Isop Braves the Rain for Impressive Derby Performances, Morera and Symbolique Clinch Grand Champion at 2025 Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular
Hannah Isop persevered through inclement conditions to place three horses in the top four in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Saratoga Women In Business (WIB) Spectacular. Later in the day, Erin Morera and Symbolique, owned by Morera Equine LLC, were honored as the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champions. The Saratoga WIB Spectacular hosts a week full of exciting events and stellar competition through Sunday, July 14, including World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) qualifying and educational opportunities.
Following the first round of the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the rings were put on hold due to a thunderstorm rolling through the area. The lightning and thunder passed and as Isop entered the ring for the second round, heavy rain began to fall again. The rain continued to pour through all three of her rides, but Isop relied on her partnerships to persevere and succeed.
Isop won the derby on Selene, owned by Christine Watkins, with scores of 172 and 193 for a total of 365. Isop has had the ride on the 10-year-old Westphalian mare by Cellestial x Stakkato for a year and a half when Watkins purchased her to replace Isop’s top mount Red Ryder, the horse she rode to the reserve championship in the 2022 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. They have been competing in the Green Hunters 3’9” and the derbies.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with her,” said Isop. “I think she’s just as special as Red Ryder. She really gives you the feeling that you can do anything. Saying that, I had a little bit of a rider error in round one, which I was mad at myself about, because I thought she went brilliantly. I was really happy how she came back in the second round. It was literally in the pouring rain. I don’t think I’ve shown any of them in rain like that!”
The Saratoga WIB Spectacular, held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY, is the first-ever horse show created by women, operated by women, benefitting women’s health, and showcasing businesswomen throughout the equestrian industry and beyond.
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