Category Archives: HITS

Horseshows In The Sun

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals Results Part I

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(C) ESI Photography. Emily Tregidgo and Cancun Z on their way to a $7,500 Adult Jumper Classic.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 12, 2015): The Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals returned to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York Wednesday September 9 and competition was underway for the nation’s most decorated up-and-coming Children’s and Adult Hunter, Jumper and Equitation riders.

Marshall & Sterling 2’6” Adult Medal Final
Thirty-two tested the ten fence course designed by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida in hopes of taking home the Marshall & Sterling 2’6” Adult Medal Final title. Owning the round one high-score of 88, Jayme Shapiro, of Irvington, New York, and Mr. Coffee, secured their place in the second round, along with the other top 11 riders.

Fifth in the round two order, Veronica Tennariello, and Eur-Honor, owned by Alexandra Walsh, navigated their way to a second round score of 77, which added to their round one 78, totaled 155.5 for the lead. The course was trouble for the next few riders until Amy Porchetta and Robert Beck’s Temptation entered the ring ninth. They flowed through the course to add a score of 84 to the 82 they earned in round one, totaling a score of 166 for the top spot.

Ninth to go was Morgan Lanza aboard Fame, owned by Paula Petrone, who cruised to a cool round two score of 84, totaling 165 when added to a round one score of 81 and resulted in a finish just behind the current leader.

Shapiro and her mount closed the class with a majestic trip earning another 88 for a total of 176 and the blue ribbon resulting in a second place finish for Porchetta, third for Lanza and fourth for Tennariello.

Cynthia Weber and Susan Malone’s Showin’Off was awarded fifth place.

$7,500 Adult Jumper Classic
Emily Tregidgo, of New York, New York, and Cancun Z, owned by Showcase 81, LLC, bested a field of their peers with two clean rounds for the blue ribbon and the $7,500 Adult Jumper Classic win.

Only four would go clear over the round one course, designed by Dougherty, and just three would return for the jump-off. First in the order, Alissa Kinsey and her own Grisset were strong over the first two fences but a refusal at the third obstacle, plus 12 time faults, for a time of 60.933 would cost them.

Second to test her luck was Stacey Mahoney and Charisma Blue, owned by CJ Towers. They too struggled with the third fence and had a rail for four faults in a time of 43.727. The final entry in the jump-off, Tregidgo and her mount took their time clearing the course with a fault free time of 47.229 for the win.

Rachel S. Miller and her own Wasco finished in fourth place, followed by Cathleen Driscoll and her own Forever Blue in fifth.

$7,500 Children’s Jumper Classic
It was Sydnie Ziegler’s time to shine in the $7,500 Children’s Jumper Classic and aboard her own VDL Denzo she did just that, taking home first place and a $2,250 check.

(C) ESI Photography. Sydnie Ziegler aboard VDL Denzo
(C) ESI Photography. Sydnie Ziegler aboard VDL Denzo

One of two competitors to go clear over the round one course designed by Dougherty, it was a head to head jump-off round for Ziegler and Grace Dayton riding her own Joe Louis. Ziegler was first to attempt the abbreviated course. Carefully and thoughtfully, she and her mount left the course intact and crossed the timers in a time of 48.120.

Going second in the jump-off round it was Dayton’s chance to steal the show. Zooming over the fences and staying cool under pressure, Dayton had it in the bag until she had a single down rail at the final fence resulting in four faults and a time of 46.006 for second.

Third place was awarded to Joan Reilly and her own Condor. Jessica Deatlenza rode her own Zebrano to fourth place, with Alex Collins and Amir Wagner’s Clautina finishing in fifth place.

$1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic
Day two of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals was another good day for Jayme Shapiro, of Irvington, New York, and Donald Stewart’s Mr. Coffee, who had won the Marshall & Sterling 2’6” Adult Medal Final the day prior. Besting a sizeable class of 67 competitors from across the East Coast, they steered their way to a $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic win with double 88 scores for a total of 176.

Round one competition was challenging and those who found themselves in the top 12 to move on to round two, earned it with preliminary scores all in the 80s. Competition in the second round began to heat up when the seventh entry, Karli Hanson and her own Sail On received a score of 85, which added to their first round 83.5 totaled 168.5 for the lead.

Each rider to follow Hanson hoped to one-up her to take the lead. Tenth to enter the ring, That’s What Girls Like piloted by her owner Colleen Soulias came close when she finished with a score of 81, totaling 168 when added to their round one score of 87, to finish just half a point behind Hanson.

Shapiro was the final entry of the day and saved the best for last. Coming in with an 88, the high score of the day, she cruised up the leaderboard with another 88 to take first, bumping Hanson to second and Soulias to third.

“Jayme just graduated from college, so she’s only been back riding with us for the past few months, but her hard work and dedication really paid off,” said Shapiro’s trainer, Sarah Friedman. “Scoring not one but four 88s in a row is just fantastic. This couldn’t happen to a nicer, more deserving young lady and Coffee is just the most special horse.”

