Tag Archives: Amy Zettler

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Harold Chopping and Caramo Win $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix as Summer Showing Starts at HITS Culpeper

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©ESI Photography. Harold Chopping and Caramo jump their way to a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

Amy Zettler and Glad Rags are two-for-two in Virginia

CULPEPER, VA (July 8, 2013) – Harold Chopping celebrated Fourth of July weekend at HITS Culpeper with two big wins, first in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix on Saturday, then in the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, on Sunday.

Chopping, of Southern Pines, North Carolina led the way to victory in the hunter ring, piloting the 16.3, Danish-bred bay gelding Caramo, owned by Caroline Russell Howe, to a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix on Saturday.

Chopping and Caramo bested a field of 17 over a course designed by Rian Beals of Saugerties, New York. The pair led the first round with a score of 87 and returned in the second round to post an 85 for a total score of 172.

“This was his [Caramo] first time in the ring this week, but he is one of the most consistent, reliable horses I have ridden,” said Chopping, who has been riding Caramo for two years. “He’s just a great guy to ride. He can walk in any ring for the first time and jump fair.”

Nipping at the heels of Chopping and Caramo in the second round, Paul Mathews of Somerset, Virginia and Terry Morrison’s Carino combined a high score of 89 with a first-round score of 79.5 for a total of 168.5, to finish in second.

Third went to Katherine Newman of Wellington, Florida and Mimi Abel Smith’s Lofty. They rode to a pair of 84s for a final score of 168. Ian Silitch of Ocala, Florida rode Party Girl, also owned by Mimi Abel Smith, to fourth with a total score of 164. Silitch finished the first round one point behind Chopping with an 86 and pocketed a 78 in the second round. Denice Perry of The Plains, Virginia and Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare’s Tryonite rounded out the top five, posting scores of 81 and 79 for a final score of 160.

Before this weekend’s blue, Chopping and Caramo sat comfortably in the eighth spot in the preliminary Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final Rider Rankings. As qualifying for HITS Championship weekend and the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final kicks into high gear during the coming weeks, Chopping is confident that Caramo will make a respectable showing in the exciting year-end event.

”Some horses don’t do 3’3” well after being successful at 4’, but Caramo can come down and be great – he’s definitely headed for the final in September,” concluded Chopping.

$1,500 HITS Hunter Prix
After three HITS Hunter Prix wins during the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, a win at HITS Culpeper in April and another at HITS Culpeper this weekend, Amy Zettler and Glad Rags are officially on a roll in the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix classes.

The Aldie, Virginia rider and her 10-year-old gelding, whom she affectionately calls “Primo”, currently lead the preliminary HITS Hunter Prix Rider Rankings by a sizable margin and are eager to make another appearance in the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final this fall. Zettler, who trains with Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger at Woodhall Farm in Northern Virginia, placed second in the inaugural HITS Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties, New York last year during HITS Championship Weekend.

©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags kept their streak alive this weekend with another $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix victory
©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags kept their streak alive this weekend with another $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix victory

Zettler and Glad Rags earned the top score of 83 in the first round and bested herself with a score of 87 in the second for a final score of 170 and the win.

“This horse is just fantastic and today was no different,” said Zettler after the class. “I love showing in Culpeper since it is so close to home for me. Our priority while we are here this summer is to qualify for the HITS Hunter Prix Final again – I plan my whole year around that class.”

Second place was awarded to Emma Fass of Newport News, Virginia and her own Son of a Soldier. They rode to scores of 74 and 77 for a two-round total of 151. Shelby Trible of McLean, Virginia and her own Costar were third after a 66 and an 84 for a final score of 150. Fourth place went to Dudley MacFarlane of Darien, Connecticut and her own Asante’ with a final score of 145, after earning a 65 and an 80. Allison May of Haymarket, Virginia and JLA May’s Milestone rode to fifth with a 76 and a 68 for a total of 144.

