World Championship Hunter Rider program officials have selected Mindful as their Hunter of the Year. The 11-year-old gelding will receive the Peter Wetherill Cup during the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular for his achievement.

“Good horses try to win, and he tries to win all the time,” said Kelley Farmer of Mindful.

“Usually you don’t think of Todd Minikus as the first phone call you’re going to make when you’re looking for someone to ride your show hunters.” But Susan Wagner tapped him to ride LPF Woodford at Washington, which paid off with the reserve high performance hunter title.

If you’re a serious hunter fan, chances are you already have a favorite or two for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship on Aug. 15-16. It’s easy to name the top contenders, but it’s always fun to have another reason to have a sentimental favorite. After all, you already know why you should cheer for frequent winners Brunello and Jersey Boy.

I’m lucky enough to follow the derby circuit and many of its participants pretty closely for the Chronicle, and can attest that there are lots of interesting pairs that will be at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Jimmy Torano will be putting his saddle on the Lane Change Farm entries at this year’s USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, Aug. 22-23 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

Kelley Farmer was slated to ride seven Lane Change horses at Championships, but she broke her collarbone on Aug. 3 during a fall at a derby at Equifest II (Ill.). She went in for surgery yesterday, Aug. 11.