“Kudos to Tom and HITS for giving all of our riders the opportunity to show at these finals. Everyone works hard to qualify and it feels important, so everyone hopes to be successful,” continued Friedman. “It’s so nice that they offer something for every level and we look forward to setting the goal of qualifying for Marshall & Sterling Finals every year.”

Fourth place was awarded to Devin Bokert and her own Two By Two. Clara Louvet and Stay Gold, owned by Patrice Gordon rounded out the top five.

HITS Working Hunter 2’6” Professional
Melissa Feller and So What, owned by Arklys, LLC, were the HITS Working Hunter 2’6” Professional Champions, having received blue ribbons in both Over Fences classes and second in the Under Saddle. Fellers also earned the Reserve title on her second entry, Lazio, owned by Redfield Farm. They placed second in both over fences and fourth in the Under Saddle.

HITS Working Hunter 2’6” Non-Professional
Dawn Von Bernuth’s Uptown Girl piloted by Elspeth Roake was the HITS working Hunter 2’6” Non-Professional Champion, having placed third and first Over Fences and first in the Under Saddle. Reserve Champion Was Meagan McCusker and Clover, owned by Brook Chasin. They were fifth and second Over Fences and second in the Under Saddle.

HITS Working Hunter 2’
The HITS Working Hunter 2’Champion was Annika Srivastava and Patriot, owned by Leslie Kogos. They were second Over Fences and third in the Under Saddle. Reserve Champion was awarded to Ava Nolletti and Autumn Farms’ Woodland’s Berry Hazy who received a first and sixth Over Fences and sixth place in the Under Saddle.

Adequan Working Hunter
Melissa Feller and Holiday Best, owned by Nancy Bloom, were crowned the Adequan Working Hunter Champions after placing first and second Over Fences and first in the Under Saddle. Brian Feigus and Rock Harbour, owned by Alexa DeRosa, received the Reserve ribbon after placing second and first Over Fences and third in the Under Saddle.

Adult Working Hunter
The Adult Working Hunter Champion was Regina Barasch and her own Incognito, with first and second place finishes Over Fences. Reserve honors went to Madison Strony and her own Aye Spy who took home the blue ribbon in the Adult Working Hunter Stake and fourth in the Under Saddle.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hayley Waters Wins Vetera XP Vaccines $250,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix

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(C) ESI Photography. Hayley Waters and Qurint.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 10, 2015): Hayley Waters, of Ocala, Florida, with Qurint, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters, wowed the show jumping world earlier this year winning the $34,000 FEI Jumper Classic at HITS Ocala V, and the unstoppable duo was back at it in Saugerties for the HITS Championship. They did it again, taking home another big check, this time in the Vetera® XP Vaccines $250,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix.

On day one, forty-three riders took a turn over the first round course designed by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida. The track challenged the junior and amateur riders, testing their skills with a potentially big payoff insight.

“I was more worried about the first day. Last year I had one down on the first day, and it’s kind of over if you have one down the first day,” said Waters.

Day two began with the first few competitors struggling to go clear, but the day took a turn for the better when Emanuel Andrade and his own Clouwni, carrying only one fault from the previous day, sailed to a clean round. They stayed on top until Kelli Cruciotti, eighteenth in the order, rode Chamonix H, owned by Serenity Equestrian Ventures. Her clear round from day one put her in great shape going into the second round, and with just 1 time fault over the course, but with the faster time day one, she took the lead from Andrade.

Next up, Cormac Hanley and Stephex Stables and Missy Clark’s Twan took center stage. The first competitors to go clear in both rounds, they found themselves at the top of the leaderboard. Just two riders later, Waters and her trusty mount followed in Hanley’s footsteps and navigated through the course cleanly, ensuring a jump-off.

“I was nervous going in; it was a big track,” said Waters. “The triple away from the in gate was intimidating, but Qurint really covered it nicely.”

Catherine Tyree and Enjoy Louis, owned by Joseph and May Tyree, were twenty-third to reenter the ring. Ready to test Waters for the win, they had a great trip and a clear round, meaning three would return for the eight-effort jump-off.

First in the jump-off order was Hanley, but a refusal and a rail meant eight faults, plus one time fault, for a total of nine faults in a time of 47.745.

Next, Waters sailed through the course clearing everything in her sight and clocking in with a time of 44.217 for the lead. Tyree was the final trip of the day and she delivered a clean round in a fast 44.350, just a blink of an eye behind Waters for second place.

“I was really thinking about that triple combination going in. I was fortunate enough to be able to watch a lot of the people going before me,” added Waters after she received her blue ribbon. “I saw the trouble people were having with the triple and the six to the one, down the hill. So I tried to keep in mind how it was going for them, but keeping in mind how it would ride for my horse.”

