USHJA Foundation. In 2014 and 2015 alone, the Chicago Hunter Derby raised more than $250,000 in support of these charities, and the unique and popular spectator event continues to grow each year. Visit www.ChicagoEquestriansForACause.com to learn more.
