It's a premier equestrian event - but at very down home prices.
A weekend pass for the 5th annual Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby is only $25 and single days passes, cost even less.
So, what exactly is a hunter derby you ask? It's really two-fold. One part show jumping event-
“If you've never seen horses jumping in competition, these horses are judged and it would be like, say, a format from figure skating,” says course designer Philp Devita.
The second part is something most of us don't see too often - the calling of the hounds - a tradition rooted in European field hunting.
“We bring the hounds and the huntsmen out here and they're all in their hunt attire and look quite magnificent and we hear all the hounds barking and the noise that they make and they come through the field and it's quite a show.”
The two-day event begins Friday morning when the gates open at 8 a.m. For the next few days crews will be working hard to prepare the field and promenade for the derby that concludes Saturday afternoon.
“It's perfect for the family. The horses are unbelievable and it's just beautiful out here, it's a little cooler with the grass. It's a great day,” says Jocelyn Lantrip with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
This is the second year that the derby serves as a fundraiser for the food bank.
“Last year they donated $10,000 to our cause which helped us provide 30 meals to those who are hungry, so very significant impact.”
Franktown Meadows Equestrian Center is just past Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley.
Tickets are still available for the event. Just click here for more information.