Riders in both the Devoucoux and HITS Hunter Prix with their sights set on qualifying for the Diamond Mills and HITS Hunter Prix Finals will have weekly opportunities to earn points as HITS Horse Shows continue in Culpeper, Virginia and return to Saugerties, New York July 17. Both finals will be highlighted during HITS Championship Weekend, September 4-8, in Saugerties. To stay current on all qualifying, visit HitsShows.com.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the third-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 7-8 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Peg Seals and Surely Return Home to HITS Culpeper, Win $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix

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©ESI Photography. Peg Seals and Surely led hunters in a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

Amy Zettler continues to dominate with Glad Rags on the road to the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final

CULPEPER, VA (April 22, 2013) – Virginia’s own Peg Seals and Surely, owned by Chelsea Ireland, returned to familiar territory at HITS Culpeper to capture the first $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix of the spring and summer season this weekend. Seals, who spent the winter riding at HITS Ocala, has turned her focus to qualifying for the third-annual Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, scheduled for September 6-8 at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

Saturday’s Devoucoux Hunter Prix featured twenty-three horse-and-rider combinations that competed over a course designed by Rian Beals of Saugerties, New York. Seals earned the top score of 87 in the first round and was poised for victory going into the final round.

“These classes are so much fun,” said Seals. “She’s [Surely] a great horse, we make a great team and I have so much fun riding and showing with her. We did the hunter prix classes in Ocala and did really well against some pretty tough competition. I look forward to a great summer ahead.”

In the second round, Seals returned last and again bested the field, earning an impressive score of 90 to guarantee the victory.

Second place was awarded to Virginia’s Paul Matthews and Carino, owned by Terry Morrison. The duo earned a first round score of 84.5 and a second round score of 87.5. Third was Ian Silitch of Ocala, Florida and Linda Bammann’s Party Girl. Silitch had the second highest score of the first round with an 85.5 and earned an 86 in the second round.

$1,500 HITS Hunter Prix
After a brilliantly successful winter circuit at HITS Ocala, Amy Zettler and Glad Rags got spring competition off to a promising start. Zettler won three $1,500 Hunter Prix classes in the irons of Glad Rags over the winter and picked up another blue this weekend in Culpeper.

After a month off, the Aldie, Virginia rider and her own mount, who she candidly calls “Primo”, didn’t miss a beat as they look making another appearance in the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final. Zettler, who trains with Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger at Woodhall Farm in Northern Virginia, was second place at the inaugural HITS Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties, New York last year during HITS Championship Weekend.

After posting the top first-round score of 88 on Saturday, she coupled that with an 87, again the top score of the second round, to secure the win.

©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags won the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix
©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags won the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix

“He’s [Glad Rags] fantastic. We had a lot of success this past winter and this class couldn’t have gone any better,” said Zettler. “I haven’t shown him since the last class we did in Ocala, but he felt great this week. I really enjoy showing in Culpeper since it’s close to home. We’ll definitely be here all summer to qualify and I really can’t wait to get back to Saugerties this September. The HITS Hunter Prix Final is what I plan my whole year around now.”

Zettler and Glad Rags also picked up the victory in the $500 Marshall & Sterling Insurance Adult Hunter Classic to wrap up the first week of showing at HITS Culpeper.

Second place in the HITS Hunter Prix was awarded to Dudley Mac Farlane and her own Amarindo, who had scores of 83 and 78, while Marilyn Vaillancourt and her own Sweet King earned scores of 77 and 81 to take home the third-place ribbon.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the third-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 7-8 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.

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

Amy Zettler Wins Final $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit

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© ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags picked up another $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix win.

Hunter Holloway captures HITS Equitation Championship

OCALA, FL (March 16, 2013) – The final $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix took the stage on Saturday at HITS Ocala with blue skies and sunshine. Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia and her own Glad Rags picked up their third HITS Hunter Prix victory this season as they set their sights on the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.

