February 27, 2026, Myakka City, Florida. Betsy Aliffi and her 11-year-old mount Talk To Me claimed victory in today’s $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by Bridleberry Leather Co., delivering two stunning rounds to secure the win in their TerraNova debut.
“I love doing the derbies, and my horse does too,” Aliffi says. “He doesn’t know where he’s going next, so that actually works in our favor!”
Despite it being her first time competing at TerraNova, and her first time riding a hunter derby course at the venue, the pair produced two polished efforts. They earned an 81 in the first round to sit in second place, just behind first-round leader Allisha Fell and Preacher, who posted an 83. Returning for the handy round, Aliffi capitalized on a well-planned track and a seamless trot fence to climb the leaderboard and secure the win.
“It was a wonderful course,” she says. “The first round was very straightforward, and the handy was really fun. It had options that let you take tight turns or go in different directions, which made it interesting, and the jumps were just beautiful!”
The Hunter Derbies at TerraNova consistently draw seasoned competitors and experienced derby horses, but Aliffi credits focus as the key to her success.
“I try not to think too much about the other competitors,” she explains. “Instead, I focus on the course, and I concentrate on what I need to do out there because it can be easy to go off course in a handy. I encourage other amateurs to do as many derbies as possible, they’re so much fun, and the horses usually really love them!”
Aliffi and Talk To Me compete together in the Amateur-Owner divisions and have contested derbies at major venues, including Tryon International and the World Equestrian Center. This week marked their first appearance at TerraNova, and it left a lasting impression.
“The facility is just beautiful,” Aliffi says. “The jumps are lovely, and we’re very excited to be here. I really hope we come back, it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
$10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby: Order of Finish
| Place | Rider | Horse | Round 1 | Round 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Betsy Aliffi | Talk To Me | 81 | 87 | 168 |
| 2 | Keri Lee Guanciale | Blue Harbor | 79 | 86 | 165 |
| 3 (tie) | Allisha Fell | Starboy | – | – | – |
| 3 (tie) | Emily Terry Peterson (USA) | Linden | 75 | 80 | 155 |
| 4 | Vick Russell | Starboy | 77 | 72 | 149 |
| 5 | Allisha Fell | Preacher | 83 | 44 | 127 |
| 6 | Quinn Larimer Allen | Tyrus | 64 | 43 | 107 |
Another Win for Samuel Parot and Chrystal Blue in the $24,999 The Estates at TerraNova Welcome Prix
Samuel Parot’s (CHI) success throughout Weeks 1 and 2 of TerraNova’s Winter Series carried seamlessly into Week 3, as he claimed victory in the $24,999 The Estates at TerraNova Welcome Prix. After producing a fault-free first round, Parot and Chrystal Blue returned for the jump-off and delivered a blazing clear effort in 31.760 seconds to secure the win.
Morgan Ashby (USA) and Paola-Fee de Laubry Z finished a close second, also jumping double clear and stopping the clock in 32.600 seconds, just 0.84 seconds off Parot’s winning time. Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen (USA) and Shamonix SF rounded out the top three with two fault-free rounds and a jump-off time of 34.148 seconds.
Last week, Parot explained its Chrystal Blue’s unique combination of speed, scope, and ability to turn tightly as the key to their success in the ring.
“He’s special because he turns so well,” Parot explains. “He’s naturally fast, but he also has fantastic scope, that’s how we are able to win. That balance makes him very competitive.”
It was during Week 1 of TerraNova’s Winter Series that Parot started his winning streak when he piloted his mare Tiffany De Olid to victory in the $32,000 Howard Leasing 1.45m FEI Welcome Speed. Drawing first in the order, a position often considered a disadvantage, Parot set a bold early pace that none of the remaining 41 riders were able to surpass.
Parot’s momentum continued last week, when he and Chrystal Blue topped a field of 25 international riders to win the $65,000 Stephex USA FEI Grand Prix with a fault-free performance and a blazing 39.66-second jump-off. He returned the following day to claim the $20,000 Blalock Walters TerraNova Prix, securing feature victories on two different horses.
But for Parot, TerraNova represents more than just another successful stop on the winter calendar. Over the years, the venue has become a consistent highlight on his schedule, combining top-level competition with an atmosphere that keeps him coming back season after season.
“The people are welcoming, the facility is beautiful, and I’ve been lucky enough to win some Grand Prix classes here, which makes it even more special,” Parot says. “The top riders all come because everything is run so well. The footing, the setup, everything is done right. And most importantly, the horses love it here. That always makes a difference.”
$24,999 The Estates at TerraNova Welcome Prix: Order of Finish
| Place | Rider | Horse | Round 1 | Jump-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samuel Parot (CHI) | Chrystal Blue | 0 | 72.939 | 0 | 31.760 |
| 2 | Morgan Ashby (USA) | Paola-Fee de Laubry Z | 0 | 72.251 | 0 | 32.600 |
| 3 | Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen (USA) | Shamonix SF | 0 | 69.609 | 0 | 34.148 |
| 4 | Samuel Parot (CHI) | Top Gun Z | 0 | 71.603 | 4 | 31.347 |
| 5 | Samuel Parot (CHI) | Contigo Z | 0 | 73.416 | 4 | 31.894 |
| 6 | Todd Minikus (USA) | Chacoons Bellis Z | 4 | 70.826 | – |
| 7 | Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen (USA) | Gabriel | 4 | 73.282 | – |
| 8 | Alice Cassidy | Chrissiemissy | 4 | 74.703 | – |
| 9 | Morgan Ashby (USA) | Kilkenny Ecco | 9 | 76.907 | – |
| 10 | Alice Cassidy | Dustie MHB | 12 | 72.720 | – |