March 1, 2026, Myakka City, Florida. This year marked the debut of the USHJA Outreach Program within TerraNova’s Winter Series, offering riders an accessible and educational pathway into the rated hunter/jumper ring.
With affordable entry fees and access to the same professionally designed rated courses and fences, the Outreach divisions provide competitors with valuable experience over technical tracks in a supportive, confidence-building environment. The program creates a bridge between schooling shows and rated competition, supporting the development of horses and riders while expanding participation in the sport.
JP Godard, Assistant Show Manager at TerraNova, believes the Outreach Program serves a vital role within the sport.
“It’s a great program to help step riders up who may not be as familiar with rated shows,” Godard says. “It allows them to experience a rated competition at a lower cost and in a welcoming environment. It really helps bridge the gap between grassroots events and the rated horse show circuit. The Outreach Program schedule and class offerings here at TerraNova have worked really well, and from the riders I spoke with this week, the response has been very positive. It’s been exciting to see how popular it’s already becoming.”
Another popular highlight of the Winter Series has been the Hunter Derbies at TerraNova. Earlier this week, the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by Bridleberry Leather Tack Co. saw amateur-owner Betsy Aliffi and her 11-year-old mount, Talk To Me, claim top honors in a competitive field. The growing momentum behind the derby divisions reflects both the strength of the USHJA program and TerraNova’s ability to deliver a premier hunter experience.
“The derbies are a fantastic and widely popular USHJA program, and TerraNova is an ideal venue for them,” Godard says. “The jumps flow beautifully, and the hunter ring is one of the nicest on any winter circuit, it really showcases the horses. We’ve even had riders travel in from other shows to compete in our derby classes, and the numbers have grown each week.”
As TerraNova continues to establish itself as one of Florida’s premier winter circuits, the 2026 Winter Series has reflected measurable growth, welcoming new exhibitors, increased entries, and growing interest for seasons to come.
“We’ve welcomed many new exhibitors this year, some who came specifically for the derby and others who simply wanted to see the property,” Godard says. “What we consistently hear is how different TerraNova feels from other winter circuits. It’s spacious, less congested, and offers fewer distractions, especially for young horses. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already receiving calls from riders hoping to get on next year’s schedule.”
For Emily Terry Peterson of Cornerstone Farm South in Naples, Florida, TerraNova has become a winter staple. After three seasons at the venue, she says the decision to return each year gets easier.
“We’ve been coming to TerraNova for the past three years, and we absolutely love it,” Peterson says. “Over that time, we’ve seen the show grow tremendously, especially this year. I think more people are starting to see the beauty of the property and the space it offers our horses. The open atmosphere, beautiful fences, great footing, and wonderful people really set it apart. We won’t be wintering anywhere else if we can help it!”
Beyond the competition rings, Peterson notes that TerraNova supports riders at every level and offers a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
“Each ring here really challenges a different type of horse, which I love,” she explains. “We even had a child qualifying for Junior Hunter Finals, and where else are you going to get a hunter ring like that? She was prepared because she was exposed to the right atmosphere. That’s a big reason I bring my hunters, my jumpers, and my little kids here. One day they’ll go to finals too, why not start now? It’s also such a family atmosphere. My daughter Willow has practically grown up here, everyone knows her, she has her own little fan club. Tiny Town and the entire atmosphere here make it fun, it never feels like work.”
Christina Kelly Dominates the $20,000 Marsh McLennan Agency 1.35m TerraNova Prix with First and Second Place Finishes
Christina Kelly secured both first and second place in today’s $20,000 Marsh McLennan Agency 1.35m TerraNova Prix. Aboard Qatar, Kelly claimed the top spot, while her second mount, Mr. Jackson B, finished as runner-up. Both horses delivered fast, fault-free first rounds, posting times of 72.912 and 72.419 seconds respectively, nearly ten seconds under the time allowed.
In the jump-off, Qatar sealed the victory with an impressive 33.827-second effort, while Mr. Jackson B followed closely in 35.728 seconds. Kelly and Qatar ultimately relied on a strategic track, efficient tight turns, and the horse’s exceptional scope to secure the win.
Samuel Parot (CHI), who has been on a TerraNova feature-class winning streak since Week 1, rounded out the podium with Top Gun Z. The pair produced two fault-free rounds and stopped the clock in 36.953 seconds to take third place. Competition continues with the TerraNova Winter Series Week 4. Tickets are on sale now for Saturday’s Ringside Luncheon and Sunday Family Breakfast.