ABOUT DEREK BRAUN

Derek Braun, a recent graduate of Rollins College, began riding horses at the age of 7. His riding career took off at 15 years old when he relocated to Ocala, Florida to train with Quiet Hill Farm. From that point on his learning curve was dramatically increased resulting in numerous national placings. Among those accomplishments as a junior rider include: Winner of the BET/USET Talent Search Finals (national championship) 2001, 3rd place National Medal Finals 2002, Gold Medal Prix De States Junior Jumper Championships 2002. Derek also received the Best Child Rider notation during the Winter Equestrian Festival, HITS Ocala winter circuit, and the Capital Challenge Horse Show during his junior career. Bob Braswell had the largest impact on Derek’s success during the junior ranks however he received input from many other well accomplished equestrians such as: Chris Kappler, George Morris, Frank Madden, Lauren Hough, and Debbie Stephens.

Following his junior career, Derek went on to work for Debbie Stephens, and extremely decorated international jumper rider/trainer, for one year. As an amateur rider in 2003 Derek went on to win the Amateur Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, Holland. The next year he turned professional and began his career at the highest international level of Show Jumping. Derek has competed at various venues around the world including: Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada, Valkenswaard, Holland, and at various shows throughout Germany. During the summer of 2006 he trained and competed in Germany with Soren Von Ronne, a former German National Champion and Team European Gold Medalist. During the summer of 2007, while then just out of college, Derek posted numerous top 3 finishes at the international Grand Prix level. These previous experiences have now molded Derek into the trainer/rider/competitor that he is today. Future goals are nothing short of becoming the best possible equestrian he can be. As for competition goals, Derek aspires to not only compete at the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics, but become the outright champion.