After her victory gallop, Hayley Waters looked at the $75,000 check in her hands and was overcome by emotion. Dana Waters stood beside her 19-year-old daughter smiling ear to ear, adding, “To have this kind of class for the juniors and amateurs is amazing. They work so hard and give up a lot of things in their young lives to do this so to have a class like this and get some recognition and a nice pay check is really nice.”

Tracy Fenney and MTM Fashion Win Inaugural Stal Hendrix Pre-Green Futurity at HITS Championship

Pre-green horses had their time to shine during the 2015 HITS Championship in the debut of the Stal Hendrix Pre-Green Futurity. The class, which offered young hunters the spotlight during the richest weekend in show jumping, guaranteed a $25,000 purse plus all add-backs from nominated horses, for a total of $50,200. Having shown at HITS Ocala, HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties throughout the year, it was only fitting that Tracy Fenney, of Flower Mound, Texas, and MTM Fashion, owned by MTM Farm, left the ring with the winning check in tow.

(C) ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney and MTM Fashion
(C) ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney and MTM Fashion

The three-day, four-round competition tested the young horses over fences and with handy-type elements. The top 25 riders moved on to round three, and it was no surprise Fenney was a standout. Taking home the highest round three score of 88, Fenney guaranteed herself a spot in the final round alongside the other top three riders.

First to reenter the ring in the final round was Cassandra Kahle and Corinna RS, owned by Redfield Farm. Keeping cool under pressure they cruised to a score of 85, which added to their round three score of 86 resulted in a total of 171. Patricia Griffith, who scored an 87 in round three, was next in the order and piloted Lexi Maounis’ Fetching to a score of 80, for a total of 167 to finish just behind Kahle.

Saugerties’ sweetheart Heather Caristo-Williams was third to test the field of play and aiming for a win, she rode Sunset Hill, owned by Jacqueline Thorne, to an impressive score of 89, which added to her previous round score of 87.5, gave her a total of 176.5 for the lead.

Fenney was the final ride of the afternoon and she was in it to win it. Navigating her young mount, who has only been showing since May, she rode to a round high score of 90, for a total of 178 and the blue ribbon.

“Throughout the rounds, we went from the Outside Course to the Main Hunter Ring, so it was quite nice,” said Fenney. “The class was later in the evening which was a little tough for the pre-green horses. With the young ones, you never know what they are going to do but you try to give as solid of a performance as you can.”

Fenney, who noted the significance of the Pre-Green class, continued, “To be able to have a pre-green horse these days and keep him, whereas before you had to sell them because there was no way to have them pay for themselves, makes this a great class for us. Now we have the opportunity to make some prize money with them.”

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aaron Vale and Dress Balou Win Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Finals

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(C) ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Dress Balou.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 9, 2015): Championship Sunday at HITS Saugerties began with the high-energy concluding round of the richest Hunter class in the country, the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. Aaron Vale, of Williston, Florida, and Dress Balou, owned by Donald Stewart, did it again, winning their second consecutive title in the renowned event to secure a reign at the top.

Vale’s game of cat and mouse with Victoria Colvin, riding Dr. Betsee Parker’s Inclusive, ignited in Friday’s first round and continued through Saturday’s second round, going back and forth with the leading scores, and both were guaranteed an appearance in the top 25 on Sunday.

“She [Colvin] was a smidge ahead of us going in there and out of the two preliminary rounds, she beat us once and we beat her once. So we knew she was the one to go after,” said owner Donald Stewart.

Sunday’s round three offered the top 25 competitors a clean slate from their previous scores and the fresh start was the perfect way to impress the judges and move up in the ranks. The class began but it wasn’t until the fourth entry, Patricia Griffith of New York, New York, and Akinda, owned by Hillside Farm LLC, navigated the course set by Rian Beals of Saugerties, New York, that the competition heated up. They were careful in their movements finishing with scores of 85, 86 and 88 for the lead with a total of 259.

The attempts continued throughout the order, but no one could touch Griffith at the top. That was until Adrienne Iverson and Reliance, owned by Brook Run Farm, LLC, strutted into the ring. Steadily they completed the course with scores of 85, 88 and 89.5, totaling 259, and just enough to tie Griffith.

Twenty-fourth in the order, Vale was confident in his craft and led his six year old mount to scores of 89, 91 and 89 for a total of 269 and the lead.

“The course was pretty and the ring is beautiful,” said Vale. “There is a bit of atmosphere with the money at stake and the crowd was into it so you can feel a little bit of electricity out there.”

Colvin was last in the order and she topped the charts with a high total score of 271, the result of a 91, 87 and 93. The top four had one last round to give it their all and either Colvin, Vale, Iverson or Griffith would be crowned victorious.

First in the round four order, Griffith finished her round with a total score of 258, and an overall score of 517. She was followed by Iverson who sailed to a total of 262 and an overall score of 521 to best Griffith by four points.

