Tag Archives: Hunter Holloway

Hunter Holloway Steals the Show at Tryon Spring 6 Capturing $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix

Hunter Holloway and Cassevel. Photos ©ManciniPhotos.

Kristen Vanderveen Pilots Lucky Strike to Win in $25,000 1.50m Suncast® Open Welcome Stake; Holloway Continues to Win Piloting VDL Bravo S Top $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix

Mill Spring, NC – May 31, 2016 – Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS concluded a stellar week at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during Tryon Spring 6, picking up major wins in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix on Friday, May 27, aboard VDL Bravo S, and earning her biggest career win to date in the $75,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix with Cassevel. Competition at TIEC continues with Tryon Spring 7, featuring the second FEI CSI 3* of the 2016 Tryon Spring Series, beginning on Wednesday, June 1.

Holloway and Cassevel sealed the win, crossing through the jump-off timers in 43.373 seconds for the win, holding off David Blake of Wellington, FL and Binkie in what would have been their third consecutive grand prix win at the venue. Blake and Binkie finished in 44.86 seconds, while Bryn Sadler of Sante Fe, NM and Bon Giorno rounded out the top three with a time of 46.257 seconds.

Holloway and Cassevel are a relatively new pair, as the 2007 Holsteiner gelding was purchased from Derek Petersen less than a year ago. Holloway rode with a confidence that allowed her to excel in the pressure situations that arose in the jump-off round.

“We got him just over a year ago and I’ve taken my time with him and tried to really make him my horse. He’s a great horse and won some in Ocala, FL and he’s just really consistent in the big classes. We’ll do more of the FEI on him this season and try for some good results.”

As the first to go in the order, Holloway and Cassevel nearly didn’t make the jump-off round, as they finished the track with a single time fault, but two rides later, course designer Hector Loyola adjusted the time allowed, moving the pair through to the short course.

“I thought both courses rode so well. I thought there were a lot of turns that you really had to ride smartly,” said Holloway. “There were a few spaces of good gallop track and he has a big stride. I felt like I went in with a lot of confidence because I knew he could handle the course and it suited him.”

Speaking candidly of her biggest career win, Holloway immediately complimented the heart and never-ending try of Cassevel, who she hopes will help her secure top results in FEI ranking classes throughout the remainder of the year.

“This was the biggest class I’ve ever won and it just is so exciting. It’s a great feeling and it’s only the second grand prix I’ve done with him, so this is a big result for us,” she smiled. “I am really proud of how my horses performed this week and I am just over the moon right now.”

“It’s been a very cool week for us. Each one of our grand prix horses has won a big class this past week. I think it’s a great feeling and it also makes you appreciate your horses. It’s such a great opportunity and we’re so lucky to have the rides on these guys. They’re a really special group and I just am so ecstatic right now,” she continued.

Holloway’s groom Gerardo Lopez was awarded with the Groom’s Initiative Award presented by Mark Bellissimo and the Tryon Equestrian Partners in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the care of Holloway’s grand prix mount Cassevel.

“Gerardo is absolutely incredible with our horses and we’re so lucky to have him. He takes impeccable care of them and he’s the only one I trust with my grand prix horses. He understands them and does an amazing job,” said Holloway. “He’s such an important part of our team and I’m so happy that he was recognized for his hard work.”

Holloway Continues to Win Piloting VDL Bravo S to $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at TIEC

Holloway found herself atop the leaderboard once more at TIEC during Tryon Spring 6, this time after clinching the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix aboard VDL Bravo S. The duo finished the track in 38.426 seconds to secure the win. Bryn Sadler and Cezarro completed the short course in 42.426 seconds for second, while Holloway also piloted Cassevel to third place with a time of 42.426 seconds.

“I was happy with the way the course rode and I felt like all of the questions that were out there on course I was able to answer and had a plan,” commented Holloway. “I thought both of the horses felt really fit and ready to play today in this class.”

The Under 25 Grand Prix Series has become an incredible stepping-stone for some of the world’s most talented riders under the age of 25, offering an opportunity to gain valuable grand prix experience in a competitive atmosphere.

“The Under 25 Series is just a great division. It’s nice having a little separation and it allows us younger kids to get some really good exposure in the bigger rings and atmospheres. In this sport a lot of the top riders are able to stay at the top of the sport for so long; I think the series is really a great way to be able to test the bigger tracks and give your horses some great experience too.”

“These classes give you a sense of confidence that I think is really important when you start looking at competing in some of the bigger classes throughout the year,” she added.

VDL Bravo S, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ephepe For Ever x Urbine S), has been a strong mount for Holloway and the duo have produced several top results throughout winter and spring season. Holloway feels that there is more to come from the pair, as they’ve just begun to find a rhythm this season.

