Category Archives: HITS

Horseshows In The Sun

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Brian Walker and Tamara 296 Claim Victory in Culpeper $40,000 HITS Grand Prix

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(c) ESI Photography. Brian Walker and Tamara 296.

Culpeper, Virginia – Brian Walker and Tamara 296 claimed victory in the first Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper in the Commonwealth National Show on April 19, going last in the four-rider jump-off to complete the course three seconds faster than second-place finisher Filip De Wandel on his Gentley.

“The course was difficult enough [Sunday] with only four clear, but that worked in my favor,” said Walker, after his win. “The jump-off, with long gallops between the jumps, really suited my mare, because she has a huge stride and can cover a lot of ground.”

In the shortened course, Walker finished double-clear in 40.776 seconds. He also placed fifth on a newer mount, Katunaro, owned by Ansgar and Ellen Holtgers — with no jumping faults but one time fault in the first round, which kept them from the jump-off.

“I was obviously very happy with [Sunday’s] result. Both my horses jumped fantastic,” he said. “I am always very thankful for my horses, my sponsors and my team, because it ‘takes a village.’ I am happy to be heading home with the win.”

De Wandel and Gentley went second in the jump-off, finishing in 43.860 and shaving just over a second off the time of third-place rider Ian Silitch on Cordovo, owned by Gaston Family Investments LLC, who completed the shortened course in 44.491. Leann Kelly, on Honorway Farm LLC’s Leander, picked up four faults in the jump-off to finish in fourth place.

Jill Henselwood and Bolero HX Win $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix

Kicking off the weekend’s competition, Jill Henselwood and Bolero HX, owned by Bradon Equestrian of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, took first prize in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix on Friday.

Competing against a dozen other riders in the jump-off, Henselwood went sixth, cutting time off the four other double-clear times before her. Three other riders went double-clear after Henselwood, but none could beat her time.

(c) ESI Photography. Jill Henselwood and Bolero HX
(c) ESI Photography. Jill Henselwood and Bolero HX

“This is a talented young horse who is just beginning to post results in Grand Prix competitions,” said Henselwood of the 9-year-old grey gelding, owned by Bradon Equestrian of Calgary. “The Prather family are very proud of Bolero HX (whose dam is Bonita, who won the European Championship with Jessica Kürten).”

Henselwood continued, “Danny Foster built a 15-effort course with enough wide and technically challenging angles in the track. The jump-off consisted of eight more efforts and the competition in Virginia will not disappoint you with their speed. To win was enough risk and all the speed I could gather without faulting.”

Riders had 95 seconds to complete the first round, and 55 seconds were allowed for the shortened course. Henselwood finished in 40.626.

Finishing the course just under a second behind Henselwood was Leann Kelly on Leander, owned by Honorway Farm LLC in 41.268 seconds. Kelly went ninth, the last double-clear round, pushing Aaron Vale on Troy Glaus’ Quidam’s Good Luck into third place.

Christina Firestone and Chantilly Take First in $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic

Trumping a four-rider jump-off, Christina Firestone and Chantilly took the lead in Sunday’s $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, presented by Vetera® XP Vaccines at HITS Culpeper.

The pair finished the shortened course in 42.021 — the first to go double-clear. They held onto their lead and bested the two other double-clear rounds to hold onto first place.

Finishing second was Julia Madigan on her Vintovara in 43.950.

Rounding out third in 44.153 second was Alexa Lowe-Wiseman on Ami du Houssoit, owned by Windsor Farm Sales. In fourth was Noel Fauntleroy, on her Cabras, who had four faults in the jump-off and finished in 48.042 seconds.

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

HITS Culpeper Kicks Off This Week

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The HITS Culpeper Series kicks off Wednesday, April 15, signaling an official start to the spring horse show season!

Don’t miss the opening of HITS Culpeper, with the Commonwealth National, April 15-19, which includes a $40,000 Grand Prix, $5,000 Jr/A-O Jumper Low Classic, $10,000 Jr/A-O Jumper High Classic, and tons of other great hunter and jumper classes for all ages and skill levels.

All shows count towards the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Champion Awards, to be presented at the season finale in September, and all shows are Rated USEF Premier Hunters and 4* Jumpers. Qualifying classes for the HITS Championship are held each week, as well.

A “grounds-up” renovation at HITS Commonwealth Park in 2013, and continued improvements to the property have received rave reviews from exhibitors. Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, just one hour south of Washington, D.C, the HITS Culpeper Show Series is the place to be this spring!

