Nick Haness & Reese’s Ride to Sweet Success in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Pro, Sponsored by Kardel Global Equine
Photo © ESI Photography
For Immediate Release:
THERMAL, Calif. – February 21, 2020 – Nick Haness (Temecula, CA) and Reese’s earned top honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – Pro, sponsored by Kardel Global Equine, scoring a 93 in the first round and 95 in the handy round for a combined score of 188. Jenny Karazissis (Calabasas, CA) and Vespucci SM, owned by Shelly Kerron, rode to second with scores of 91 and 94. Jamie Taylor (Tarzana, CA) and Cornelensky, owned by Spyglass Hill, received scores of 92 and 92 for an overall third place finish.
“The course was really fun to ride today – a lot of long lines and it’s really fun to gallop around the ring; it had a lot of places to showcase a special hunter.” Haness commented on the course. “All my fellow exhibitors before me set the tone right away and did all the inside turns. They put the pressure on me to maintain my lead and I just felt Reese’s was in a really good place today,” noted Haness.
Photo © ESI Photography
Reese’s, owned by West Coast Equine Partners, LLC, has been partnered with Haness since he was a four-year-old. “We imported Reese’s from Germany a couple years back. I owned him myself for the first part of his career before West Coast Equine Partners, LLC bought him from me, for me,” shared Haness. “They’ve let me keep him, produce him, and let him shine. We’ve become a nice partnership together and he’s a really special horse to me.”
Although Reese’s is only seven he already has multiple Derby wins. “I think this is now his career eighth derby win, which is pretty impressive for his age,” Haness noted. “Last show season was his first year stepping into the National Derby scene, where he had a great year.” Haness continued, “This year during the Desert Circuit, I think this is his second National Derby win, so we are really excited.”
Haness will remain at the Desert International Horse Park for the duration of Desert Circuit with Reese’s competing in the 3’6” Green Hunter division. “I have no words for my Reese’s horse. I love him to pieces… Reese’s Pieces, we call him in the barn,” remarked Haness.
About the Desert International Horse Park
With nearly 1.3 million square feet of competition and riding space, the Desert International Horse Park is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America. Offering multiple weeks of world-class equestrian competition from October through March, the facility is a destination location for thousands of equestrians, their horses, family and friends for several months annually. Competitors from all over the world travel to Thermal, CA to not only compete but to enjoy everything the desert has to offer.