Heartvit ZH made the transition from FEI into the hunter ring last year and has taken to his new job quite well. The 12-year-old Czech Warmblood stallion (Forever van de Noordheuvel x Caesar) has won two consecutive hunter derbies in his new lifestyle, topping Saturday’s Amy Brattebo Real Estate Hunter Derby at the April Season Opener.
With Tracey Epp (CAN) aboard, the duo’s international show jumping background helped them navigate Kirsten Rodel’s derby track. Jumping up to the CSI3* level, the jumps are now quite easy for Heartvit ZH, but he’s also flashy enough to catch attention.
“I thought the course was lovely,” Epp said. “He’s an ex-jumper so I was able to showcase some of the turns nicely, which was very helpful. You just look and he goes. The three-star experience helped him out a little bit.”
The score earned over the course was a 104, handing Epp and Heartvit the win by a margin of only one point. Light My Fire took second place with Ashley Arnoldt aboard for Jennifer Arnoldt, and OXO Van de Bien was third with Allison Lagan in the irons for Joanne Dixon.
Heartvit ZH is a breeding stallion, and he’s an appealing option for those wanting both hunters and jumpers alike.
“He has a lot of offspring that do jumpers in Europe,” Epp explained. “Last year was his first year doing the hunters so we’re starting that way of life.”
Still ahead are more big challenges, which Epp believes Heartvit can rise to. Last year the stallion was fifth at Derby Finals in Toronto at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and she hopes to bring him back for a higher placing this year.
Amy Brattebo Real Estate Open 3’6″ Canadian Hunter Derby
Horse / Rider / Nationality / Owner / Score
- Heartvit ZH / Tracey Epp / CAN / Tracey Epp / 104
- Light My Fire / Ashley Arnoldt / CAN / Jennifer Arnoldt / 103
- OXO Van de Bien / Allison Lagan / CAN / Joanne Dixon / 98
- Cold Brew / Olivia Buffoni / CAN / Ashleigh Taylor / 91
- Follow Suit / Georgia Hunt / CAN / Ellen Brown / 89
- Diamond Contender VF / Ava Mikkelsen / CAN / Lauren Mercer / 86
- Morrison / Olivia Alstad / CAN / Anika Kasian / 59
- Lovely PJ / Mairead Gurney / CAN / Robyn Kopala / 86