See you at the show!

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, Show Jumping

Charlie Jayne Crowned King of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Ocala

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(C) ESI Photography. Charlie Jayne and Chill R Z.

OCALA, Florida (March 23, 2015): Despite an uncertain forecast, droves of spectators packed two VIP tents and filled the grandstands for the return of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix to the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium at HITS Post Time Farm. With hopes for a battle of the best, onlookers received just that when Charlie Jayne, of Elgin, Illinois, aboard Chill R Z, owned by Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher, hustled his way to the win.

Forty-six of the world’s top riders, including World Cup champions, Olympic Gold Medalists and Grand Prix stars, attempted the 14 effort course set by Buddy Brown of Menlo Park, California. Many riders had a chance to talk to Brown while they were walking the course, and it was clear the track questioned riders in all the right places, with six securing a spot in the coveted jump-off.

“Many of the verticals were well over 1.60, which we don’t jump anywhere else,” said Jayne. “I thought the course designer did an excellent job with the placement of the fences. Six was the perfect number of clears for a class of this caliber.”

First to reenter the ring for the jump-off was Kirsten Coe of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, riding Baronez, owned by Ilan Ferder, Lovsa Stuteri and Tal Milstein. Hailed as a rising star in the Grand Prix arena, Coe had a rail at the fourth jump, the liverpool oxer, for four faults in a time of 46.918, ultimately leading to a fifth place finish.

Lauren Hough of Wellington, Florida, riding Ohlala, owned by The Ohlala Group, was next to take the stage. Hough approached the course with confidence as a hush fell over the crowd. All-out galloping and zipping through the turns, Hough was on a mission and despite a down rail for four faults at the last oxer, the two set the Great American Time to Beat with a time of 42.601, a full four seconds faster than Coe. Hough, who rode Ohlala in the FEI Nations Cup at HITS Ocala earlier this season, praised her partner for their job well done.

“I’ve had him for a few years but he’s just come into this level in the past year or so,” said Hough. “He’s probably the most talented horse I’ve ever ridden.”

Next to test his luck on the abbreviated course was Jonathan McCrea of East Windsor, Connecticut, with Aristoteles V, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, Inc. The crowd went silent wondering if McCrea would be the one to give them a clean go, but a rail at the second-to-last fence and a time of 49.241 would put him behind Coe on the leaderboard.

Hoping to break the four fault streak, McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, on his faithful Rothchild, owned by Sagamore Farm, was next in the order and hungry for a win after a second place finish at the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, just one spot ahead of Jayne and Chill RZ, one week prior. Ward breezed through the course giving fans the first clean jump off round in a fast time of 42.903. For a moment, it looked like Ward was on his way to what would be his third $1 Million Dollar Grand Prix title.

“He has been more than a great partner. It’s remarkable what this little horse has done,” said Ward. “I’ve said it before, but he’s really my friend.

“We’ve been aiming for the World Cup Finals since the World Championship last year. When we made that plan, these two $1 Million Grand Prix were on the way there and very important markers for us,” he continued.

Jayne, who immediately followed Ward in the jump-off both in Ocala and in the AIG Million a week earlier, had the advantage of watching all but one of his challengers. The chase was on as Jayne and Chill RZ cut through the course and as they launched over the final fence, the Great American Insurance oxer, for a clean round in a time of 42.24, the crowd erupted in cheers for the new leader.

“Before the jump off I was talking to a friend who said, ‘You know Charlie, you won over a $100,000 last week, so just go for it,’ so that was basically my strategy,” said Jayne. “I think I got a little lucky at the last fence. I was a few tenths of a second behind McLain last week, and I was just about that much ahead of him this week. Luck was on my side.”

With one last entry to go, all eyes were on Callan Solem of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and VDL Wizard, owned by Horseshoe Trail Farm, LLC, as they raced the clock and Jayne for the win. Clean but not quite fast enough, Solem crossed the timers in 44.116 for a third place finish.

As Solem exited, a triumphant Jayne reappeared in the ring for his well-deserved victory gallop and beamed with excitement as he waved to countless cheering fans.

“Everybody in the jump-off was quite fast but I just had the advantage today that Lauren had a rail down and I got to see McLain go,” said Jayne after the class. “I think there was a very strong caliber of horse and riders here today – probably one of the strongest Millions we’ve seen yet.”

