Michael Leon and C Coast Z Champion, $1,000 USHJA Hunter Derby

After winning the LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus last year with Freedom (Anna Sophia Lotman, owner), Michael Leon started off the year with another victory in the $1,000 USHJA Hunter Derby, this time aboard C Coast Z (Anna Sophia Lotman, owner). “We just purchased C Coast Z for Anna Sophia to do the Junior Hunters and hunter derbies,” Michael shared. “He won the 2011 International Hunter Derby Final in Kentucky. He’s very easy and experienced for Anna Sophia to learn on.”

Michael will also go for the bonus on his Carrera. “After the first round, C Coast Z had about a nine point lead with a score of 89 and Carrera was in seventh place after a minor mistake on course,” Michael recalled. “So in the handy round, I just kept it simple with C Coast Z and showed off his big stride and jumping style.” In the handy round, Michael’s horse, Carrera nearly edged out C Coast Z, scoring 85 and 87 respectively. When the final scores were tallied, Michael won the class with C Coast Z and placed fourth on Carrera.

source: LEGIS - photo: Flying Horse