Spectators grew quiet as Vale entered next and gave his everything in attempt to make up for the three points between him and Colvin after round three. Careful, with just enough presentation to catch the attention of the judge’s panel, he exited the ring as a total score of 268, and a 537 overall, echoed through the show grounds.

Colvin was next and the crowd grew silent again as she met every fence in stride. She piloted her way through the course to earn a total of 264, but it was not enough to top Vale. Her overall score of 535, just 2 points behind Vale, for the red ribbon.

“Going into the last round I kind of opened the stride in the gallops, showed a little more pace. I wanted to show off and catch the judge’s eye a little bit,” said Vale.

Although the win was a true team effort, Vale gave all the credit to his four legged partner, “He made it through four rounds cleanly and the rounds were smooth and consistent. We never really batted an eye. He’s the best jumper in the class so over four rounds that really showed.”

“We saved this horse for a year, to come back here and do this again,” added Stewart. “And with the best rider I could find in the world, and it paid off. You have to be patient and play your cards right.”

Margot Peroni and Orlon Win Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS Championship

Proving perseverance pays off, and moving up from twenty-fifth place in 2014 to first in 2015, Margot Peroni of Califon, New Jersey, and her own Orlon, emerged triumphant in the four-round Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final, taking home a $75,000 share of the prize purse.

(C) ESI Photography. Margot Peroni and Orlon
(C) ESI Photography. Margot Peroni and Orlon

After Friday’s two preliminary rounds, over a course designed by Rian Beals, the top 25 competitors moved on to Saturday’s two round challenge. All of the riders were hungry for a win, but only the top four would return for one last go at the course.

First of four in the order was Oliva Hellman aboard Sabrina Hellman’s Woodstock and they cruised through the course to receive scores of 85 and 82, for a total of 167 and 333 overall. Next it was Jacquelyn Maggiore’s turn, riding her own Contina. Having received scores in the mid-eighties in the previous rounds, the final round proved to be tricky for them, leaving with scores of 73 and 75 for a round total of 148 and 315 overall, for fourth.
Kimberly Maloomian and Invincible, owned by Ellen Toon, were third in the order and besting the two prior trips, they took the lead with scores of 82 and 87, totaling 169 and 339 overall.

The final trip of the day belonged to Peroni, who didn’t make the final four in 2014 due to Orlon’s green moment. But now, one year later, they were ready to take the final.

“Kimberly was on Invincible and I knew they were going to be hard to beat. She’s an incredible rider and he’s a great horse,” said Peroni. “Going into the last round, I looked at my trainer and we said ‘Whatever happens now is just icing on the cake; we’re going to go have fun.’”

“I saw the end of Kim’s round, and her scores came in and they were good but they weren’t what I know Kim can do, so I knew we had a shot at winning,” she continued.

Peroni gave it her all and delivered more than a smooth round – she gave an exceptional performance for scores of 87 and 87, totaling 171, 343.5 overall and the win.

“I thought that she had a wonderful rhythm and pace going. She never deviated from it. I just thought her horse jumped so well,” said Judge Jimmy Lee.

“This is a dream come true,” she said. “For me, for somebody that tries to make this sport work on a budget, this class is incredible. To have someone offer a class like this, with that much money, is huge. It’s going to make things a lot easier going forward.”

“I like that Tom has kept the traditional judging format which allows the judges really reward the classic, traditional hunter round. I think that is very important,” added Lee.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, HITS, Show Jumping

Conor Swail and Fortis Fortuna Win Final $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix of HITS Saugerties Series

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(C) ESI Photography. Conor Swail and Fortis Fortuna.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 6, 2015): Saturday morning’s Grand Prix Stadium competition commenced with the eighth and final $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix of the 2015 HITS Saugerties Show season. A first time visitor to HITS-on-the-Hudson, Conor Swail of County Down, Ireland, rode Fortis Fortuna, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange, to a memorable finish and a blue ribbon souvenir to remember his time in Upstate New York.

Thirty-two competitors made their way through the round one course designed by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida, and Swail, along with nine others, did so without disrupting the field-of-play for a spot in the jump-off round.

First to test the abbreviated course, Swail reemerged at the in-gate and was ready to set the standard for the round. That he did, as he sailed over the seven fences, seemingly in one smooth motion, going clear and crossing the timers in 35.829. The next four entries did not have the luck of the Irish on their side and all left the ring with downed rails in their path.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC, were next in the order and the next to go clear. With a time of 36.479, she wasn’t quick enough to snag the top spot, but did earn herself the second place position for the time being.

Clear rounds continued and seventh in the order, Kelli Cruciotti aboard Wallenberg, owned by Serenity Equestrian Adventures clocked in at 36.706 to place just behind VanderVeen. Julie Welles and North Run Inc.’s Virginia WZ followed, going clear in a time of 35.974 which was just enough to move up the leaderboard and find herself second to Swail.

