Tag Archives: HITS

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Culpeper Week V Grand Prix Round-Up

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(C) ESI Photography. Harold Chopping and Basje.

Culpeper, VA (August 31, 2016): Riders and horses turned out for a weekend of big jumper prize money at HITS Commonwealth Park during the Constitution Classic in Week V for the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix and the $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix.

$30,000 HITS Grand prix
Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina has been a consistent winner at HITS Culpeper this season, winning three Grand Prix and placing in the top five in every Friday and Sunday Grand Prix at HITS Commonwealth Park since April.

Week V proved to be no different for Chopping; after claiming second and third in Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix, Chopping returned on Sunday to win the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix. The victory came aboard Basje, owned by Kendra Bullington, earning the pair their fourth blue ribbon together at Culpeper this year.

“He’s a very talented horse, and is also very careful,” Chopping has said of the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Seven went clear over the first-round course designed by Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico and moved on to the jump-off. The first three trips would produce four faults each, including fifth-place Gavin Moylan of Middleburg, Virginia aboard Pernod, owned by Alpha Omega Farm. Moylan won the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix in Week II at HITS Culpeper. They clocked in at 44.053 with four faults.

Following Moylan was Andrea Torres Guerreiro, who would capture the first clear round in the shortened course. Guerreiro, of Waterford, Virginia powered through the course piloting Fifty Shades. They stopped the clock in 46.589, which would eventually garner them the second-place prize.

Three trips remained, and Manuel Torres was next to take the stage. Also riding out of Waterford, Virginia, Torres and his mount Christofolini H, owned by Andrea Torres Guerreiro, passed the timers in a speedy 43.924, but an unfortunate rail at the A element of the mid-course combination would earn them fourth place.

Chopping and Basje were next to put their plan to the test. With a clear round in the books for Guerreiro, Chopping knew he had to be quick and clear, and also put down a fast enough trip to hold out for the one trip after them. They sped through the jump-off, taking each fence by storm and shaving time off the clock. They crossed the finish in a lightning-fast 41.413, five seconds ahead of Guerreiro.

Mary Lisa Leffler of Brookeville, Maryland had the final chance to take the glory. She and her ride, Bling Bling, owned by Rolling Acres, took to the course no holds barred in an attempt to catch Chopping’s speedy clear round. As the seconds ticked by, they powered towards the finish, but a heart-breaking rail at the second-to-last fence, and a time of 42.951, sealed their spot in third place.

$25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix
A new name topped the leaderboard at HITS Culpeper this season with Sloane Coles of The Plains, Virginia taking home the blue with Esprit, owned by The Springledge Group.

(C) ESI Photography. Sloane Coles and Esprit
(C) ESI Photography. Sloane Coles and Esprit

Eight challenged the shortened course in Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix, with four producing a clear jump-off round in contingency for the winning prize.

Southern Pines, North Carolina equestrian Harold Chopping was first to contend aboard his trusted gelding, Basje, owned by Kendra Bullington. As the first to go in the jump-off, they locked in a solid round in a quick, clear 32.690-second round and would make it out with the second place prize when the class was done.

Following Chopping was Manuel Torres riding Christofolini H, owned by Andrea Torres Guerreiro. Coming off a $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix and a $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix win at Culpeper in Week IV, Torres was ready to battle for the blue. A heart-breaking rail at the final fence earned the pair four faults, stopping the clock in 31.430 for the final spot in the top five.

Alexa Lowe-Wiseman of Upperville, Virginia and Synapse de Blondel, owned by Paillot Equine Consulting, were next to test the shortened course. They clocked in clear in 36.880, a cool, clear round that would ultimately earn them the fourth place prize.

The next clear round of the jump-off belonged to the victors, Coles and Esprit. They galloped through the course at a quick, unforgiving pace. The clocked in fault-free in 31.122, where the lead would remain.

Two trips went with no avail at topping Coles’ time. Chopping had the final round of the jump-off to try to edge her out.

Chopping competed with his second mount in the jump-off, Contefino 6, owned by Caroline Russell Howe and Lisa Tolnitch. They crossed the finish with all of the rails up, but their time of 32.860 was not enough to top Coles; they came within just two tenths of a second under Chopping’s own time with second-place ride Basje.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
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Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, USHJA

Haley Redifer Wins USHJA Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper

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(C) ESI Photography. Haley Redifer and Ballon.

