The Clear Round Derby at Fitch's Corner in Millbrook, NY on June 4, 2011 benefiting the True Prospect Fire Relief Fund for Boyd Martin was a success on all levels. The attendance was overwhelming, with 64 horses participating and 135 rides over the stadium and cross-country derby courses.
A huge number of riders took advantage of the 2'6" beginner novice course, with some having their first cross-country experience and others with their young horses making their cross-country debut. The first beginner novice ride was at 9:00am and the final training ride went out at 4:30pm for a full day of jumping fun on a picture perfect day.
The benefit raised $6,250 which will be donated to the American Horse Trials Foundation, to be directed to Boyd Martin who tragically lost six horses and the barn with its contents at Phillip Dutton’s True Prospect Farm in West Grove, PA. The staff at Fitch's Corner donated their time including secretary Sunny Cross, course designer and judge Chris Barnard and farm manager Nick Meyers.
Fitch's Corner is a private farm owned by Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels who own two horses ridden by Boyd: they are members of the Otis Barbotiere Syndicate and owners of PartyBoy with Nick Meyers. Fitch's Corner hosted a sold-out clinic with Boyd and Silva Martin over Memorial Day Weekend. The farm will be the venue for the USEA Area 1 Championships July 22-23-24 as part of their annual horse trials.