“I’ve had an amazing circuit,” said Zettler, who finished in second place last year in the inaugural HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties, New York. “Primo [Glad Rags] is a great horse and we’ve had a wonderful time here this winter. HITS does a great job making the hunter prix classes very special, and I feel like everything was spectacular this whole circuit.”

Twenty-six horse-and-rider combinations competed over a course designed by Tim Hott, as twelve returned for the second round. Zettler posted a pair of 83s in the two-round classic for the win.

Second place belonged to Kevin Foster of Brookeville, Maryland and Ufonia P, owned by Paulexi, LLC. Foster had a first round score of 79 and the top second round score of 86 to claim the red ribbon.

“This has been one of the most successful seasons our barn has ever had,” said wife Patty Foster of Rolling Acres Farm. The Rolling Acres family is sharing a lot this season, as they present, for the first time ever, the Rolling Acres Farm Laura Pickett Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the top scoring Junior Hunter rider of the entire circuit. The award will be presented during the Antares Parade of Champions on Sunday.  “It’s great when you’re successful at a show, but it’s even more special when it’s something you can share with your entire family.”

The third place ribbon was awarded to Margot Peroni and Susan Cowie’s Magnolia. Peroni, of Califon, New Jersey, rides with Redfield Farm under the tutelage of Emil Spadone. The duo posted a first-round score of 84.5 and a second round score of 79.

As HITS Ocala comes to an end, Zettler and Woodhall Farm prepare for another exciting show season that will include HITS Culpeper. She and Glad Rags will head north with the Antares Grand Circuit Championship in the Adult Hunter 36-45 division.

“I’m so proud of my horse and I have to thank my trainers Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger,” she said. “I have really made a lot of new friends and that has been the best part of it all. I’m really lucky to spend good times with great people at a great horse show.”

© ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and Blige on course in the HITS Equitation Championship
© ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and Blige on course in the HITS Equitation Championship

HITS Equitation Championship
The HITS Equitation Championship took place on Saturday in the Grand Prix Ring as the top junior riders of the circuit showed of their equitation one final time. A two-round class, the top twelve returned for the second round with an additional test of the top four to determine the winner. Rising star Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas captured the victory with Blige, owned by Hays Investment Corp.

Holloway has had a fantastic circuit as one of the premier junior riders in the country. The daughter of grand prix veteran Brandie Holloway, she has made a name for herself this season with several strong finishes in grand prix, as well as in the junior hunters. She also earned the 13th overall ribbon in Saturday’s $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge just a few hours after her equitation win.

Second place was awarded to Geoffrey Hesslink and Don Stewart’s Bruno Mars. Third place was awarded to Rolling Acres’ Ashley Foster and Maureen Corcoran’s Leena L. Michael Hughes and Zagreb, owed by Drumnacross Farm LTD., finished fourth.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Patty Stovel and Amy Zettler Ride to More Hunter Prix Success at HITS Ocala

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©ESI Photography. Patty Stovel and Kenya notched their second $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix win

OCALA, FL (February 25, 2013) – Patty Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania pocketed a $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix earlier in the season at HITS Ocala and returned to the winner’s circle for the second time this weekend. She and Michelle Durpetti’s Kenya rode to a score of 171 with Shachine Belle of Farmington, Connecticut pressuring her in second with a 170 aboard Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare’s Tryonite.

The Devoucoux Hunter Prix was held in the Hunter Stadium last week and returned to the popular Outside Course this week to present a track designed by Timmy Hott of Cumming Iowa.

“The Outside Course rides really well and all the options keep things interesting,” said Stovel of the newly designed ring. “The bank adds just enough difficulty to make the class fun.”

Stovel is no stranger to sitting atop Kenya as she sold the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood to his current owner and was asked to continue riding him. Durpetti and Stovel believe Kenya has what it takes to be competitive in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final during HITS Championship Weekend this fall in Saugerties, New York and are pointing the gelding toward qualifying and competing in the big-money event.

“He was great today and has a really good chance of being competitive in Saugerties,” said Stovel.