Course designer Buddy Brown agreed adding, “To me, the jump-off is an Olympic like round. When you come here to jump for $1 Million, that is special. Tom holds three $1 Million Dollar classes a year. Riders should come ready with their A-game.”

“The two of us have won $480,000 and $570,000 in the past two weeks,” replied Ward, referring to his and Jayne’s results the past two weeks. “To see our sport come to that level is phenomenal. I tried to go a little faster this week than last – I was worried about Charlie. I just had a feeling that he was going to lay it on the line.”

It was unanimous amongst the top finishers that the prize purses offered by HITS are remarkable and HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri gave full credit to the event’s title sponsor.

“Great American Insurance is a fantastic sponsor of ours. To support us at this level is extraordinary and we’re so fortunate in that way,” said Struzzieri at the post-class press conference. “I’m fortunate to have frequent customers of mine sitting up here. I like to have people who support HITS through the year getting rewarded for doing well, and I’m happy about that.”

As ten weeks of show jumping competition at HITS Ocala came to a close with a $1 Million Grand Prix to remember, Jayne is already looking ahead to the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York later this year. Boasting the richest weekend in show jumping and with the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix debuting as an FEI CSI-5* class, riders from around the globe await another opportunity for their chance at international bragging rights and the iconic prize purse.

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

Championships, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Sunny Drescher and Sting Shine in HITS Equitation Championship at HITS Ocala

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(C) ESI Photography. Sunny Drescher and Sting.

OCALA, Florida (March 21, 2015): It was a picturesque evening under the lights of the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium for the return of the HITS Equitation Championship. High school senior Sunny Drescher, of Hinesburg, Vermont, and her own Sting proved that determination and drive pay off, moving up five spots from the 2014 event, to take home the blue ribbon and top honors.

After ten weeks of qualifying opportunities throughout the HITS Ocala Winter Show Circuit, thirty-one juniors took their chance at the technical course, set at 3’6”, designed by Buddy Brown of Menlo Park, California. Testing not only their competence in the ring, but also their efforts in the schooling area, competitors were judged by two sets of officials who evaluated their abilities as rising horsemen.

“At the riders meeting, Buddy Brown gave us his expectations as riders. He told us what he wanted to see from us, which I thought was really helpful,” said Drescher. “I loved the course for Round One. I thought it rode really well and it was fun to ride. There were parts that were tricky but if you did it well, you were rewarded for that.”

Leading the class with a first round score of 184, Drescher went into Round Two feeling confident in her craft and she referenced her fifth place finish in the 2014 HITS Equitation Championship and knew she was ready for the challenge.

“My horse went so well in the first round. I was thrilled with how he stepped up to the plate in the ring. He was super under of the lights and I was hoping to find some momentum going into the second round,” said Drescher.

“Last year, in the first round, I had the best ride of my life, except I failed to trot the trot jump. [This year] I knew I was capable of putting in good rounds, I just needed to focus and make sure I got all the pieces done,” she continued. “Last year was a confidence booster, but it was also a motivator to work harder to get my testing better, so that I could come back and be better.”

Although riders were not permitted to discuss strategy or technique with their trainers throughout the evening, they found support in one another and used that as fuel for success.

“All of the riders walk together, we watch each other go, and we all root for one another. It feels like a team sport because we’re all helping each other out,” said Drescher. “Even though we didn’t have trainers last night, I couldn’t have done it without Annie Dotoli and Aster Pieters’ support over the years.”

Ashton Alexander of Ocala, Florida and Ullrich, owned by Don Stewart, went home with second place honors and scores of 181 and 174.5, for a total of 355.5. Catherine Apostol of Wycoff, New Jersey and her own Courage followed, with scores of 172 and 172.5, for a combined total of 344.5 and third place. Fourth place went to Kennedy Knapic of Smithtown, New York riding her own Zedulon, to scores of 171 and 172, totaling 343. Rounding out the top five was Rhian Murphy of Charlotte, Vermont and his Finnigan with scores of 183 and 159, for a total of 342.

Competition continues in the Ocala Horse Properties today at 1pm with the $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and on Monday, March 23 at 6pm with the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. For a complete schedule of events and information, visit HitsShows.com.

Alexa Bayko and Blue Shamrock Top the $5,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix

OCALA, Florida (March 21, 2015): Alexa Bayko from Haverhill, Massachusetts added another Hunter Prix win to the books after topping the leaderboard in the last $5,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Show Circuit. This time, with trainer Monica Hunt’s Blue Shamrock, she gracefully sailed through the course besting the runner up by a full six points, with strong scores of 86 and 83 for a total of 169.