“He’s an amazing horse. Just super brave and super easy to ride. I’m never really concerned with anything on course with him. We got him a little bit over a year ago and it has been a truly amazing experience,” she explained. “It’s a great horse and we have some truly great supporters behind us with Hays Investment Corp. and I’ve had a lot of success with him. I’m very excited for the future and what we have to come this season.”

Kristen Vanderveen Pilots Lucky Strike to Win in $25,000 1.50m Suncast® Open Welcome Stake

Kristen Vanderveen of St. Charles, IL guided Lucky Strike, owned by the Hays Investment Corp., to victory in the $25,000 1.50m Suncast® Open Welcome Stake on Thursday, May 26 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Vanderveen and Lucky Strike finished the jump-off round in 38.551 seconds for the win, while David Blake of Wellington, FL and Baron finished in second place with a time of 41.022 seconds. Darragh Kerins of Wellington, FL and S&L Through the Looking Glass rounded out the top three crossing through the timers in 41.76 seconds.

Kristen Vanderveen and Lucky Strike
Kristen Vanderveen and Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike, a 2006 Holsteiner gelding typically campaigned by Brandie Holloway, found his way to the winner’s circle with Vanderveen in the irons after Holloway was recently sidelined with an injury. The pair bested 10 combinations that returned for the jump-off round, while six pairs finished the afternoon with a double clear effort.

Jumper Highlights

In the CWD Low Adult Jumper 1.0m division Julia Gates of Easley, SC and her own Sierra captured divisional honors for their performance throughout the week. Christine Henige of Maplewood, NJ and her own Fixin’ earned reserve champion behind Gates.

Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS continued her dominance in the jumper ring, earning the Ariat Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper 1.30m division aboard Avant Guarde, owned by Serenity Ridge Farm. Holloway also collected reserve champion awards aboard Deluca Ace owned by Amy Hunter.

David Blake and Quantero 2, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, finished atop the leaderboard in the Nutrena 1.40m Open Jumper. Ricardo Villa of Campobello, SC and Carolina split reserve honors with Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX and Quattro.

In the BMW Open Jumper 1.20m, Jamie Buis of Weston, FL and VDL D’Inzeo finished the week as champions of the division, while Julio Ledesma of Wellington, FL and Chaco 34, owned by Francesca Damasceno, captured the title of reserve champion.

Hunter & Equitation Highlights

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC and Damocles, owned by Janet Peterson, took top honors in $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, finishing the class on a final two round score of 181. Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX and Front Page, owned by Eduardo Leon, captured second place with a score of 178,5, while Penny Lombardo of Loxahatchee, FL and Big Girls Don’t Cry, owned by Rodney Bross, earned third place with a score of 177.25.

Geitner and Damocles earned a first round score of 88 and returned for the handy round to receive a 93 to seal the win. Bedoya finished just behind Geitner with a 87.5 and rode to a score of 91 in the handy round. Lombardo finished the afternoon with the highest first round score, receiving an 89, and returned to earn an 88.25 in the handy round.

Josh Dolan of Wellington, FL and Hidden Lane, owned by Page Tredennick, took top honors in the $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive with a score of 84. Daniel Bedoya and Playbook, owned by Monica Hanks, finished in second with a score of 83, while Bedoya also collected third place aboard Wynonna, owned by Loreanna Andrepont, with a score of 78.

The $1,000 Junior Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Classic saw Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS and Entourage, owned by Hays Investment Corp., finish atop the leaderboard with a score of 175. Holloway also piloted The Governor, owned by Hays Investment Corp., to second place, with a two round score of 166. Grace Bridges of Eatonton, GA and her own Sinful collected third place with a final score of 162.

Randall Johnson of Clarksburg, MD and Cantando, owned by Greener Pastures, won the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Classic with an overall score of 163. Kathryn Haefner of Hamburg, NY and Columbus, owned by Kathryn Haefner LLC, finished in second with a score of 161, while Paige Wilson of Charlotte, NC and her own Dicaprio, finished in third receiving a 155.

Jessica West of Charlotte, NC and Orion’s Diamond Ace were awarded with top honors in the combined $500 Pony Hunter Green Pony Hunter Classic 2’3″/2’6″/3′ with an overall score of 162. Grayson Hutchins of Di, SC and The Jaeckle Center’s TJC’s Black Pearl narrowly missed first place, receiving a total score of 161. Mary Hunter Millet of Hillsborough, NC and Just 4 Me, owned by Virginia Rollins, collected third place with a total score of 160.

Hannah Loeffelbein and Watch Me, owned by Two Point Equestrian, LLC, took the ASPCA Maclay, while Ashley Parker of Irmo, SC and her own Calvin Klein finished in second place. Mckenzie Shearon and Chezney, owned by Andrew Kocher, collected third place in the class.