Belle, who has ridden to two Devoucoux Hunter Prix wins aboard Robin Swinderman’s INXS this season, rode two new top-five finishers this week. She and Tryonite led the first round with a score of 88 before earning an 82 in the second. Belle also rode Michael Renker’s Wicked to fourth. They combined an 84 and 82 for a total score of 166.

Therese Peck and Cammy Turgon’s Scoop finished third with a score of 167 and Megan Wexler stepped from the grand prix to the hunter ring for a fifth-place finish aboard Kathryn Mittauer’s Allawishus. They earned a pair of 82s for a 164 total.

Devoucoux, the makers of fine French saddles, will continue to present weekly hunter prix, which represent the only way for hunter riders to punch their ticket to the prestigious Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final during HITS Championship Weekend in Saugerties in September.

$5,000 3’ Hunter Prix

Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia admits that her number-one goal for HITS Ocala this year is to qualify for the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final again in Saugerties and to place higher than she did last year. But, for Zettler, higher is winning. After finishing second in last year’s debut of the HITS Hunter Prix Final, she and her own Glad Rags are chasing down the blue in 2013 and are off to an impressive start with three top-five qualifying finishes so far this season, including today’s $5,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix win.

Lena Rae Reeb of Weston, Connecticut boasts four top-ten finishes in the HITS Hunter Prix this season at HITS Ocala. After riding to the top in the first-ever Children’s Hunter Pony Final in Saugerties last year, Reeb is now pointing Jamie Ringel’s Private Ryan at the HITS Hunter Prix Final. She earned an 81 and an 84 for a total of 165 and second place this weekend, and was also fourth aboard Sonia Ramirez’s Amsterdam with a 163.

Dorian Cieslak of Altamonte Springs, Florida rounded out the top three with her own VDL Uniek, and Nicolas Horgan was fifth on Winsor Farm Sales, Inc.’s Captain 33.

©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags on course in the $5,000 HITS Hunter Prix
©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler and Glad Rags on course in the $5,000 HITS Hunter Prix

Zettler combined an 88 and a 79 for a 167 and the win this weekend. “Glad Rags is just a true winner,” she said of the 10-year-old Thoroughbred-Warmblood cross gelding that she has owned for three years. “He was coming off of a three-month break at the start of Ocala and he stepped back into the ring and started winning. We only jump him at horse shows and he loves doing it. He likes to be the center of attention.”

Glad Rags is Virginia-bred by Steve and Sally McVeigh of Middleburgh, who are still very involved with the gelding’s successes. “I call them after every class – it is so nice to have breeders who care about their horse,” said Zettler.

After finishing second last week in the Hunter Stadium, Zettler, trained by Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger, was eager to return to HITS Ocala’s all-new Outside Course this weekend. She admits that the new ring is perfect practice for the setting of the final, which will take place on the popular Outside Course at HITS-on-the-Hudson during HITS Championship Weekend September 6-8.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the third-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 7-8 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano and Rose Hill Win Big in the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala V

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OCALA, FL (February 18, 2013) – Jennifer Alfano got down to business at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, and won the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix this weekend. Alfano of Buffalo, New York and Sharon O’Neill’s Rose Hill rode to a sweet victory and a $2,800 winner’s check. Sweeter than usual, however, the win marked a storied return back to the competition ring for Rose Hill.

“She is only eight years old and underwent colic surgery last May,” said Alfano of the Warmblood mare that carried her to the blue. “She just started showing again and I am really excited to have her back.”

The scenery changed this week for hunter prix riders as they moved to the main hunter ring and showed over a course designed by Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida.

Alfano was second going into the final round after a score of 86, right behind Winn Alden of Bristow, Virginia aboard Barbara Sheffield’s Cameo Appearance with an 87. Alfano was tenth to return in a 12-horse second round and rode to an impressive 89, which was just enough to deliver the win. Alfano also piloted Rose Hill to a second and third-place finish in two HITS Ocala Devoucoux Hunter Prix earlier in the circuit.