Culpeper, VA (August 23, 2016): Junior riders took center stage this past weekend at the USHJA Zone III Junior Equitation Finals and Haley Redifer of Barboursville, Virginia, aboard her own Ballon, was the star of the show. Impressing Judge Irving Evans throughout all three rounds of competition held in the Grand Prix Ring, Redifer topped the field to stake claim to the blue ribbon and a saddle courtesy of County Saddlery.

Saturday marked the eleventh year that HITS Culpeper has hosted the USHJA Zone III Junior Equitation Finals. Qualified riders traveled from all over Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina for the popular final and competed in either a 3’ or 3’6” section with one overall set of results. Round one was tested over a set of fences designed by Oscar Soberon. The top 10 exhibitors returned to show on the flat, followed by a final test over fences of the top four riders.

Grace Boston aboard Denver S, owned by Thinkslikeahorse, received second place honors, followed by Carly Hoft aboard Cashman, who placed second in last year’s final, to round out the podium finish. Boston received a bridle, donated by Ginnie Edwards and Hidden Hollow Farm, for the second place prize and Hoft was awarded an Irish Knit cooler, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Streett Moore of Bellfield Farm Show Management, for third.

Fourth in the standings went to Samantha Hawrysko piloting Acadia Park. Hawrysko received a leather halter prize, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Streett Moore. Savannah Bednash and Verrazano, owned by Pinnacle Sporthorses, LLC, placed rounded out the top five competitors with fifth place.

A special award for the Best Equitation Horse was given to Queso Grande, owned by Darby Cole and ridden by Madison Busey.

Prior to the class, qualified exhibitors and their guests were invited to a Rider Reception hosted by HITS which included complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, as well as gift bags courtesy of the USHJA.

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

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Manuel Torres Conquers the $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper

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(C) ESI Photography. Manuel Torres and Christofolini H.

Culpeper, VA (August 23, 2016): Riders and horses descended on the Grand Prix Ring at HITS Commonwealth Park for the main event of the Winston National, the $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix.

Only one horse and rider could go home with the win, but in this case, one deserving equestrian took home both the first and second prize. There was no slowing down Manuel Torres during the fourth week of competition at HITS Culpeper. Riding out of Waterford, Virginia, Torres garnered the blue and red ribbon in Sunday’s $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix after also snagging the victory in Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix.

Sunday’s first-place payday came aboard Christofolini H, owned by Andrea Torres Guerreiro, and second came with Cruising Altitude, owned by Santa Catalina Farm.

Faults were spread evenly throughout the first-round course, with two trips earning one time fault each. Three went clear to advance to the second round jump-off course set by Oscar Soberon of Mexico.

Torres had two to contest the shortened course, entering first with winning mount Christofolini H. They powered through the course, laying down a 45.530 roundtrip that would hold up the victory with a colossal five-second lead.

Debbie McCarthy-Connor of Patterson, New York followed with Zim, owned by Connor and Ebetino Jumpers, LLC. McCarthy-Connor and Zim took home third place in Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix and were hunting for the lead over Torres. They clocked in at 53.918 to ultimately secure the yellow ribbon for the weekend once again.

The blue ribbon was already set for Torres, but the winning horse had yet to be determined. He put in a solid, careful round with second-place horse Cruising Altitude, stopping the clock in at 50.557 for the second place prize.

Both fourth and fifth place went back-to-back in the first round, and left all of the rails up to only suffer one penalty on the clock. Kama Godek of Fairfax Station, Virginia brought home fourth place piloting Air Force One. Godek moved up the ranks from a twelfth-place ride on Friday, to yield a spot in the top five on Sunday to close out the week.

Rounding out the top five was Alexa Lowe-Wiseman of Upperville Virginia, and Synapse de Blondel, owned by Paillot Equine Consulting, LLC. The equestrian and her mount earned seventh place in Friday’s Grand Prix and also moved up the placings to secure fifth on Sunday.

Elite show jumping competition continues at HITS Culpeper this week with the Constitution Classic, August 24-28, featuring the USHJA Child & Adult Amateur Jumper Championship, the $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix and Sunday’s $30,000 HITS Grand Prix.