The THIS Children’s Medal saw nine entries compete for the top title, while Peyton Kanstoroom and her own Centrico earned the victory with a score of 87. Rawleigh Harris of Mt. Pleasant, SC piloted Redford, owned by Bryden LLC, to second place with a score of 84. Abigail Poss of Locust Grove, GA and her own Elvis finished in third place, with a final score of 83.

For more information on competition at TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Holloway Wins Med. Jr. Jumpers and WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase at Kentucky Spring Classic

Hunter Holloway and Italia.

Annabel Revers and Quax Secure First Place in ASPCA Maclay for Second Year in a Row

Lexington, Ky. – May 20, 2016 – Hunter Holloway showed her skills in the Kentucky Spring Classic, bringing home wins in both the hunter and jumper rings.

In the Medium Junior Jumpers, Holloway took home the victory aboard Italia, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, with a time of 51.098 seconds, a full four seconds faster than second place finishers Ashley Hartman and Clear Lady.

It was a meaningful win for Holloway, who has done the majority of the training on the home-bred Italia.

“It was pretty exciting,” said Holloway. “He is 7 years old and we bred him. “Lisa Oliver broke him when she worked for us, but since then I’ve been the one on him. I did his first jumps, his first courses – everything. It’s pretty special now to have him moving up into the Medium Juniors. We were planning on having a nice, fast, smooth round. He stepped up to the plate great.”

After her win in the jumper ring, Holloway headed over to the Stonelea Ring and brought home a win in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase with Orion, a 12-year-old Westphalian gelding.

“The plan was just to have a nice round,” said Holloway. “We want to keep getting qualified for finals here. Orion is amazing; I don’t think he gets enough credit. He’s kind of the horse that does all the work, and then we pull Sunny out for finals. Everyone knows Sunny and I as such a good pair, but no one ever realizes how good Orion is.”

She continued, “He’s the one that gets me qualified every year – that does all the work – and he’s for sale this year. He’s a great horse. He’s a blast to ride.”

Holloway was enthusiastic about her first trip to the Kentucky Spring Classic.

“This is actually my first time being here during the spring shows,” Holloway said. “It’s a beautiful facility. They do a great job with the show and the management is great. The weather could be better but it’s been great.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows allowed for Holloway to spend more time in the jumper ring as well as continuing with the hunters.

“This year our focus is more on the jumpers,” Holloway explained. “Mom and I both will hopefully be doing more of the FEI classes. We’re trying to do more World Cup qualifiers and more big classes.”

Madison Dehaven and Chanel brought home the win in the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers for the second week in a row with a time of 24.013 seconds, a full two seconds faster than second place Alexandra Duval and XM.

Dehaven was full of praise for Chanel, her 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare.

“I was very happy with her today,” Dehaven said. “Everything kind of came up like I wanted it to. I’m really learning to ride her on a nice rhythm. She wants to go forward and gallop, and for me that was really hard to get used to.”

From the start, Dehaven made a plan that paid off in time saved.

“I really liked the course,” said Dehaven. “There were a couple of challenging things for her. In the jump-off, there was a right rollback, and she’s a lot harder off the right. I would say that plank to the last fence was where I made up time. I had planned eight strides down the last line, but we were in a nice gallop and I caught the plank and the seven was just there. I left out to the last oxer and she was really good.”

The Kentucky Spring Classic, running through May 22, features a FEI CSI3* rating. On Saturday, May 21, riders will compete under the lights in the Rolex Stadium during the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix. All three FEI classes held during the Kentucky Spring Classic count for the Longines Ranking List and the Saturday classes will also count for the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List. In addition, the featured national classes will be the $50,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix, which counts towards the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List, and the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, May 22, in the Rolex Stadium.

Annabel Revers and Quax Secure First Place in ASPCA Maclay for Second Year in a Row

Sixteen-year-old Annabel Revers of Weston, Massachusetts, rose to the top of 16 entries in Friday’s ASPCA Maclay horsemanship class in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Spring Classic aboard Beechwood Stables LLC’s Quax.

Revers and Quax are frequent blue ribbon holders in the equitation ring, and even won the same class together at the 2015 Kentucky Spring Classic.

Annabel Revers and Quax
Annabel Revers and Quax

“It was a really nice way to start the weekend and to start my first show back after the winter,” said Revers. “I just tried to ride it really smooth and relaxed. It wasn’t too technical.”

Revers piloted the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding around the equitation course, made up of 10 fences, under the guidance of trainer and Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde. The track consisted of challenging bending lines, single obstacles, an in-and-out and a large log wall fence leftover from the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

Despite the over fences test Revers was tasked to complete as well as the rainy weather seen during the class, she rode a flawless and fluid round that undoubtedly impressed the judges.