Despite the chilly weather that rolled in and prompted some frisky antics from several horses during the class, Alfano admits that Rose Hill was focused and pretty unflappable throughout the day.

“She walked right into the new ring and got it done,” said Alfano of Rose Hill. “She is so easy and fun – she is the kind of horse that everyone wants in their barn.”

After an 86 in round two gave him a total score of 173, just two points below Alfano, Alden and Cameo Appearance finished second. Amanda Steege has already been in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix money several times this season and rode to third yesterday with Susan Darragh’s Zidane. They boasted an overall score of 167.5.

Another familiar face in the top five with two wins already pocketed, Shachine Belle of Farmington, Connecticut and Robin Swinderman’s INXS finished fourth with a score of 166.75. Paul Mathews of Somerset, Virginia fell just short of Belle and rounded out the top five with a 166.5 on Terry Morrison’s Carino.

With four more qualifying opportunities for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final during the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, Alfano is hopeful that Rose Hill is the horse to get her to HITS Championship Weekend this fall. “She’s a perfect horse for that class. She shows in the 3’6” Performance Division and was champion this week, so she is really getting back into form.  We definitely hope to qualify and ride in the $500,000 class in Saugerties,” she said.

$1,500 HITS Hunter Prix

Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia bested 52 to pilot her own Glad Rags to the top of the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix this weekend at HITS Ocala. After a second-place finish last week, Zettler is sitting near the top of the rider standings for September’s HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.

©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler rode to the win in the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix aboard Glad Rags
©ESI Photography. Amy Zettler rode to the win in the $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix aboard Glad Rags

Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, New York was second aboard Serenity Farm’s Q and Lena Rae Reeb of Weston, Connecticut finished third with Jamie Ringel’s Private Ryan. After a win in last year’s HITS Children Hunter Pony Final, Reeb is looking forward to a triumphant return to Saugerties, New York this year and an appearance in the HITS Hunter Prix Final during HITS Championship Weekend.

Lynn Seithel of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina rode Louse Petz’s Wellington to fourth and Marge Sidman of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts capped the top five with her own Robinlanta.

About Devoucoux
Devoucoux, makers of fine French saddles, is proud to be the title sponsor of each and every qualifying Hunter Prix leading up to the phenomenal Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be a featured event at all HITS horse shows this season as riders from around the country set out to qualify for the third-annual Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, which will take place September 7-8 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

About Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Just 100 miles outside of New York City, nestled in the Village of Saugerties, Diamond Mills is a 30-room luxury hotel featuring stellar accommodations, fine dining at The Tavern and full-service events at a state-of-the art Special Events Center. Diamond Mills is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassed collection of over 520 luxury hotels around the world. Saugerties’ newest luxury hotel is also the proud sponsor of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson as part of the HITS Championship Weekend. For more information about Diamond Mills or the special VIP packages available to HITS-on-the-Hudson exhibitors, please visit DiamondMillsHotel.com or call 845.247.0700.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Jane Gaston and Lumiere Win the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper

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©ESI Photography. Jane Gaston and her own Lumiere on their way to victory in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix as they set their sights on the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final

CULPEPER, VA (April 23, 2012) – Accomplished duo Jane Gaston and her own Lumiere  came out on top in Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight the Commonwealth National at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Gaston, who was a ribbon winner in last year’s inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS-on-the-Hudson, is on track for a return visit to the year-end spectacular for hunter riders this September. After competing in three Devoucoux classes this winter at HITS Ocala, Gaston now has banked four qualifying classes and will look to the July shows at HITS Culpeper to seal her position in the starting field for the return of the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final.

“I got a good start on qualifying at Ocala,” said Gaston of The Plains, Virginia. “My only regret is that I didn’t spend more time there. We were there for three weeks and it was such a pleasant place to show. Next winter, I plan on spending a lot more time there.”

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