Hillary Dobbs Dominates Derby at Falsterbo

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – US Show Jumper Hillary Dobbs went to Falsterbo Horse Show in Sweden to jump in Europe for the very first time. The 20-year-old Harvard University student may have been looking for some experience. She also found a big win.

Riding Corlett, she was one of two US riders to jump in the Swedbank Derby. It was her first attempt at a Derby class in her first European show, but no one would have ever guessed.

“She was just brilliant,” said Chef d'Equipe Melanie Smith Taylor. “She was the youngest winner ever, and the winner automatically gets invited back next year.”

29 horses started the class, having qualified in the two speed classes earlier at the show, plus the 2007 winner. The other American rider, Charlie Jayne, finished seventh­ ­– having just one rail down in the pouring rain on an afternoon when only two jumped clear.

Dobbs and The Dobbs Group's 11-year-old mare Corlett were the only pair to jump double clear. “Hillary was so focused and determined,” said Smith Taylor. “She is as cool as they come and Corlett was brilliant.

The challenging true derby test included a ditch, a grave and a huge bank which was approached after riders galloped out of the arena, through the crowds and re-entered the ring at the top of the bank. They then made their way down its face and jumped a very airy vertical two strides later. With an optimum time was three minutes, this was a unique competition.

“Hillary had never done a bank like that, or a derby at all,” said Smith Taylor. “She rode like she'd been doing it all her life.”