The final clear round of the day went to Pablo Barrios riding Chaco 34. They whipped through the course chasing the clock but finished in 36.116, ultimately landing them in third place and bumping VanderVeen to fourth and Cruciotti to fifth.

$5,000 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Laura Chapot, of Neshanic Station, New Jersey, and Umberto, owned by Mary Chapot, did it again adding another HITS Saugerties win to the books. They cruised to a cool $5,000 Brook Ledge Open Welcome win to start their last week of competition off on a high note.

Thirty-eight tested the 11-fence course set at 1.40m and designed by Steve Stephens. An impressive 25 went clear, including Chapot on two different entries, to move on to the jump-off and the momentum continued as riders reentered the ring.

Chapot was thirteenth in the order and ninth of the previous competitors to go clear. Her quick finish in a time of 29.296 put her in a familiar place – at the top of the leaderboard. It wasn’t until Chapot reentered the ring, this time on Shooting Star, owned by Mary Chapot, that the second place finisher was decided. Clocking in at 29.839, Chapot now stacked the leader board with first and second place standings.

The remaining six entries all went clear, but none were able to disturb Chapot. Third place was awarded to Roberto Teran with Brilliant Du Rouet, owned by Liubov Kochetova. Commissario, owned by Nuvolari Holdings, LLC, piloted by Michael Hughes received fourth place, followed by Conor Swail and Susan and Ariel Grange’s Fortis Fortuna in fifth.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

FEI, HITS, HITS, Show Jumping

Laura Chapot Takes Day One of HITS Championship FEI Competition

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(C) ESI Photography. Laura Chapot and Quointreau Un Prince.

Wins $34,000 FEI Saugerties Jumper Classic

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 4, 2015): It was a beautiful Wednesday in Saugerties, New York for the first afternoon of FEI-ranked competition. Starting the week off on the right foot, Laura Chapot, of Neshanic Station, New Jersey, and Quointreau Un Prince, co-owned with McLain Ward, swept through the $34,000 FEI Saugerties Jumper Classic course for another HITS Saugerties Series blue ribbon under her belt.

Sixty-seven competitors took a turn at the 13 effort course designed by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida. Chapot, who is no stranger to the spotlight at HITS Saugerties, having won the Week IV $50,000 Horze Grand Prix and $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix earlier this summer with her 11 year old mount, was up against some of the globe’s top athletes including McLain Ward, Beezie Madden and Margie Engle.

“It was a really nice course for everyone’s first time in the ring,” said Chapot. “There were a fair number of clears and it had a few tricky spots that caught up with people but I think it gave everyone a fair chance to get in the ring and get started for the week.”

Chapot was one of 22 returning for at the jump-off and her positioning in the middle of the order gave her the opportunity to watch, and learn, from her competition.

“It’s always nice to be able to see other people go and understand how fast they are going or if there are any places to make up extra time,” added Chapot. “My strategy was to go as fast as I felt comfortable with my horse and shave off the turns as best I could, but not to go too fast where he would be flat out.”

Thirteenth in the order, Chapot sped through the course leaving it intact in a time of 37.19 for the lead. The next few entries were not as lucky, many resulting in a rail for four faults. It wasn’t until Roberto Teran and Arkos Des Rolsers Z, owned by ARK Partners LLC, navigated his way through the course that it felt like the chase was on. Clocking in at 38.21, Teran found himself finishing just behind the leading lady.

Next to go clear and twenty-first in the order, Kristen Vanderveen aboard Bull Run’s Eternal, owned by Bull Run Jumpers One LLC, sailed to a time of 37.91 to bump Teran to third and to secure her spot in second place.

Chapot closed with, “I’m thrilled to come out the first day and have a win with Quointreau Un Prince. He’s fast and in good form. I’m really excited to be in the ring.”

Fourth place went to Emanuel Andrade and his own Boy IV, followed by Catherine Tyree and Free Style VD Polderhof, owned by Joseph and Mary Tyree.

FEI competition continues at HITS Saugerties on Friday, September 4 for the $34,000 HITS Jumper Classic, which is the only qualifying opportunity for Sunday’s CP $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI-5*, presented by Wells Fargo. Friday’s event will be webcast live beginning at 12 noon EST on HITS TV on HitsShows.com.

All eyes will be on the Grand Prix Stadium Sunday, September 6 for the highest ranked class in US show jumping this year – the Canadian Pacific $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI-5*, presented by Wells Fargo.

General Admission tickets and Day VIP passes are still available for Sunday’s main event. Additionally, HITS will webcast select classes through the week and weekend LIVE.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

HITS Culpeper Winston National Competition Round-Up

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(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20.