Revers’ equitation caught the judges’ attention once again during the flat portion of the class, where she secured the first place spot.

“I’ve had Quax for about a year and half now,” said Revers. “We got him as a jumper and over the past year and a half we’ve been turning him into an equitation horse. He was really good today. I was really happy that he stayed relaxed and was really good and did his job.

“The rain didn’t bother him at all,” continued Revers. “He was great and was super brave at the hunter derby fence; I was really happy with that.”

Revers has been coming to the Kentucky Horse Shows for years and always loves returning to the world-class facility at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“I love riding in the field when we’re not showing,” said Revers. “That’s one of my favorite parts about coming here. The grounds are really nice, and it’s just a really nice place to be!”

Second place honors went to 17-year-old Summer Hill and Poden Farm’ Aster De La Cense. Hill trains with Andrea Simpson and Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms.

This class was only the second time Hill had ever ridden and shown the 6-year-old Selle Français gelding, but the pair proved to be top contenders in the competitive junior equitation ring.

“I didn’t really have a plan,” said Hill. “I’ve only ridden the horse twice so it was just kind of however it goes. He’s only 6 years old so I had to make up my plan as I went, but he was really good. He really showed himself in the ring so I’m really happy with him.

“He’s very brave,” continued Hill. “He used to do the jumpers a couple of months ago. He gets a little bit upset with the rain, but he held through it pretty well.”

Hill also recently moved from California to the Bluegrass State and enjoys being in close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park in order to compete at the Kentucky Horse Shows.

“I moved here in June,” said Hill. “We bought a farm like ten minutes from here. I love showing in the Rolex Stadium on my jumpers. This is a great place to come!”

The Kentucky Spring Classic will continue through May 22 with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby in the Stonelea Ring on Saturday, May 21, while also offering WIHS and NAL qualifiers plus $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classics.

Kentucky Horse Shows is also pleased to host a book signing with George H. Morris for his newly released autobiography, Unrelenting: The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights and My Pursuit of Excellence.

The book signing will be held on Saturday, May 21, during the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Stonelea Ring.

Come and meet legendary horseman George Morris, take a photo and purchase a signed copy of George’s autobiography, which illustrates the story of his life, from the very public to the incredibly private, while also enjoying hunter derby action from the second leg of the $40,0000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series!

EQSportsNet will be streaming live webcasts of the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* during the Kentucky Spring Classic on Saturday, May 21. EQSportsNet Full Access subscribers can also watch all rounds of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows series on demand at www.eqsports.net.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Cassevel Wins First Grand Prix with Hunter Holloway in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Hunter Holloway and Cassevel.

Ocala, FL (March 26, 2016): Now in its final week, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit continued with Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, which brought out thirty-four competitors including Olympian Beezie Madden in preparation for Sunday’s Great American $1 Million Grand Prix.

Hunter Holloway, from Topeka, Kansas, fresh off her win in last week’s SmartPak Grand Prix with VDL Bravo S, scored her sixth victory of the circuit, Cassevel’s first Grand Prix win. Owned by Hays Investment Corporation, Cassevel has a local connection, having been discovered in Germany by Marcus Gruenthal of Morriston, Florida and imported by Derek Petersen of Archer, Florida.

“We think ‘Casey’ is special,” said Holloway’s mother and trainer, Brandie Holloway. “Hunter wants to represent our country someday and we think Casey will be her 1.60-meter horse; he has so much scope.”

This week’s SmartPak Grand Prix was a hard-earned victory for Holloway. Twelve horses jumped clear first rounds over a 16-effort course designed by Alan Wade, of Tipperary, Ireland, which included three double combinations and two liverpools.

Holloway and Mathew Williams, from Wellington, Florida, each had two horses in the jump-off, giving them an advantage with their second rides of the day. The first six horses in the jump-off all rode the same track and chose to do the same striding options. Michael Hughes, of Allendale, New Jersey, riding McLain Ward’s Torgal de Virton, set the tone for the class with a fault-free round in 42.013. Isabelle La Pierre from Levis, Quebec was right on his heels in 42.040 on Cescha M.

When local favorite Aaron Vale, of Williston, Florida, stepped into the ring on Carlo, owned by Amatoville Enterprise, he knew he had to pull something out of his hat to earn the victory. He angled the first fence and galloped across to the oxer in seven strides instead of eight, and opted for the tight turn inside a display of flowers to continue to the next fence. After clearing the final two obstacles, they sped through the timers in 41.258 to take the lead, and their time would hold for the fourth place prize.