Cindy McGrath Takes Home the Blue in the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic

Riders gathered to compete for the top prize in the $10,000 Jr/A-O Jumper High Classic during the fourth week of competition, the Winston National, at HITS Culpeper.

Several put their best foot forward in hopes of bringing home the blue, but the team to beat was Cindy McGrath of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania and Caruso, owned by Wynnwood Farm. McGrath would also garner the final spot in the top five with Quinaro, owned by Mapledale Associates.

Five advanced to the jump-off with two going clear over in contingency for the win. First to re-enter the ring to challenge the shortened course was Sandra Zimmerli of Fairfax Station, Virginia and Calido’s Treasure, owned by Zimmerli Show Jumping, LLC. They clocked in at 44.410, but an unfortunate rail at the third fence of the course would ultimately earn them fourth place.

Next to contend was Toano, Virginia equestrian Malachi Hinton piloting F15. They followed Zimmerli’s round with a valiant effort, leaving all of the rails up, but the unforgiving clock earned them one time fault as they crossed the finish. They would make it out with the third place spot when the class was done.

(C) ESI Photography. Cindy McGrath and Caruso
(C) ESI Photography. Cindy McGrath and Caruso

McGrath and Quinaro followed suit. They galloped through the course, conquering the first two fences, but a rail at the third fence on course, as well as the penultimate fence, earned them eight faults as they passed the timers in 43.340.

Only two remained in the jump-off before the final placings would be set, and the battle would be won by only mere fractions of a second.

Myrto Iliadis of Brooklyn, New York entered next with her own Voila HE. They took each fence by storm, stopping the clock in a cool, clear 43.850 to take the temporary lead.

McGrath entered with her second mount of the jump-off, Caruso, with the final chance at stealing the top spot on the leaderboard. Saving the best for last, McGrath and her mount flew through the course, turning and burning at every chance they had to shave precious time of the clock. They crossed the finish in 43.500, less than three-tenths of a second quicker than Iliadis for the win.

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

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunters Take the Stage during Week IV at HITS Culpeper

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(C) ESI Photography. Louisa Brackett and King Bee.

Culpeper, VA (August 22, 2016): Hunter riders gathered at HITS Commonwealth Park for a prestigious hunter victory in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. The classes served as Virginia’s fourth qualifying opportunities for the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix and the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix at the HITS Championship in September.

$5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix
The blue ribbon went home with Louisa Brackett of Grayslake, Illinois aboard King Bee. They scored an 83 in the first round, and an 82 in the second round, garnering the win with a total score of 165. The victory at HITS Culpeper marks Brackett’s first $5,000 Devoucoux win.

Ocala, Florida equestrian Rachael Bebb was second in the ribbons. She and Lion, owned by Sarah Jo Scott, brought in a first-round score of 77. In the second round of the classic, Bebb and Lion received a 79.5, totaling 156.5 for their efforts.

Third place was awarded to Odds Are, owned by Twin Oaks Farm, LLC, and ridden by Jill Wilson of Louisa, Virginia. They received a first-round score of 78, followed by a second-round score of 77 for a total of 155.

Shannan Gossman of Mitchells, Virginia took fourth with Castanio, owned by Turning Pointe Ventures, LLC, with scores of 75 and 79 respectively for a total of 154. Gossman has showed in the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix this season, placing consistently in the top five. This week, the equestrian leveled up to join the competition in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

Rounding out the top five was Kate Phillips of Montpelier, Virginia and Chino, owned by Derek Reed. They brought in a first-round score of 75.5, and received a second-round score of 78 for a total of 153.5, claiming fifth place for their efforts. Philips and Chino also competed in the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper and moved up to compete in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania equestrian Sara Ladley stole away with the blue-ribbon victory in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix during Week IV at HITS Culpeper. Ladley rode her own Skara Glen’s Intense to a first-round score of 79, improving to an 84 in the second round for a total of 163.

Second in the ribbons was Victoria Walton of Hampstead, Maryland and Iberia, owned by Patricia Walton. Walton and her bay mount were awarded consistent scores of 80 in both rounds to total 160.

The yellow ribbon went to Peyton Ruddy of Midlothian, Virginia and her mount Clair de Lune. They brought in third place with a score of 73 in the first round, with a major improvement to a score of 83 in the second round — they totaled 156 for their efforts.

