As we watched John French and Rumba during their first round at the inaugural USHJA Hunter Derby Finals – thanks Equestrian Life for the streaming video and rider interviews! – it was evident that something special was happening between an incredible horse and rider combination. You know you are a true hunter fan when the image of Rumba rolling himself into a perfect ball over the last fence, the USHJA jump, of the first round gives you goosebumps and brings tears to your eyes!
Our editor grew up riding in the Woodside/Portola Valley area of California in the late 80′s – early 90′s, where riders like John French, Cindy Brooks, and Lise Quintero were not only national superstars, but local heroes. What we have always loved most about John is his incredibly subtle, soft, and positive ride. His level of interference with the horse is so minimal/invisible, the image is more of horse carrying rider, rather than man riding horse, around the course. To those that say riding hunters is easy, we would encourage them to watch John and Rumba’s three Derby Finals’ rounds. Only a master can make it look that easy!
Best of all, French’s quiet, unassuming nature out of the irons mirrors his approach in the saddle and belies his status as a superstar, genius talent. How lovely that such a person ended up bringing home the coveted prize at this historic event.
For their part, we think the USHJA overwhelmingly achieved their goal of creating an exciting, spectator-friendly hunter championship. The positivity of the riders was contagious and the courses were challenging. The mood of the crowd, both at the Kentucky Horse Park and those 30,000 that watched via Equestrian Life, was electric. As hunter fans, we all share the immense thrill of watching a discipline transform itself and create a new image of the hunter ring for generations of young riders.
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Bravo John French!!