Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my sister and dad ride at our family farm during clinics with legendary trainers such as George Morris, Jeff Cook, Melone Taylor Smith, and Ann Selinger Cox—George was practically family as he and my grandmother grew up together, rode together and both won ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Trophy. Inspired by those experiences, I dreamed of the day I could ride myself.
I began showing at six years old in lead line and walk-trot classes and quickly became the kind of “barn rat” out at our farm wanting to help with everything—summer camps, riding any horse I could, and spending every spare moment at the barn. In 2021, I competed in my first hunter classes before transitioning to equitation the following year, where I found my true passion.
In 2024, I faced a turning point when my trainer left our barn. I made the decision to move to a new program 180 miles away in order to keep growing into the rider I wanted to become. Though it ended my season early, it proved to be one of the best choices I’ve made. By 2025, I was back in the show ring, competing in the 3’3” Junior Hunters and later in Medal classes including the NHS Hamel Foundation, NCEA, Hunt Seat Medal, and Jump Seat. With consistent placings throughout the season, I qualified for the IHSA/USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal Finals and the NHS Hamel Foundation Finals, with my goal set on competing back east. I am now showing at 3’-6” and starting to compete in the Dover and Maclay. I am hoping to be able to carry on the family tradition by winning the Maclay just like my Grandma and George.
Outside of riding, I am a junior (Class of 2027) at Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, WA. On my free time I play lacrosse, I maintain a 3.5 GPA while taking AP classes and have a strong interest in both criminal justice and equine science. Whether in the classroom, on the field or in the arena, I strive to challenge myself, work hard, and continue growing toward my goals.
~ Jacqueline “Jay” Derham