“The course rode really well. The last line in the first round was tricky – that was definitely the hardest part,” said Bayko after her win. “Blue Shamrock and I have a really good bond. He is my perfect ride.

“It was very nice to end with another win,” added Hunt. “The course was just hard enough with the bending lines and I thought Alexa rode it beautifully.”

The winner’s circle is familiar territory for Bayko, who won the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala II and IV – both on Anucci, also owned by Hunt. With her sights set on the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York later this year, Bayko’s winter achievements have set a self-assured tone for the future.

“I’m really excited for the Hunter Prix Finals. After being so consistent here in Ocala, I’m feeling more confident going into the finals,” continued Bayko.

Consistency was the name of the game for Reily Rieker of Oviedo, Florida, who piloted his own Andricus to a first and second round score of 82 for a total of 164 and a second place finish.

Third place went to Kristen Sameth of Far Hills, New Jersey riding her own Vandrin, who produced scores of 77 and 80 for a total of 157. Mindy Whitman of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts finished fourth aboard her own Herrold, with scores of 74 and 82, for a combined total of 156. With scores of 76 and 75 for a total 151, Katharine Page of Mt. Kisco, New York and her Surreal took home fifth place.

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, Show Jumping

Order of Go for Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Ocala Released

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(C) ESI Photography. Andre Thieme and Contanga 3 on their way to a 2014 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix win at HITS Ocala.

OCALA, Florida (March 20, 2015): HITS, Inc. is pleased to share the official Great American $1 Million Grand Order of Go for the second jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping. On Monday, March 23 at 6pm, World Cup champions, Olympic Gold Medalists and Grand Prix heroes will converge in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium at HITS Post Time Farm for a chance at the richest purse in show jumping and world-wide fame.

HITS will livestream the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix on USEF Network and on HitsShows.com, offering equine enthusiasts around the globe a front row seat for the iconic class. The Great American Million will air at 6pm EDT/3pm PDT.

The biggest names in horse sport will flock to the final day of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit for Million Dollar Monday with hopes to go home victorious. Highlighted Riders to Watch include:

Kevin Babington
Known best for flying the Irish flag in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Kevin Babington brings international flair to the Great American Million. While riding is his number-one passion, Babington has a keen interest in buying and selling horses, and knack for choosing stars. With buyers scattered throughout Europe, he is always on the hunt for his next four-legged star. After his FEI Nations Cup win at HITS Ocala earlier this year, Babington is hungry to stay on top.

Beezie Madden
For nearly three decades, Madden has represented the United States in the world’s most prestigious competitions, including winning three medals at the Olympic Games: Team Gold in 2004 and 2008, as well as Individual Bronze in 2008. She has also won Team and Individual Silver at the 2006 World Championships and Team and Individual Bronze at the 2014 World Championships, in addition to becoming the Rolex/FEI World Cup Champion in 2013. In 2014, Madden placed fourth in AIG $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Thermal and 12th in the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix.

Eduardo Menezes
Fresh off a fourth place finish at the 2015 AIG $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Thermal, Brazilian Eduardo Menezes hopes to move up the leaderboard and take home the big check at Million Dollar Monday. Menezes, now residing in Carlsbad, California, helped his native team secure gold at the 2013 Nation’s Cup in Italy and a silver medal at the FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum
Meredith Michaels- Beerbaum, winner of inaugural AIG Thermal Million in 2014, is an American-born German equestrian internationally recognized as a leader in the sport. In 2008, she ranked #1 in the Rolex World Rankings for 11 consecutive months, to top an already impressive resume including three FEI World Cup Finals wins, making her the first woman in history to do so, and a fourth place individual finish at the 2008 Olympics.

Ian Millar
Aptly dubbed ‘Captain Canada’ by his fans, Ian Millar has ridden in more team competitions than any other Canadian rider and is an eight-time Canadian Show Jumping Champion. At the 2012 London Olympics, Millar set a world record by becoming the first athlete in any sport, from any nation, to represent their country in 10 Olympic Games. Millar achieved his best Olympic performance to date in London with a top 10 finish individually. At the FEI Nations Cup at HITS Ocala, Millar, riding for Team Canada, placed third in the namesake class.