CULPEPER, VA (August 18, 2015) Show jumping competition returned to HITS Commonwealth Park this past week for HITS Culpeper Winston National. Abigail McArdle, of St. Charles, Illinois, aboard David McArdle’s Cosma 20, got down to business in no time, taking home first in Friday’s $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix. In a first round field of 24, McArdle cleared the course in a time of 69.053 to become one of 12 entries moving on to a jump-off. Entering the ring eleventh, with six other clear rounds ahead of them, McArdle and her mount sailed to the top spot with a clean round in a time of 29.841.

Second place was awarded to Adam Prudent on Vasco, owned by Plain Bay Sales. Hayley Waters and Fine Fleur, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters, followed in third place, while McArdle and her second entry, Topaze Blue, owned by Katie Prudent, finished behind them in fourth. The top five was completed by Daniel Damen and Seth Vallhonrart’s Bahrain 8.

$10,000 Jr/A-O Jumper High Classic

Jumpers continued to shine throughout the weekend and Sunday’s $10,000 Jr/A-O Jumper High Classic was no exception. A qualifying class for the $250,000 Vetera ® XP Vaccines Jr/A-O Jumper Prix during the HITS Championship later this summer, the High Classic belonged to Lucy Matz, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and Cardella, owned by Dorothy Matz. First in the order of five jump-off entries, Matz set the bar high when she cleared the course in a quick 30.056, which resulted in a first place finish, a full two seconds faster than the runner-up, Hayley Waters and Rio Cachet, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters.

Alden Moylan with her own Pimpernel received third place honors, and Melissa Rudershausen on her own Ugolin Du Mont finished in fourth. Fifth place went to Classified piloted by owner Anna Dryden.

$40,000 HITS Grand Prix

Dorothy Douglas, of Flower Mound, Texas, and MTM Farm’s S & L Elite wrapped up the weekend on a high note winning the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday. Douglas set the tone for the day as the first to enter the ring and the first of five competitors to go clear over the 16 effort round one course designed by Marin Zevedo. Douglas continued to shine as she led off round two with a crisp, clean ride clocking in at 36.077. Ian Silitch and Cordovo, owned by Gaston Family Investments LLC, were next in the order but four faults mid-course, and a time of 36.731, would keep Douglas on top for now. Ready to chase the clock and the blue ribbon, Noel Fauntleroy and her own Cabras flew through the abbreviated course in a time of 37.269 ultimately securing second place, bumping Silitch to third.

A victim of four faults, and a time of 37.279, Anna Dryden rode her own Petrushka III to fourth place, and Daniel Damen aboard Chuck and Dana Waters’ Quintus 66 had two rails resulting in eight faults, with a time of 38.649 and fifth place.

$5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix

Samantha Schaefer rode her own Classified to a $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix win on Saturday with impressive scores of 89 and 91. Schaefer left round one in the top spot and her anchor position in the second round allowed her to keep a close watch on her competition. Cruising through the course, she remained the favorite with a total score of 180 to secure the blue ribbon and a $1,500 check.

Tracey Fenney and MTM Nestle, owned by MTM Farm, placed second with scores of 85 and 85, followed by Schaefer on her own second entry of the day, Hashtag, with scores of 84 and 84.5. Spirit, owned by ES Equine Broker, led Emily Simon to scores of 83.5 and 82.5 to claim the fourth place spot, just ahead of Winn Alden and Cindy Bohn’s Calipo 39 in fifth with scores of 81 and 84.

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix

Poetic Justis, piloted by owner Brook Cole, of Rockville, Virginia, went home a winner on Saturday after claiming the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix with scores of 83 and 80, for a grand total of 163. Going into round two the pair was second on the leader-board, trailing by just one point, so the top spot was still anybody’s game. The final round was a challenge for some who received scores in the low 70s, but Cole, who went eighth, made the course look like a breeze, finishing a full two points higher than second place finisher Kathryn Maginnis aboard City Smarts, owned by David Di Pietro, who received scores of 78 and 83.

With scores of 72 and 80, Jennifer Quigley and Jillian Gillbride’s Unanimous placed third, while fourth place went to Linda Gordon and her own Qui-Tam with scores of 76 and 74 and fifth went to Sidney Jefferson and her own Socialite with scores of 84 and 65.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

HITS to Offer Four $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies

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(c) ESI Photography. Amanda Steege and Zidane jumping at HITS Ocala in February 2015.

SAUGERTIES, New York (July 3, 2015): Beginning this fall, HITS will host four $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies at its circuits throughout the country as part of the 2015-2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby series.

“HITS is fully committed to the USHJA and especially this program,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri. “We have decided that in order to do our part to help grow the sport, we should get behind all USHJA programs. This one was particularly easy because it reinforces our previous support for the high performance hunter riders.”

USHJA International Hunter Derbies highlight the tradition of the longstanding hunter discipline. HITS will host four of these derbies – with total prize purses of $100,000 each – in affirmation of its commitment to hunters, much like its offering of four FEI CSI-5* events for jumpers.