Next to go clear was Williams returning on his second horse, Zephyr, owned by Wyndmont, Inc. and Michael Dorman. They galloped the first line in seven strides as well, and opted to go around the flowers, angling the combination to make up time. They left out a stride in the final line, doing six instead of seven, edging Vale out of the top spot and temporarily taking the lead in a speedy 40.326.

Next up was Dorothy Douglas of Flower Mound, Texas and S&L Elite. They did seven strides in the first line, turned inside the flowers and then left one out in the final line, but they did not quite catch Williams and Zephyr. Their round, clean in 41.116 would ultimately garner them third place.

The pressure was on and the route was mapped out when Holloway stepped into the ring with Cassevel. Executing every shortcut possible, they not only did the seven in the first line, but left out a stride in the turn from the second jump to the combination.

“After I went on Bravo, I knew I could leave out strides in three different spots. ‘Casey’ has such a big step that you can really make up ground,” said Hunter. “We are still a new partnership, but we are building on it and starting to really go for it.”

Opting for the inside turn they left out a stride to the final fence, breaking the 40 second barrier with a double-clear round in 39.917 for the win.

Holloway’s final question to her mother before the jump-off was, “Should I get ready for the Million or try to win?”

Arguably, she did both, her mother saying, “What better way to get ready for the Million. If you want to win, be a winner!”

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

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

Grand Prix Riders Battle for the Blue in Week IX at HITS Ocala

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. David Beisel and Cumana.

Ocala, FL (March 19, 2016): Riders went head-to-head for a shot at the winning title and the lion’s share in Ocala Week IX’s $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome and $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

David Beisel of Goshen, Ohio gave a lesson in turning and burning on his way to victory in the $1,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome to kick off the penultimate week at HITS Ocala.  Beisel and Cumana, owned by Kara Cooke, blasted the competition by a full second over his nearest competitor.

Course Designer Marina Azevedo of Sao Paulo, Brazil set a 1.45-meter course of 17 efforts for the 39 starters, many of whom are preparing for the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix this weekend and the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix next week on March 27. With a class chock-full of talented competitors, including Brook Ledge Leading Rider, Aaron Vale, and returning Week VI Brook Ledge winner Matthias Tromp, the battle for the blue was on.

Twelve horses jumped first round clears and nine jumped clean over the shortened course, which started  a serpentine pattern from the first oxer to a vertical, then another oxer, followed by a to the outside line. The course finished with a left turn to a final oxer.

First to jump double-clear was Derek Petersen from Archer, Florida riding his own Diamant’s Legacy. Putting down an impressive, tone-setting round, they sliced each turn and angled across every jump to set a Great American time to Beat of 28.539. They held on to the top spot through the next 16 competitors, but would ultimately place fourth in the ribbons.

Hyde Moffat of Brantford, Ontario, riding Egor, owned by Martha Younger, was the next to jump double clear, but his time of 30.614 was two-seconds shy of capturing the lead, eventually placing fifth.

Next to contest the shortened course was Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida aboard Carlo, owned by Amatoville Enterprises. Vale was a man on a mission as he angled the first jump at a gallop. He and Carlo sliced and diced their way to a time of 28.426, edging out Petersen by a fraction of a second to garner the lead. Their round would eventually land them the third place prize.

Twenty-third in the order was winner David Beisel riding Cumana. Beisel set up his first round course to prepare for the jump-off, with tight, snug turns that beckoned cheers from the crowd.

As Beisel jumped the first fence in the jump-off, it was apparent that he was going to go all out for the win. They took a speedy turn from one to two, opting for five strides between the jumps. Flattening the serpentine pattern, they angled hard and cut back to the mid-course oxer. The win was just on the horizon as the pair flew through the timers in a blazing fast 25.841-seconds

“What fun – Cumana lives to turn and burn,” said Beisel after setting the jump-off ring ablaze. “I think he had as much fun as I did!”

Matthias Tromp, winner of the Brook Ledge Welcome in Week VI, and KM Whatever RV, owned by the Beyaert Farm, gave Beisel a run for the money, riding the serpentine pattern as straight as possible.  Early in the course it looked like Tromp might steal the lead, but a final time of 26.945 put him in second.

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

The 2016 Ocala Winter Circuit is building steam to its grand finale with the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix on Sunday, March 27. A class full of this circuit’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix winners competed for another title, but it was Hunter Holloway from Topeka, Kansas and VDL Bravo S, owned by Hays Investment Corporation, who claimed the blue after knocking on the door all season.

(C) ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and VDL Bravo S
(C) ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and VDL Bravo S

Holloway finished Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix with a win with VDL Bravo S to head into the weekend’s $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix on a high note. Winner of Last week’s $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas, had a strong second place performance with MTM Reve Du Paradis.

