Whether it’s in an international hunter derby or the adult amateur hunters, Big Shot always rises to the occasion, and the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding did it again on Sunday, December 15. With longtime owner Dulcie Lou Morris in the irons, Big Shot earned the win in the 2’6”-2’9” Child/Adult Hunt & Go Derby, presented by Free Ride Equestrian.
Dulcie Lou Morris and Big Shot. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The pair earned scores of 82 and 86 for a winning total of 168. Second place with scores of 82 and 84 went to Kathryn Padilla and Way Maker, and Anja Reed and Kalvador took third with scores of 81 and 83.
“It feels so good!” said Morris, who graduated from Colgate University in May. “I haven’t been showing for a while because I’ve been at college and everything. I just have been riding this summer, and I thought I might show a little bit. This was just random, but it was so fun to do! I think it’s so awesome that there’s a 2’6”-2’9” hunt & go derby.”
Dulcie Lou Morris and Big Shot. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Morris purchased Big Shot eight years ago, and together the pair found great success in the junior hunters. Now, the gelding can more often be found in the derby ring and the professional divisions with Jenny Karazissis.
“We got him as a baby, and he came up the ranks,” said Morris. “The only people who have really ridden him are me, Jenny and her daughter, Katrina, so it’s really special. Jenny will do him in the 4’ and do the [WCHR Hunter] Spectacular and do the big derbies with him, but he’ll go do the adult amateurs with me if I want to. That’s so special. I don’t feel like there are many horses that compete at that level still and then can just step down and do it with me and be perfect.”
Click here to view results of the 2’6”-2’9” Child/Adult Hunt & Go Derby, presented by Free Ride Equestrian.