Kirsten Good of Washington, DC was fourth piloting Chenin Noir. They earned a 72 in the first round, followed by a 71 in the second for a total of 143.

The top five closed out with Virginia Frediani of Richmond, Virginia aboard Silvio. They earned a 68 in the first round, improving to a 74 in the second round to total 142, just behind Ruddy, for fifth place.

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

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Manuel Torres and Christofolini H Take the Blue in the $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix

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(C) ESI Photography. Manuel Torres and Christofolini H.

Culpeper, VA (August 20, 2016): Horses and riders turned out for the fourth week of competition at HITS Culpeper this season for a shot at victory in the $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix.

Manuel Torres, riding out of Waterford, Virginia, claimed the blue ribbon aboard Christofilini H, owned by Andrea Torres Guerreiro. Torres has consistently been in the top five in the Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper this season, most recently claiming third in the Week III $30,000 HITS Grand Prix and fifth in that week’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix.

Three advanced over the first round course set by Oscar Soberon of Mexico City to contest the jump-off, and all challengers would go clear over the shortened course in a race against the clock. First to return to the ring for the jump-off was Glenmoore, Pennsylvania equestrian Callan Solem aboard VDL Wizard, owned by Horseshoe Trail Farm, LLC.

Solem and her fiery, chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding took to the course no holds barred to lay down a cool, clear trip in 36.223, setting the tone for her competitors.

Following Solem was Debbie McCarthy Connor of Patterson, New York and Zim, owned by Connor and Ebetino Jumpers. Connor and Zim placed fourth in the $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix during the first week at HITS Culpeper back in April.

Connor and Zim stopped the clock with all of the rails up, but their time of 41.395 would not be quick enough to edge out Solem or compete with Torres’ round. They ultimately took home the third place prize for their efforts.

The final trip to return to the ring for the jump-off was Torres aboard Christofilini H. They powered through the course and laid down a lightning-fast trip. They clocked in with another fault-free trip in 35.368, pushing Solem’s round to second place and grabbing the blue-ribbon victory.

Although she would settle for second, Solem also took home fourth and fifth place, with the fastest of the four-fault rounds. She finished fourth with VDL Torlando, owned by the Torlando Group, and fifth with Davidson, owned by Five Star Partners.

Show jumping continues at HITS Commonwealth Park this Sunday with the $30,000 Purina Grand Prix. HITS will also offer an additional back-to-back week of top-notch competition and prize money August 24-28 featuring two Grand Prix.

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

American Gold Cup, Competitions, HITS, Show Jumping

HITS Million Saugerties and American Gold Cup Offer FEI-Level Competition

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(C) ESI Photography. Beezie Madden and Simon claim the CP $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI-5* on September 6, 2015 at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

The Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI 5* and will take place on Sunday, September 11 the HITS Championship, the grand finale of the HITS Saugerties show series. The Saugerties Million, first introduced in 2009 and held in 2010, will debut its seventh consecutive year of the historic, FEI-sanctioned class at HITS-on-the-Hudson in 2016.

HITS Saugerties will also host a show the week prior to the Saugerties Million from August 31 – September 4. HITS-on-the-Hudson Week VII will feature two Grand Prix, the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix and the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix.

New York will also play host to another popular show jumping event in the fall, The American Gold Cup, which is celebrating its fifth year of competition this year at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York. The historic show will take place September 14-18, featuring the $216,000 CSI 4* Longines FEI World Cup on Sunday, September 18.

The American Gold Cup and the HITS Championship will be held back to back in September, and are conveniently located just an hour away from each other. High Performance riders are encouraged to take advantage of both events to participate in two of the highest quality competitions of the season.

HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri said, “With two premium events, the American Gold Cup and the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix, so close in both proximity and scheduling, high performance riders will benefit from the convenience that HITS-on-the-Hudson and Old Salem Farm provide.”

Management from both events will be communicating with one another to ensure a smooth transition between the two venues for horses and riders, and can help with any special requests. Both HITS and Morrissey Management will be diligent in their efforts to support competitors at both events.

“We are planning a great show at this year’s American Gold Cup, as well as working closely with HITS to create a seamless transition between our two events,” continued American Gold Cup Manager Michael Morrissey. “This is a unique opportunity for riders to participate in two top-notch events within a short drive of each other. We are looking forward to working together with the HITS team.”