Course designer Marina Azevedo from Sao Paulo, Brazil set a challenging track of 16 efforts that “tested the ride-ability and the scope of the horses,” according to Holloway.

Thirty-six starters took on the challenge with six jumping clear within the time allowed to move on to the jump-off.

The jump-off course started by heading toward the in-gate over an oxer, rolling back and away over a five stride line. The course continued with a bending line to a mid-course oxer, back around over the combination at 9A and B and finished with a right rollback over the final vertical.

First to go in the jump-off was Matt Hollberg of Middleburg, Virginia and Viriato, owned by the Southern Cross Equestrian Center. They sailed around the course, setting the Great American Time to Beat as they crossed the timers in a fault-free 34.131.

Next to contest the shortened course was Mathew Williams of Wellington, Florida aboard Valinski S, owned by Michael Dorman and Wyndmont Farm. They finished just a tick slower in 34.403.

Amanda Flint from Long Valley, New Jersey jumped next on her VDL Wittinger, a winner in this class just three weeks ago. An unfortunate rail at the mid-course oxer would eventually earn them sixth place as they crossed the markers in 37.420 with four faults.

Fenney and MTM Reve du Paradis followed Flint, opting to leave out a stride in the bending line to the mid-course oxer, they clocked in at 32.778 to claim the lead from Hollberg.

Devin Ryan, also from Long Valley, New Jersey, jumped a clean trip on his mount Liratus and also opted to leave out a stride in the bending line to the oxer; his time of 33.884 was not enough to steal the lead from Fenney.

The final rider to contest the jump off was Holloway on Hayes Investment Corporation’s VDL Bravo S.

Holloway also followed Fenney’s lead, opting to leave out a stride to the oxer. They squeaked past Fenney to top the leaderboard with a time of 32.471, dropping Fenney to second and Ryan to third.

“Today in the jump-off, almost everyone was double clear, so my mom [and trainer Brandie Holloway] told me to just get out there and go for it,” said Holloway. “[VDL Bravo S] was with me every step of the way and really showed up for the party.”

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

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

Hunter Holloway Rides Away with Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship

Hunter Holloway and Any Given Sunday

The R. W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Challenge Trophy is presented each year to the junior rider who shows the most consistency throughout the two days and four equitation classes of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. The 2015 winner, Hunter Holloway, and her mount Any Given Sunday have proven that consistency time and again across the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions.

On Friday morning at the Devon Horse Show, Holloway, from Topeka, Kansas, rode to victory in the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Section C. That win, coupled with first place finishes in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase Section A and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section C and a third place finish in the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent on Thursday, culminated with the Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship title.

“It’s very exciting,” said Holloway. “It’s such an honor to win at such a prestigious show as this horse show is. To have such an amazing horse and team behind me is just unbelievable.”

For Holloway, this marks her third year at the Devon Horse Show, the same horse show where she last year rode to both the Small and Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter Championships and the Overall Small Junior Hunter Championship, again spotlighting her consistency and ability across disciplines.

Similarly, her mount Any Given Sunday has proven successful in the hunter ring, in the grand prix jumper arena, and, most recently, in the highest levels of equitation competition. Having competed “Sunny” in all three areas, Holloway knows the horse’s ins and outs, and the pair makes the perfect team.

“It’s nice because I’m so confident on him,” Holloway said. “We know each other so well. We’re used to jumping a lot bigger tracks together, so I think for both of us when we walk into this – and he’s such a confident horse on his own – it’s a confidence boost for me to know that he can definitely do this. There’s no reason that I can’t do this too. He’s such an amazing horse all-around, and to be able to ride such a horse is an honor.”

Being successful at the Devon Horse Show requires more than just a talented horse and rider – it takes a village. Holloway counts herself as lucky to have the support of her parents, Brandi Holloway and Larry Ellerman, and trainer Don Stewart.

“It’s nice for me to take the credit because I really don’t have to do anything,” joked Stewart, who trains Hunter Holloway alongside Brandi Holloway. “Having my own daughter, I know what it’s like working with your own child. You have to get somebody else in there.”

At home, Hunter Holloway trains with her mom at their Equi-Venture Farm, meeting up with Stewart prior to horse shows.

“At home, Hunter loves flatwork, and she’ll flat all the time. The week before a show, I’ll remind her, ‘Okay, Hunter. We have to jump and get those jumping muscles going on the horse,'” Brandi Holloway said. “I think it’s a little bit unique for a young kid because I know that every time I rode a horse I had to jump something when I was little. Whatever it was, I had to go jump. We just try to keep it very disciplined but as relaxed as I can be. I’m wired, so Don calms that down.”