Andre Thieme
Germany’s own Andre Thieme is the reigning titleholder of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. After a remarkable performance at the first annual Million Dollar Monday in 2014, Thieme became the second rider ever to win two of HITS $1 million Grand Prix classes when his 10-year-old mare, Contanga 3, carried him to the top of the leaderboard. As March 23 approaches there is one question on everyone’s mind – will Andre Thieme defend his title or will a new champion be crowned?

McLain Ward
McLain Ward of Brewster, New York is no stranger to the show ring spotlight. Having competed in more than 10 FEI World Cup Finals and numerous FEI Nations Cup competitions, Ward has a slew of career highlights including Gold Medal finishes in Team Jumping at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and a Team Bronze Medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Additionally, Ward is a two time HITS $1 Million Grand Prix winner having taken home the blue ribbon from the 2010 and 2012 classes from HITS Championship Weekend in Saugerties, New York. Just last week, Ward placed second in the AIG Million at HITS Thermal securing his name on a $200,000 prize check.

General admission tickets for the Great American Million are $10 and available in advance through OcalaTix.com ($2 processing fee applies). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Horse Show Office at HITS Post Time Farm or by calling 352.867.0508. Tickets will also available at the gate the day of the event.

Day VIP passes available by pre-order only for $100 per person, including ringside seating with a deluxe crudité table, international cheese display, dessert display and private cash bar. Day VIP passes available online at OcalaTix.com ($5 processing fee applies) or by phone at 352.867.0508. Day VIP tickets must be purchased in advance and are expected to sell out prior to the event.

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

Robert Lee Victorious in $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge

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(c) ESI Photography. Robert Lee and El Grecco.

OCALA, Florida/THERMAL, California (March 15, 2015): Geography proved no object when top HITS hunter riders from the East Coast and West Coast squared off in the $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge Friday and Saturday at HITS Ocala and HITS Thermal.

The Hunter Challenge was judged simultaneously via video by two judges on each coast, with Round 1 taking place on Friday and the top 12 from each coast coming back for Round 2 on Saturday. Riders who made the cut went in reverse order of their first round scores, but everyone started with clean slate and scores did not carry over to the second round. Despite best efforts by all contenders, the East Coast proved victorious, with Robert Lee and El Grecco taking first place at HITS Ocala with a total score of 182.

Lee, on another horse, also won the $25,000 U-Dump Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic High, presented by Vetera® XP Vaccines on Saturday at HITS Ocala. Lee said El Grecco, a Hanoverian by Esprit, used to be a jumper. “He has won Grand Prix in the past, but he is 15 now so I switched him to the hunter ring last year. I’ve won two hunter derbies with him since then. I was happy with him today — he rode a lot better than yesterday. He likes these impressive jumps. He was feeling it. I save him for these big classes,” he said.

The West Coast wasn’t far behind the blue. Jenny Karazissis, a regular contender at the HITS Thermal, who has consistently placed among top contenders in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix, took second place on Undeniable, owned by Hope Town Farms, with a 180 total score. Samantha Schaefer, East Coast, rounded out third place on her Classified, with a 174.5.

Fourth place went to Amanda Steege, who has won three $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix this season at HITS Ocala. Steege’s total in the Hunter Challenge Saturday was 174. In fifth was John French, on Gambler’s Choice, owned by Con Caletto Enterprises, with a score of 171. French is a regular Thermal competitor and three-time winner of the Charles Owen Leading Hunter Rider Award this circuit.

The East Meets West Hunter Challenge is a qualifier for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York this September. The class was open to juniors, amateurs and professionals.

On Saturday, viewers of the webcast could watch as the competition alternated between hunter riders in Florida and California. A replay of the $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge is available free to watch on usefnetwork.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 Hughes and Luxina Top HITS Ocala $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

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(c) ESI Photography. Michael Hughes and Luxina.

OCALA, Florida (March 12, 2015): Michael Hughes of Allendale, New Jersey, riding his Luxina, topped a field of 31 contenders and nine in the jump-off to win the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix with one of only two clear rounds in the jump-off. The Dutch-bred Luxina is only 15.2 hands but Hughes used her big stride to his advantage for the win.

Aaron Vale and Hunter Holloway each had two horses in the jump-off but neither could match Hughes’ performance. Hughes said of the win, “The course had a lot of options. My horse doesn’t spend a lot of time in the air and she has a really big stride. She’s always better when you really keep up the pace and just keep galloping.”

