Derek Braun began his career as a competitive rider in the junior ranks. Victories at the 2001 USET Equitation Finals East and the 2002 Prix de States Team Championship helped launch his professional riding career. Turning professional in 2002, Derek went on to earn numerous Grand Prix victories across the United States and represented the United States in the FEI Nations Cup in 2013. 

In 2015, Derek founded the Split Rock Jumping Tour, which has since grown into one of North America's premier show jumping organizations. Under his leadership, the tour has organized more than 75 international competitions, including numerous FEI 5* events, FEI World Cup Qualifiers, the Junior Hunter National Championships, Amateur Championships, and the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.