“[Hunter and Brandi] are very disciplined,” Ellerman said. “We have a bit of everything at the house. We breed. We have young ones. We buy investment horses. There are 50 at home, and there are three or four riding all of them. So Hunter, she’ll get on the 3- and 4-year-olds at home, and they can’t jump. They have to do the discipline work. They have to learn to do everything on the flat.”

All of her hard work and dedication at home shines through in the show ring and helps contribute to her calm and confident demeanor at horse shows.

“It’s hard to get a junior with that much depth,” Stewart said. “She’s got so much depth in her riding. She’s got the feel, and she has the timing. The rest of it is easy for her. She really looks to do just what you tell her. She’s a top, top student as far as that goes.”

Ellerman added, “I don’t know many kids that can walk in [like Hunter does]. We’re getting ready to do the [HITS Great American $1 Million Grand Prix] and she’s maybe 8 or 9 people out. She’s playing Candy Crush at the in-gate. It doesn’t affect her. There’s not pressure. It’s just all she knows.”

Hunter Holloway finished the two days of equitation competition with 25 total points. Not far behind her, in a three-way tie at 19 points, were Virginia Ingram, McKayla Langmeier, and Ali Tritschler.

Ali Tritschler and Helio Rouge
Ali Tritschler and Helio Rouge

Tritschler, who trains with Norfield Stables LLC, topped the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Section A on Friday morning after having also earned an impressive victory in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase Section B and a second place finish in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section A.

“Devon is such a special place and a special town, and it’s just a new set of pressures. The pressure does not get in the way of her performance,” trainer Timmy Kees said of Tritschler. “In my opinion, the special kids do that well. They don’t fold under pressure; they rise up to another level. It’s fun to watch and great to be a part of it.”

Tritschler concluded, “I feel really good. I was second in the Medal last year and the year before, but I’ve never been this consistent at Devon before. It was just really nice to be that consistent and have the judges show that consistency in my results.”

Competition for the junior riders continues at the Devon Horse Show on Saturday morning with the Junior Hunters beginning at 8 a.m. For the full schedule and horse show results, visit www.devonhorseshow.net.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Playboy and Charlie Jayne Win $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

(c) ESI Photography. Charlie Jayne and Playboy jump to victory in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix.

Hunter Holloway and I Love Lucy Take $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Ocala, Florida (January 16, 2015): The first Grand Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit took place Thursday in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. The $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix is a qualifier for the Hits Triple Crown of Show Jumping, which includes three $1 million classes later this year.

Riders vied for the prize money, sponsored by SmartPak, and a chance to qualify for the Triple Crown over Doug Russell’s course, which included a triple and a double combination. The footing was excellent despite showers during the day and faults were evenly scattered throughout. Two riders were unseated in Round 1. Six horses were clear over the course, but Derek Petersen from Archer, Florida, aboard Maddie Skimming’s Cassevel, had one time fault just missing an opportunity to compete in the jump-off and placing sixth.

The jump-off, with five competitors, proved to be a real nail-biter according to Judge Mel Stone, who kept hoping for a clear round. Williston’s own Aaron Vale, riding Troy Glaus’ horse, Quidam’s Good Luck, was not lucky enough to jump clear. A rail at the final jump cost him four faults but a fast time of 40.389 set the mark and was good enough for third place.

Jared Petersen riding his father Derek’s Titus 2:11 jumped like the winner again until the final jump where he had an uncharacteristic rail stopping the clock at 45.358. This horse and rider combination has had some impressive feats in the past at Hits Ocala, winning three Sunday Grand Prix in a row in 2013. But their rail and time placed them fifth Thursday.

MTM Farms’ MTM Centano and Tracy Fenney from Flower Mound, Texas had an early rail so she rode to the fastest four fault round in a time of 40.293 to earn second place. One of 2014’s leading riders with five grand prix wins, MTM’s Centano’s ability to jump from anywhere makes him a formidable competitor.

Charlie Jayne of Wellington, Florida, riding his own Playboy, knew that a clear round would secure the win so he rode a careful clear and stopped the clock at 49.791, winning the lion’s share of the prize money and a head start at qualifying for the Great American $1 Million. Spectators held their collective breath as he cleared the final fence to produce the only double clear round.

Lisa Goldman of Hawthorn Hills, Illinois and Centurion B, owned by Mary Goldman, have won more than their fair share of Grand Prixs in the past at HITS. As the final competitor in the jump-off, the table was set for a fight to the last, but it was not to be. A rail at the second part of the combination cost them four faults and their time of 43.149 placed them fourth.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

The $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome kicked off the 2015 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Wednesday with 15 eager to start their season with a win in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. Six riders were able to shake off the winter blues by jumping fault-free in the first round over Ocala course designer Doug Russell’s inviting 1.40 meter course of 14 jumping efforts and two combinations.

