Traverse City, Mich. – June 28, 2018 – Set along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is home to the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), where the nation’s leading horses and riders come together each summer for six consecutive weeks of top-notch competition. One of the most highly anticipated events of the circuit is the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which is proudly sponsored this year by Copper Fox LLC.
Scheduled to take place in the spacious Grand Prix Ring during Week IV of GLEF on Saturday, July 28, the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby always draws a large crowd of spectators for an exciting and competitive two-round competition with some of the country’s top hunter derby combinations.
In 2017, the prestigious class was claimed by 2016 defending champion Courtney Calcagnini of South Haven Farm, based in Bartonville, Texas, aboard Lori Mathew’s Bowie after an impressive display of athleticism and style. Calcagnini will be returning to GLEF again this year on the hunt for her third consecutive title.
GLEF is thrilled to partner with Copper Fox LLC, a distinguished equestrian sales business specializing in buying, selling and importing elite hunter/jumper horses, as the generous sponsor of this year’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Similar to GLEF, Copper Fox LLC takes pride in its strong values of excellence and integrity. Based in Michigan, Copper Fox LLC is dedicated to sourcing promising young horses and developing them to excel in the show ring at some of the finest competitions in the country with both professional and amateur riders.
“I am so excited to sponsor GLEF 2018 through Copper Fox LLC,” said Kendall Meijer of Copper Fox LLC. “Traverse City is such a wonderful place to spend the summer. From the sunsets and beaches to the restaurants — my favorite is Trattoria Stella — and spending Mondays on Torch Lake, it really is a spectacular place to be.
“As a born and raised Michigander, I am proud to sponsor my favorite horse show, which happens to be right here in Michigan,” continued Meijer. “The hunters hold a special place in my heart and I think the international derbies are one of the most exciting hunter events to exist. I am thrilled to be involved. Since the bulk of Copper Fox LLC’s horses are hunters, sponsoring the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was a perfect fit! Good luck to everyone this summer and see you at the ring!”
The team at Copper Fox LLC consists of Meijer and mother-daughter duo, Cathy and Hillary Johnson. Meijer is a decorated rider who hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and currently competes in the Amateur-Owner Hunter and Adult Hunter divisions. She has collected numerous top results with many of the talented Copper Fox LLC horses, including piloting Moonwalk to the division championship in the Amateur-Owner 18–35 3’3″ Hunter division at the prestigious National Horse Show in 2017.
Professional rider and trainer, Hillary enjoys bringing along some of the younger up-and-coming horses at Copper Fox LLC through the professional hunter ranks. Some of her most notable achievements include earning the 2016 high score award in the Green Working Hunter division at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) as well as achieving the National Horse of the Year title in the Second Year Green Hunter division.
Cathy is also an integral part of the Copper Fox LLC team, bringing over 30 years of experience and knowledge to the table running her own Meadowview Farm out of Lowell, Michigan. After previously training both Meijer and Hillary, Cathy continues to live out her passion working with horses at Copper Fox LLC. She has a keen ability to spot talent and potential in young horses and works with Hillary to plan their training and show programs.
The team at Copper Fox LLC is currently gearing up to compete at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, which runs from July 4–Aug. 12 at the stunning Flintfields Horse Park. For more information about Copper Fox LLC and their available horses for sale, visit www.copperfoxllc.com.
The entry deadline for GLEF Weeks IV, V and VI is July 11. Entries are still being accepted for Weeks I, II and III based on stall availability and on a first come, first serve basis until sold out. Submit your stall reservations and entries for this year’s circuit as soon as possible here.
For more information on how to become a sponsor of the 2018 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, click here and contact Nicolle Meyer at nicky@mmg.management or call 440-258-5099.
The team at Morrissey Management Group and the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival are dedicated to providing top-notch customer service for those attending this year’s event. If you would like assistance in booking housing arrangements for the 2018 circuit, please email concierge@mmg.management.
