Enchanted wins Canadian Hunter Derby Championship

10 November 2017

For the second time in her career Erynn Ballard was able to win the prestigious Canadian Hunter Derby National Championship, this time aboard the 6yo Enchanted. This mare is sired by Bustique and was sold in the 2016 edition of the Dutch Sport Horse Sales.

The top 20 hunter derby combinations in the country were qualified for this championship and after two nights of competition, it resulted in a tie for Erynn Ballard and Enchanted and the title defenders Darcy Hayes and Say When. Ultimately a tie-breaker gave Ballard the title, riding the 6yo hunter phenom Enchanted, formerly known as Gonique DN.

Very special horse
Ballard spoke to her history with Enchanted, explaining that she found the talented young mare at the Dutch Sport Horse Sales in 2016. “Paul Hendrix said ‘I want you to try this horse’, and I said, ‘Paul, I am never going to buy this horse. She is too big, she’s a mare, she is five years old, I am definitely not buying her.’ I rode her the first day and did not giv her much time, and then I watched the video and I had to call Paul and say, ‘You’re right and I’m wrong. Can I please try her again, I really like her!’”, laughs Ballard. “Enchanted is a very special horse. She is very sure of herself for a six-year-old. To go into that pressure situation and to do so well is great. She rose to the occasion. She had every right to be tired, she had every right to make a mistake because she is just six. The horses were rubbing the jumpbs a little bit, but Enchanted didn’t touch one. So I think she likes the crowd, she knew it was important and she gave me her best effort!”