Struzzieri added, “HITS and Old Salem will be working together to assist riders in making their plans, including coordinating quarantine if necessary, as well as communicating arrival arrangements with Old Salem management to make the transition from Saugerties to North Salem as smooth as possible.”

For further information on the HITS Championship or for tickets to this year’s Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix CSI-5*, visit the HITS Horse Shows website or call the HITS corporate office at 845.246.8833.

For further information or for tickets to this year’s American Gold Cup, visit the American Gold Cup website at www.theamericangoldcup.com.

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

Written by: Allyson Lagiovane, Phelps Media Group
Adapted by: HITS Horse Shows Staff

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunters Close the Curtain on Week III HITS Culpeper

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(C) ESI Photography. Harold Chopping and Most of All.

Culpeper, VA (June 19, 2016): Hunter exhibitors brought their A-Game to the final weekend of shows at HITS Culpeper until they return in August. The $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix served as Virginia’s third qualifying opportunities for the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix and the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix at the HITS Championship in September.

$5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix
Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina has been dominating the Grand Prix ring all season at HITS Commonwealth Park as well as top placings in the Hunter ring. This week, Chopping garnered first and second place in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix aboard Most of All, owned by Four Tall Oaks, Inc. and Caramo, owned by Caroline Russell Howe.

Chopping and Most of All went home with third place in last week’s class, and returned this week to earn scores of 86 and 86 for a winning total of 178.

“Most of All is a mare that we had in training just before we went to Florida,” said Chopping. “We’ve been very happy with her performance – she’s gone beautifully in the Classic the last few weeks.”

Chopping’s red-ribbon mount, Caramo, who placed eighth last week, rose up the ranking for second place this week with scores of 84 and 85 for a total of 169.

“Caramo has won several Devoucoux Hunter Prix as well as International Hunter Derbies in his career, he went out there and did his thing, and I was pleased with his scores,” said Chopping of his second place mount. “If I’m in the Top 20 qualified, I’m hoping to take both Most of All and Caramo to the finals at the HITS Championship in September.”

Third place went to Dreamliner, owned and ridden by Kama Godek of Fairfax Station, Virginia. They came in just two points behind Chopping with a first-round score of 85 and a second-round score of 82, for a total of 167.

Next in the ribbons was Opulent, ridden by Gavin Moylan and co-owned by Moylan’s wife, Alden. The Middleburg, Virginia equestrian and his mount captured the victory in Week II’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix. This week, they earned a 75 in the first round, but laid down an impressive second round trip for a score of 84 and at total of 159 to move into fourth place.

The top five rounded out with Tess Lee of Potomac, Maryland and Tinka’s Lad, with scores of 83 and 75.5 for a total of 158.5.

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Junior and amateur hunter riders lined up for a shot at the winning title in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix, but the team to beat proved to be Victoria Clarke and Corleone, owned by Bethany Garrison.

(C) ESI Photography. Victoria Clarke and Corleone
(C) ESI Photography. Victoria Clarke and Corleone

Clarke, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, sealed the victory with a first-round score of 84 combined with a second-round score of 83, for the winning total of 167.

Second in the ribbons went to Kate Phillips of Montpelier, Virginia aboard Chino, owned by Derek Reed. Their scores of 75 in the first round and 68 in the second gave them a total of 143 for their efforts.

Sgt. Pepper took home third place with owner and rider Connie McRill of Woodbine, Maryland. McRill and her mount brought home second place in last week’s class. This week, they earned scores of 78 and 63, respectively, for a total of 141.

Coming in behind McRill was Katelyn Dugan of Baltimore, Maryland and Sir Winston. The final pair in the top five was Devan Graham, also of Chevy Chase, Maryland, piloting Dear Heart, owned by Andrea Woodner.

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

HITS, HITS, Show Jumping

Maryann Charles Garners the Blue in the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper

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(C) ESI Photography. Maryann Charles and FVF Sailor Man.

Culpeper, VA (July 19, 2016): As the third week of competition at HITS Culpeper came to an end, riders descended on the Grand Prix ring at HITS Commonwealth Park to vie for a victory in the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix.