Vale and Acolina R were the first to attempt the short course but had two rails down for eight faults. Hughes was up next and, knowing that there were seven more to follow, pulled out all the stops and rode clear in 38.104. Two four-fault and two eight-fault performances followed, including David Beisel and Amaretto, the winners of the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix Week VI, with four faults and a time 40.113 for fourth place.

Scott Keach and Southern Cross Equestrian’s Viriato were able to turn in the only other clear round in 40.533 to earn second. Keach has had 10-year-old Viriato for a year-and-a-half. He said, “I went at about 85 percent. There was only one place where I could have left a stride out. I wanted to go fast but leave them all up.”

The final horse to enter the jump-off was Cassevel with new owner Hunter Holloway, who posted the fastest four-fault performance in 39.467 for third place. Wednesday’s Brook Ledge Open Welcome winner Lexy Reed and Afandina had four faults for fifth place. Reed said she was happy to show in her first Grand Prix in six years and it was also her new horse’s first Grand Prix.

Lexy Reed and Afandina Return to Winner’s Circle in $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Lexy Reed from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania won the Brook Ledge Open Welcome two weeks ago, and won it again Wednesday by turning in the only double clear of the day. Reed has had 8-year-old Afandina for just six weeks and is thrilled with the repeat win.

(c) ESI Photography. Lexy Reed and her Afandina
(c) ESI Photography. Lexy Reed and her Afandina

“My horse was so good today,” she said. “The time allowed was so tight that you had to ride the first round like a jump-off. I cut inside on one of the rollbacks and just kind of ran everywhere else.”

Fourteen riders had time faults in the first round with only three clear rounds within the 83 second time allowed. The 1.4 meter course, designed by Manuel Esparza of Mexico, featured long distances between the fences and turns.

Erin Haas, riding North Face Farm’s As Di Chupito, went first in the jump-off and earned second place with four faults in a time of 47.600. Reed went next and jumped clear in 47.640. Third to go was Thaisa Erwin, riding Hollberg Equestrian’s Wild Card, with four faults in 50.367 for third.

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

Rudershausen and Abracadabra Win the $7,500 U-Dump/SJHOF Jr/A-O Jumper High Classic

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(c) ESI Photography. Melissa Rudershausen and Abracadabra.

OCALA, Florida (March 8, 2015): Melissa Rudershausen of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, riding her own Abracadabra, took home the first-place prize in the $7,500 U-Dump/SJHOF Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, presented by VETERA® XP Vaccines, on Sunday morning in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.

Six moved onto the jump-off and Rudershausen had the advantage of going last, when one other rider had been double-clear. She posted a clear round in 51.223 seconds to claim first place. Two rounds earlier, Nicole Bellissimo, riding Bellissimo LLC’s Harley David, had posted a clear – but slower – round in a time of 53.831, which earned her second place. Hayley Waters, riding Qurint, owned Chuck and Dana Waters, was fastest in 46.376 but four faults put her at third.”

“I touched the clouds a few times today,” said Rudershausen, who added that the course was challenging and the time tight. “You had to be efficient and the timers were a ways away from the last jump so you had to be careful and then gallop away.”

“In the jump-off,” she added, “I planned to do the five strides from one to two but he landed a little shallow and he jumped so high over the oxer that he almost jumped me off. He jumped the next two huge as well then settled in. The door was open with only one clean in the jump-off, so I tried to be a little faster.”

Bellissimo was happy with her ride, saying, “I just wanted to do a nice clear so I rode carefully. My horse jumped great.”

Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico designed the course. The class is a qualifier for the VETERA® XP Vaccines $250,000 Junior/Amateur-owner Jumper Prix at the HITS Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York in September.

Gabrielle Calvert and Cat Woman Win $7,500 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider-Equine Couture Children’s Jumper High Classic

OCALA, Florida (March 7, 2015): On Saturday night, the bleachers and VIP tent Saturday night were full of spectators who cheered for their favorites and sighed at downed rails in two jumper classics.

The juniors rode first in the $7,500 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider-Equine Couture Children’s Jumper High Classic. A newcomer on an experienced campaigner followed her plan with a few improvisations and came out a winner: Gabriel Calvert and Cat Woman, owned by Daniel White of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was double-clear in 30.856 to take home first prize out of a class of 35 riders.

Second-place winner Isabella Roman, of Green Oaks, Illinois, and Moraleja, went last of the thirteen that jumped-off and galloped the entire course, going wide on the turns and clocking in at 33.051. Ashton Alexander beat her own time and was third and fourth with Zibon HC and Naturel in times of 35.125 and 35.758, respectively. The only other double-clear was Savannah Nicole Unger on Lagoa for fifth place.