“We believe that, as the leaders of the sport, it is our responsibility to offer prize money that raises the bar,” continued Struzzieri. “These Hunter Derbies will offer the highest prize money awarded at any qualifier for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final in the country.”

Hunter rider and trainer Amanda Steege, owner of Ashmeadow Farm in Bedminster, New Jersey, was thrilled to hear of HITS’ plan to offer these classes. Steege said, “The USHJA Derby Final is something that we gear our whole year towards – we try to go to as many derbies as we can.”

Steege, who campaigns three mounts that are exclusively derby horses, continued, “All of us at Ashmeadow Farm are thrilled that HITS is not only offering four USHJA International Hunter Derbies, but that they’re offering four classes with prize money of $100,000 each. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m so appreciative to Tom and his staff for putting this together. To have the chance to participate in derbies that are offering that much prize money is amazing. It’s great that HITS is doing them.”

HITS 2015-2016 $400,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tour:

  • National Sunshine II – November 4-8, 2015
  • Ocala VI – February 23-28, 2016
  • Desert Circuit VIII – March 15-20, 2016
  • Saugerties VI – August 3-7, 2016

For more information on the HITS 2015-2016 $400,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tour, click here. For more on USHJA International Hunter Derbies, click here. To request a Prize List for any HITS Series of shows, please visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

HITS to Build New Hunter Stadium at Post Time Farm

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(c) ESI Photography. The Ocala Horse Properties Stadium opened in 2014. The new Hunter Stadium will shine a similar spotlight on high-performance Hunter Riders.

Exemplifies Commitment to High-Performance Hunter Riders

OCALA, Florida (June 6, 2015): A new Hunter Stadium to be built this year at HITS Post Time Farm will give high-performance hunter riders a premier location in which to compete during the 2016 Ocala Winter Circuit and beyond.

The decision to build the new Hunter Stadium came in light of the high demand for hunter classes at the 2015 Circuit, and the growing need for hunters to have a stage of their own. The new Hunter Stadium will provide a similar opportunity to spotlight hunters as the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, which opened in 2014, has done to showcase top jumpers.

The Hunter Stadium will be located next to the original Post Time Farm Grand Prix Ring, in the area previously used for day parking. The stadium will host exciting hunter classes and classics, including the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Week VI, The Ocala Masters, February 23-28.

HITS will break ground on the Hunter Stadium immediately following construction of the new Custom Barns also being built at HITS Post Time Farm. The new barns will be erected beginning in July, and ten Custom Barns have already been reserved for 2016. For more information on this new stabling option at HITS Ocala or HITS Thermal, or to reserve your custom barn, please click here.

Also new at the 2016 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is a FEI CSI-5* event (approval pending), during Week VII, the Ocala Tournament, March 1-6, which will feature a range of FEI-rated classes culminating in a $350,000 Grand Prix. The annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix – the Grand Finale of the circuit – returns in March, and HITS is also seeking to secure the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup again and looks forward to the return of this exciting, international event.

“Unlike other Show Facilities on the East Coast, HITS Post Time Farm has plenty of room to grow,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri. “With space to add barns, show rings, schooling areas and riding areas, it won’t be long before the entire East Coast realizes that HITS Ocala is the only place to show in the winter where horses will be safe and happy, exhibitors will be welcomed, and the facility can easily accommodate the needs of its customers.”

The creation of the new Hunter Stadium, the addition of the USHJA Hunter Derbies at HITS shows in Ocala, as well as Thermal, California, and Saugerties, New York, and unparalleled prize money at the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final, exemplifies HITS’ commitment to high-performance hunter riders, just as the expansion of FEI CSI-5* events at four circuits and the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping is evidence of HITS’ commitment to jumpers.

The 2016 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Prize List will be mailed this fall and will also be available online. To join our mailing list, please click here. For other details or information, please contact our Main Office at 845.246.8833 or info@hitsshows.com.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Awards, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Named Best Event of the Year – Small Market by Florida Sports Foundation

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(C) ESI Photography.

Ocala, FLORIDA (May 27, 2015): HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF), the state’s leading sports promotion and development organization, has named the HITS Ocala Winter Show Circuit, held at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, Best Event of the Year in the Small Market category.