Maryann Charles of Southern Pines, North Carolina and FVF Sailor Man, owned by Fox View Farm, have been knocking on the door all season at HITS Culpeper. They have brought home two third place ribbons in the Week II and Week III $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix combined, as well as third in last Sunday’s $30,000 HITS Grand Prix. This Sunday, that knock blew the door down as they captured the coveted blue ribbon and the biggest slice of the prize purse.

Eight advanced to challenge the jump-off over the course set by Bernardo Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal with five producing clear jump-off rounds in a race to the top of the leaderboard.

First to challenge the shortened course was Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Contefino 6, owned by Caroline Russell Howe and Lisa Tolnitch. Chopping has consistently been in the top placings at HITS Culpeper since Week I in April, in addition to winning Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix with another mount. They laid down a speedy, clear trip to set the tone for the class in 38.999. The round would eventually earn them fourth place.

Following Chopping was Manuel Torres riding out of Waterford, Virginia and Christofolini H, owned by Andrea Torres Guerreiro. Torres rode the powerhouse bay gelding through the timers in 38.846, just fractions of a second quicker than Chopping to move up in the rankings. They would ultimately earn the third place prize.

Another clear jump-off round appeared for the crowd with Kevin McCarthy and Analyze This, owned by Kimberly Jakubowski. The North Salem, New York equestrian conquered each fence, and clocked in fault-free in 43.474 – which would eventually give him and his mount the final spot in the top five for their efforts.

Hometown rider Brook Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia entered the ring next aboard Classified. Kemper and classified have been moving up the placings this season at HITS Culpeper, with a sixth place finish in Week I’s $30,000 HITS Grand Prix, and fourth place finish in Week III’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix. They put down a dynamite round in 37.719, shaving a full second off of the leading time. The round would come close to the victory for the eventual second place prize.

Thaisa Erwin followed Kemper with Matilda. A heart-breaking rail at the last fence would keep them out of the top five, but would earn them seventh in the ribbons.

The victors, Maryann Charles and FVF Sailor Man were next to contend. They took to the shortened course with speed and precision, clocking in fault-free with a lightning-fast round in 36.736 for the win.

Two more contenders were left in the order after Charles’ leading round. Mary Lisa Leffler and Carlot, owned by Rolling Acres, put down a valiant effort, but a refusal at the second fence would ultimately earn them eighth place in 53.583.

Harold Chopping and Basje, winners of Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix, were the final pair to test the jump-off. The crowd cheered as they went in no-holds-barred across the course. They flew towards the timers with a win on the horizon, but a heart-breaking rail at the last fence would keep them from the victory. They clocked in at 34.280 with four faults for sixth.

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

Competitions, HITS, Show Jumping

Harold Chopping Conquers the Field in the $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper III

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(C) ESI Photography. Harold Chopping and Basje.

Culpeper, VA (July 17, 2016):  Riders and horses turned out for Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix as a weekend of excitement kicked off at the Cavalier Classic, the third week of HITS Culpeper.

Coming home with the victory was Southern Pines, North Carolina equestrian Harold Chopping aboard Basje, owned by Kendra Bullington. This win makes Chopping and Basje’s third blue ribbon in the Grand Prix ring at HITS Commonwealth Park this year.

“He’s a very talented horse, and is also very careful,” said Chopping of his winning mount, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Six advanced to the jump-off over the course set by Bernardo Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal. The jump-off course consisted of a tight opening line with a roll back to an oxer, followed by a slice to a vertical and a mid-course combination.

“The course was very well done, and I thought it wasn’t too challenging but suited all of the horses quite well,” said Chopping. “It was technical in some spots, and was just right for the field of horses competing.”

First to contend the shortened course was Manuel Torres riding out of Waterford, Virginia and Christofolini H, owned by Andrea Torres Guerreiro. They started off strong, but after a couple of rails early in the course, Torres opted to retire and save his mount for another day. They would finish the class with sixth place. Torres would also capture the final spot of the top five with Cruising Altitude, owned by Santa Catalina Farm with a jump-off score of 41.110

Following Torres were the victors themselves, Chopping and Basje. They laid down a powerful, clear round in 34.897, where the lead would remain.

“I thought the first horse, Manuel’s horse, was going to be a big contender and really be the aggressive round to follow,” said Chopping of his jump-off plan. “After he wasn’t in the contingency, I didn’t want to leave the door open – I wanted to be clear and quick, but also be careful.”