Cat Woman has competed through the Level 7 Jumpers with owner Daniel White, who gave Calvert the opportunity to show the veteran mare. Relatively new to the jumpers, 17-year-old Calvert is leading the Children’s Jumper High Division for Circuit Champion and is aiming toward the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling/Team Barber Child/Adult Jumper High Classic coming up this Saturday.

An excited White praised his rider, saying, “She took all the inside turns and did the seven down the last line and followed the plan. This girl has a bright future.”

Saturday night at HITS also featured a trainer and exhibitor party sponsored by VETERA® XP Vaccines with complimentary food and drink in the Paddock Club VIP tent, which drew a terrific crowd.

Madison Akins on Chasm Z Take Top Place in $7,500 M&S/TuffRider-Equine Couture Adult Jumper High Classic

The crowd was treated to a thrilling jump-off when Madison Akins of Winder, Georgia, riding her own Chasm Z, won the $7,500 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider-Equine Couture Adult Jumper High Classic, leaving out strides and mastering tight turns to claim the win.

Only six of the original 38 advanced to the jump off and five managed to go double-clear. First to go clear was Anna Whitman of Marston Mills, Massachusetts on Calino-GZ, who stopped the timers in 37.889, but her lead was short lived and she finished fourth.

Next to challenge was Avery Sharp on Skye’s the Limit who added strides in the lines but turned tight enough to shave more than two seconds off the lead and finish in 35.549. Lindsey Simmons of Middleburg, Virginia and 7-year-old Don Loma took over the lead in 34.812. Simmons had to settle for second when the lead changed hands for the final time as Akins and Chasm Z put it all together and galloped through the finish timers more than two seconds faster than Simmons in 32.840 for the win.

After the class, an excited Akins, who is at HITS while on spring break from the University of Georgia, said, “Honestly, I just knew I just had to go faster than I ever have. It was all him – he is an amazing horse. I’ve only had him for a year… What a great way to start my vacation.”

Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico, designed both courses.

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
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Cara Raether and Lyonell Win HITS Ocala $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

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(c) ESI Photography. Cara Raether and Lyonell.

Stephanie Collier and Finnegan Top Brook Ledge Open Welcome

OCALA, Florida (March 5, 2015): The fourteen horses in a fast-paced jump-off in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala led to four lead changes, out of which Cara Raether of North Palm Beach, Florida, riding Lyonell, owned by Trelawny Farm LLC, came out on top. Raether was the fourth to go clear in the jump-off and held on to her lead in 43.049 seconds for the hotly contested win.

In second place was Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey, riding the Coverboy Group’s Superbad, finishing in 43.338. Rounding out third was Jonathan McCrea of East Windsor, Connecticut in 43.587 seconds on Aristoteles V, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables.

During the jump-off, the first to go clear was Dr. Fernando Cardenas of New Hill, North Carolina, riding his own Quincy Car, who stopped the clock at 45.427. His lead was short-lived as McCrea and Aristoteles V went one better, slicing off a fraction of a second. Flint, on Superbad, went even more quickly, and looked impossible to beat until Raether took her shot at the prize. Crossing the timers nearly three-tenths of a second faster, Raether relegated Flint to second place. Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida, riding Derek Petersen’s Titus 2:11, finished fourth with a time of 44.444, dropping Cardenas to fifth place.

After the class, Raether said, “I didn’t think Amanda could be beaten, but my horse has a big stride and I just went with the numbers. The courses have been great all week. They asked the right questions and you could really get going. Lyonell is 14 years old and I’ve had him for eight years, so we know each other really well.”

Florencio Hernandez, of Mexico City, Mexico, designed the course.

Stephanie Collier and Finnegan Win Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Stephanie Collier from Westfield, Indiana, riding Danielle Brown’s Finnegan, pulled off the win in Wednesday’s Brook Ledge Open Welcome by two-tenths of a second over second-place finisher Amy Millar of Perth, Ontario, riding AMMO Investment’s Heros.

Eight jumped clear in the first round. In the jump-off, three riders rode double-clear with Millar maintaining a three-second lead at 38.314 over eventual third-place finisher Jonathan McCrea of East Windsor, Connecticut, who rode Captain Jack and clocked in at 41.327. Millar’s mark held up until Collier and Finnegan trotted into the ring. Finnegan rubbed a few rails, but left all of them in their cups to finish in 38.109 for the win.