Last week, the FSF presented five awards to recognize Florida communities and sports commissions for their outstanding efforts in sports tourism in the State of Florida. The awards were presented at the FSF’s annual Sports Summit, held this year in Fort Lauderdale. The awards presented included:

Best Event of the Year – Small Market: HITS Ocala Winter Horse Show Jumping Circuit – Ocala/Marion County Sports Commission

Venue of the Year: Nathan Benderson Park – Sarasota County Sports Commission

Best Awarded Event of the Year – Large Market: 2017 Major League Baseball All Star Game Week – Miami-Dade Sports Commission

Best Event of the Year – Mid Market: United States Fastpitch Association (USFA) World Series – Visit Panama City Beach

Best Event of the Year – Large Market: 2014 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship – Central Florida Sports Commission, Orlando

The 10-week HITS Ocala Winter Circuit was held between January 13 and March 23, 2015, attracting over 54,800 competitors and 20,000 spectators to Ocala/Marion County, while awarding over $3 Million in prize money to the nation’s most accomplished riders and horses. During HITS Ocala Winter Festival, February 10-15, HITS hosted the iconic Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ CSIO-4*, which gave international equestrian stars the opportunity to compete for more than $400,000 in prize money and the chance to represent their country in Spain at the FEI Nations Cup™ Finals in September. HITS exhibitors accounted for over 84,000 room nights and generated more than $94 million in economic impact. More than $84 million of the economic impact came from out of state.

“Each of these awards was earned through the hard work of the sports commissions staffs who work tirelessly to enhance their local communities through sports,” said FSF President John Webb. “The 27 Florida Sports Commissions bring over 2,500 sporting events to the state annually and provide a significant impact to the Florida tourism industry and economy.”

“Florida has been the home of our winter show circuit for over thirty years and with the continued support of local businesses, the community and Marion County’s equine enthusiasts, HITS has made a significant impact on show jumping throughout the state, and the nation,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Florida Sports Foundation for the 2015 HITS Ocala show circuit which presented over $3 Million in prize money, the FEI Nations Cup, and the second-annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. We look forward to continuing these legacies for years to come,” continued Struzzieri.

The 2016 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit begins January 19 and will boast another ten weeks of show jumping competition, in addition to the third annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix on Monday, March 28. More information is available at HitsShows.com.

For more information about the Florida Sports Foundation and the 27 Sports Commissions of Florida, please visit www.flasports.com.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Michael Desiderio and Zero Tolerance Win Devoucoux

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(c) ESI Photography. Michael Desiderio and Zero Tolerance.

Meredith Combs and Honor Top Platinum Performance

SAUGERTIES, New York (May 23, 2015): Hunters had their moment in the sun this Memorial Day weekend, as competitors showed off the talents of their sleek mounts in beautiful spring weather. On Saturday, Michael Desiderio and Zero Tolerance rode fluidly through the Outside Ring at HITS-on-the-Hudson to earn the top score in the first $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix of the HITS Saugerties Series.

“My horse jumped a great first round,” said Desiderio, who added that it was his first time competing in a Devoucoux prix, and Zero Tolerance’s first time in that particular ring. Apparently, the judge thought they did well, too, as Desiderio and Zero Tolerance earned the highest score, an 87, in round one, and came back in Round 2 to once again dazzle the judge – earning a score of 90.

“I saw a couple of people get caught on the number of strides; I just rode what I had,” said Desiderio, who rode Zero Tolerance for owner Dru Cederberg, who stables the 12-year-old mare at Desiderio’s Tranquillity Farm in Chester, New Jersey.

During the class, other riders and spectators watched from a grassy berm near the Outside Course as the field of competitors each took a turn about the course, which included a bank with two obstacles.

Second-place finisher Gabriella Fournier, on Cinderella Man, owned by GDF Equine, LLC, earned an 84 in Round 1 and an 85 in Round 2 to take second place. Hannah Isop, on Tracy Freels, Red Ryder, was not far behind with a total score of 168, after an 83 in the first round and an 85 in Round 2.

Devoucoux Hunter Prix is held weekly at HITS-on-the-Hudson. During weeks three through six, the prize increases to a $10,000. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix is a qualifier for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final held here on September 4-6 during the HITS Championship.

Meredith Combs and Honor Win $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix

On Sunday, hunters once again took to the Outside Course for the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix, in beautiful summer-like weather. Leading the pack was 20-year-old Meredith Combs of Harvard, Massachusetts, on Honor, owned by her mother, Jennifer Combs.

“He’s just a really fun horse,” Meredith Combs said, of the 7-year-old first-year-green horse. “He takes really good care of me. He’s very calm and collected, and he wasn’t fazed by any of the challenges, like the bank, which was new to him.”

Combs, who will be a junior this fall at Brandeis University, studying Art History and Anthropology, said she was happy after the first round, both with her ride, and with her score. “It was a great way to finish the day because we were champions of the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Division earlier that day, so it was exciting to be able to continue the great ride.”

Second-place finisher Lena Rae Reeb riding Private Ryan, owned by Jamie Ringel, had the fourth-highest score in round one, an 83, and with a 78 in round two – the highest score that time – she and Private Ryan earned the red ribbon. Rounding out third was Lindsey Mohr on Redfield Farm’s Paddington. The pair had the third highest score in Round 1, an 84, coupled that with a 69 in Round 2.

The $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix is held weekly at HITS-on-the-Hudson and is a qualifier for the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final on September 4-5 at the HITS Championship.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com