Culpeper, Virginia’s own Brooke Kemper and Classified were next to challenge the jump-off. All was well as she chased down Chopping for the top spot, but an unfortunate rail at the fence preluding the combination, would keep them off the top of the leaderboard. They crossed the timers in 40.646 for the eventual fourth place.

Maryann Charles, also of Southern Pines, and FVF Sailor man, owned by Fox View Farm, were next to advance. Charles and her mount had two third place finishes at Culpeper Week II in both the Brook Ledge Grand Prix and Sunday’s $30,000 HITS Grand Prix. A rail at the first fence thwarted their chances of the win, but their speedy time of 35.872 sealed the yellow ribbon for their efforts.

Next to contend was Matthias Hollberg, winner of last week’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix. In a twist, Chopping placed second to Hollberg in this class last week. The equestrian riding out of Middleburg, Virginia and Aletta, owned by Olympic Dreams, LLC, put down a clear trip, but their time of 43.046 was not enough to edge out Chopping. They would ultimately capture the second place spot.

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Competitions, HITS, Show Jumping

Gavin Moylan Cashes Out in the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper

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(C) ESI Photography. Gavin Moylan and Pernod.

Culpeper, VA (July 12, 2016): As the curtain closed on Showday National at HITS Culpeper on Sunday, riders returned to the Grand Prix ring to contend for the top prize in the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix.

Hot off a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix, Gavin Moylan returned to the jumper ring and topped the Grand Prix field to stake claims on the blue ribbon once again. The Middleburg, Virginia equestrian’s victory came aboard Pernod, owned by Alpha Omega Farm of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“Thank you to HITS for sponsoring this class; it was special to win a Grand Prix at Culpeper,” said Moylan. “I’ve competed here more than any other venue in my professional career and it’s close to home. To win both of these classes this weekend was great.”

Moylan also nodded special thanks to Bart and Abby Frye of Alpha Omega Farm for their support, as well as his wife, Alden.

Only two would jump clear over the course set by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida. Moylan was joined in contest over the shortened course by Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Basje, owned by Kendra Bullington; in an interesting twist, Chopping won both the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and the $30,000 HITS Grand Prix in Culpeper Week I in April, and placed second to Moylan this week in both classes.

“The course definitely presented a challenge and I wasn’t too surprised that there were only two clean,” said Moylan. “The last line was tricky for all of the horses — it was a difficult triple combination, followed by a technical 5-stride to an oxer at the end.”

The jump-off was down to Moylan and Chopping, both with a prestigious collection of blue ribbons in both the hunter and jumper rings at HITS Culpeper.

Chopping and Basje were first to challenge the jump-off, taking the course with precision and speed within the time allowed of 51 seconds. They flew through the timers fault-free in 44.454 to set the tone.

Moylan was next to test the jump-off course, knowing he would have to be quick and clear to edge Chopping’s well-executed round to second.

“Pernod has been doing the Grand Prix for over a year. He’s a bigger horse but is very fast for his size,” said Moylan. “He finished sixth in Friday’s [Brook Ledge] Grand Prix and he’s been knocking on the door all summer long to win one.”

They zipped through the course, conquering each fence. Moylan’s trusted mount handled the difficult line well, crossing the timers in a cool, clear 44.193, just enough to pick up the winner’s share of the prize purse.

“This horse has a great heart and is a happy, kind horse every day,” said Moylan of his winning mount, Pernod. “I am really glad for him that he was able to win.”

Many contenders were just a rail shy of advancing to the jump-off. Third place finisher Maryann Charles, also of Southern Pines, and FVF Sailor Man, owned by Fox View Farm, finished with the quickest four-fault score in the first round, adding another top-five finish to their resume after placing third in Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix.

Fourth place went to Matthias Hollberg, winner of Friday’s $25,000 Brook Ledge Grand Prix aboard another mount, and Aletta, owned by Olympic Dreams, LLC. Hollberg, of Middleburg, Virginia, was thwarted by the difficult triple combination in the home stretch, earning a four-fault score as they crossed the finish.

The top five rounded out with Kevin McCarthy of North Salem, New York and Analyze This, owned by Kimberly Jakubowski. The difficult triple combination in the last line proved to be the dividing line for McCarthy as well, crossing the timers with one rail.

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845.246.8833 Tel • info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com