Collier said of the 11-year-old Irish-bred Finnegan, “The girl [Brown] that owns him did the junior jumpers and when she went to school and didn’t have time for him, I was fortunate enough to get the ride. He hasn’t seen a lot of tracks like this. I thought the course was fantastic. It was one of those courses that was really active but not trappy.”

Hernandez also designed the Brook Ledge course.

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

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili Win $50,000 Ring Power Grand Prix

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(c) ESI Photography. Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili.

OCALA, Florida (March 1, 2015): The bleachers were full and the grass berms surrounding the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium were lined with spectators for Sunday’s $50,000 Ring Power Grand Prix, and fans were treated to an exciting class with a race to the finish. Kristen VanderVeen from St. Charles, Illinois came out on the top with an all-out gallop to the finish on Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili.

“I haven’t had him that long,” VanderVeen said of the winning horse, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five, LLC. “This is maybe my sixth or seventh class with him. I got him in Belgium and he’s the first made-up horse I’ve ever had. He was already showing and doing quite well so when he got here he was ready to go. Today the distances just showed up.”

Forty-two top quality horses competed over the 470 meter course, which was the longest course of the day. Brazilian Course Designer Anderson Lima set the course to National Standards and while the distances were friendly, many fences were set at maximum heights. The verticals were set as high as 1.53 meters and the Sore No-More vertical at fence eight was responsible for faults 16 times. The Brook Ledge oxer at fence 10 was also the source of many faults. It was the biggest fence on the course, set at both maximum height and width. Only seven horses had clear first rounds and moved on to the jump-off.

The jump-off consisted of nine efforts with three fences that had not been included in the first round. The third element in a triple combination in the first round was removed and the opening line was a bending seven or eight strides. Two double combinations were included back-to-back, and long gallops to the final two fences offered the opportunity to shave corners for faster times.

First to jump-off was S & L Elite, owned by S & L Farms, with Dorothy Douglas from Flower Mound, Texas. They left out a stride in the first line and were on track for a great trip when they tripped the back rail of the oxer at 7a for four faults in 52.141, which earned them sixth place.

Wayfarer, owned by Lionshare Farm and ridden by Peter Leone of Greenwich, Connecticut, was up next and downed an early rail after taking eight strides on the first line. He picked up the pace after that and finished fourth as the fastest with four faults in 50.976.

“Million Dollar Man” Andre Thieme, from Germany, went next on his own Conthendrix and he easily cleared the course in 47.202 setting the Great American Time to Beat. Shaking his head as he came out of the ring, he appeared to sense that he had left the door open for a faster time by perhaps being overly cautious over the last two fences.

His clear round remained in the lead through the next two combinations as Titus 2:11 and Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida had four faults, finishing fifth in 50.946, and Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey retired on the Coverboy Group’s Balotan to finish seventh.

Sixth in the jump-off order was VanderVeen on Faustino de Tili. Spectators gasped as they reached the first combination in stride and never looked back. Their time of 46.093 shaved a full second off Thieme’s mark to take a commanding lead.

The final horse was Arrayan, ridden by Eduardo Salas of Wellington, Florida and owned by Fabian Ordones Tello. The classic bay jumped clear in a time of 49.422 for third place.

VanderVeen has won multiple Grand Prix over courses designed by Lima and this even confirmed his status as her favorite designer. “I couldn’t believe the way we met that combination. I figured there is no taking back now,” she said. “I did the eight down the first line because I don’t know his stride that well.”

Second-place winner Thieme expressed frustration for not speeding over the last two fences. He knew as soon as he stepped out of the ring that there was a good possibility that his time wouldn’t hold up. After VanderVeen took the lead, he said, “I told you, the last two fences!” but was ultimately very happy with his horse.

Third place winner Salas said, “I thought the course designer did a great job. It was technical and difficult everywhere. I have just been here a few weeks and I think the horse show is very enjoyable.”

Fourth place winner Leone was riding a horse that he bred himself and was foaled on his farm. The 9-year-old showed potential as Leone takes aim at the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix later this year. He said, “My horse was excited on the first line and lost his canter and didn’t sight in on fence two. I thought the course was great, the right number of clears and the right horses won.”

Less than three weeks of Grand Prix qualifying opportunities remain for the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Ocala on Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m. Stay tuned to see who will earn a chance to compete in the second jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping.

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