This year’s Sunday Brunch is going to be a stunning mix of blues, what do you think?
We are SO excited for the Chicago Hunter Derby!
When attending the 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby, you’ll notice the immaculately landscaped grounds, the beautiful course of vintage jumps, the glamorous tent with delicious food and flowing champagne. You’ll pass by the row of boutique quality shops and gaze at the dozens of beautiful show horses competing with top name riders from across the country. What you won’t readily see is the force driving the spectacular weekend, a group who call themselves, Chicago Equestrians for a Cause.Founded by Rush & Caroline Weeden (Brookwood Farm), Lynn Jayne (Our Day Farm) and Margaret Benjamin, The Mission of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause is to showcase high-level equestrian events with the express purpose of raising funds for selected charitable institutions in the Chicago area. The group is planning to grow to include members from local stables to reach out to a more regional area.“Horse shows used to benefit charities in the past and we have grown away from that,” said member Margaret Benjamin. “It would be wonderful to get back to that.”
The list of sponsors continues to grow. To date, the following sponsors have made significant contributions, which is helping to make this event one of the best derbies in the country.
Canadian Pacific is this year’s International Sponsor, making it possible for the International Derby to offer $50,000 in prize money for the exhibitors of the International derby.
ABBA Vet Supply will be presenting the $5,000 National Derby, which will take place on Saturday, September 7. Barrington Saddlery, a Gold Sponsor, will be selling their products all weekend under the tent, and will also be partnering with Chicago Equestrians for a Cause for a fall equestrian fashion segment on WGN TV Mid-day news! Le Fash has come on board with some very exciting ideas to make this year’s Derby even more fashionable. In addition to supplying gift certificates for the top 12 lady riders in both derbies, Le Fash will be sponsoring a “best dressed” award for Sunday’s luncheon, with the winner receiving a gift certificate for a Le Fash shirt. Finally, the National Hunter Derby has been designated a Le Fash “Wear it & Win It Challenge”ä class. If the winning rider is wearing a Le Fash shirt, the company will donate $500 to the USHJA Foundation in the rider’s name. Barrington Saddlery will have plenty of Le Fash shirts in stock for riders to purchase and be eligible for the donation. 
For the gentlemen riding in the derbies, Good Threads is donating custom 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby needle point belts to the top three male ribbon winners. Good Threads is a non-profit company, and each belt they sell feeds a child in the Dominican Republic for a month! The company will be selling belts and taking orders under the tent all weekend as well. Angel’s Envy Bourbon has come on board for Sunday’s luncheon, providing a custom bar and a mixologist creating and serving mint juleps and bourbon punch! Gene and Georgetti, Chicago’s oldest and one of its finest steakhouses, has graciously sponsored all the refreshments and wine for the weekend, ensuring a great time will be had by all! Chicago Magazine, is once again, the exclusive print media partner of the Chicago Hunter Derby.
Rocco Fiore & Sons, of Libertyville, will be providing all of the landscaping services that enable this event to be one of the most beautiful derbies in the country.
Tickets Now Available – For Saturday, September 7th, general seating is available along with a lunch by Chef Paul Catering, to take in the $5,000 National Derby, presented by ABBA Vet Supply, and the first round of the $50,000 International Derby, sponsored by Canadian Pacific. The National Derby will begin at 10:00 am, lunch served at 12:00 pm, and the International Derby will start at approximately 2:00pm. In lieu of tickets, a suggested donation of $25.00 will be accepted at the door to benefit the three charities.The USHJA International Hunter Derby final round on Sunday, September 8th, offers VIP tickets only. Spectators may enjoy “A Day in the Country” which includes bar, appetizers and a luncheon by Chef Paul Catering in the ticket price.
Spectators will enjoy watching some of the top riders and horses in the country compete in the event over one of the most beautiful and detailed courses ever built. Horses will be judged by some of the top judges in the sport including the legendary George H. Morris (the former US equestrian team Olympic Coach), Geoff Teal, Steve Wall and Scott Williamson. Topped off with fabulous food and shopping, it is an event you won’t want to miss.
The 2013 Chicago Hunter Derby is one of the most prestigious single events of its kind in the country raising over $300,000 for their charities.