(c) ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and I Love Lucy jump to win the Brook Ledge Open.
(c) ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and I Love Lucy jump to win the Brook Ledge Open.

First to tackle the jump-off was Seth Vallhonrat from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania on his own Cellisto, who opted for a conservative clear in 44.774 seconds. His clear round earned him fourth place. Next up was Topeka, Kansas junior superstar Hunter Holloway, riding Hays Investment Corp.’s I Love Lucy. She set the “Great American Time to Beat” when she stopped the clock in a blazing 35.668 seconds. That time held up and I Love Lucy welcomed in the New Year with the win.

Derek Petersen from Archer, Florida, aboard Maddie Skimming’s Cassevel, gave Holloway a run for the money, but came up short with a time of 37.626 and a clean round to finish second. Shachine Bell riding Katie Tyler’s Kroner Z had an unfortunate rail at the last fence, finishing with four faults in 39.951 seconds to finish fifth.

Jared Petersen, riding his father’s Via Dolorosa, rode with the fourth clear round in the jump-off and a time of 39.252 to finish a close third. Hayley Waters from Sparr, Florida riding Chuck and Dana Waters’ Coralina had a rail at fence four finishing with four faults and a time of 42.201 to finish sixth.

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.comHitsShows.com

Lyons Creek Bellini & Hunter Holloway Do It Again in $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix

©ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway appears to be the one to beat in the hunter ring at HITS Ocala. She rode to her third win in a row aboard Lyons Creek Bellini this weekend in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

OCALA, FL (February 4, 2014) – The $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at the Ocala Premiere is in the books with another win for Lyons Creek Bellini, owned by Hays Investment Corp. with Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas in the irons. Jumping in the recently unveiled Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, the pair added another win for team Holloway bringing the total to three wins in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix at this circuit. The pair challenged a course of verticals, oxers and tight turns designed by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida with scores of 85 and 86.25 for a total of 171.25 to take the blue ribbon.

Knocking at the door and taking the red ribbon for owner Susan Darragh was Zidane with rider/trainer Amanda Steege of Bedminster, New Jersey. They posted an 84.5 and 86.5 for a total of 171.

Third was rider/trainer Greg Crolick of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, aboard Carson with scores of 84.25 and 83.75 for a total of 168.5 for owner, Orchard Lake farms, LLC. Fourth place was awarded to MTM Hands Down with Tracy Fenney riding for MTM Farm of Flower Mound, Texas scoring 84.25 and 84, for a total of 168.25.  Ashton Alexander of Ocala, Florida rode Fieona, owned by Jack Towell, to cap the top five with a total of 165.25.

Brandie Holloway – mother of Hunter and accomplished rider herself – commented that the elegant Warmblood Lyons Creek Bellini was originally purchased as a personal horse for herself and with a smile she added, “Hunter just took him over and they clicked from the start.”

Hunter was equally excited about three wins in a row. “Baby B, as she calls Lyons Creek Bellini, was just wonderful today. He’s so cooperative and he maintained a soft, consistent rhythm throughout the course,” she said. “He was like a machine throughout, galloping the long lines and multiple direction changes like the pro he is.”

Devoucoux Hunter Prix competition continues throughout the duration of the HITS Ocala Circuit as the race to qualify for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final begins.

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. Devoucoux offers a wide range of saddles in many colors and sizes and matching accessories. Devoucoux craftsmen are devoted to creating beautiful products.

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Riding the course set by course designer Tom Carlson of Windham, Connecticut, Sophia Lothrop of Shelburne, Vermont and her own Castell could not be caught today as they posted a 74 and 84 respectively, for a final score of 158, to take the win in the  $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.

©ESI Photography. Sophia Lothrop and Castell jump to a win in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
©ESI Photography. Sophia Lothrop and Castell jump to a win in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix

“It has taken me longer to learn how to ride Castel,” remarked fifteen-year-old Sophia, speaking of the grey 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood. “After a three month lay-off from showing because of my school, he felt very steady and made me so proud today.”

Not only did this pair win the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix today but they took multiple ribbons in the Child Hunter Horse 15-17 division during the week.

Cookie DeSimone, who trains Lothrop, also guided Jacquelyn Maggiore and her own Contina to the red ribbon. The pair posted scores of 79 and 78.5 for a 157.5 total. Taking third was Larsen Murvin of Ocala, Florida, riding his own horse Derby, trained by Edward Sexton, earning scores of 81 and 76, for a 157. Fourth place was awarded to Madison Albano of Beverly, Massachusetts and Anucci, for owner Monica Hunt. Their scores of 77 and 78 combined for a 155.

Owner/rider Corinne Milbury, of Boston, Massachusetts rode to a 72 and 82 on Kavalier to round out the top five with a 154.

Platinum Performance Hunter Prix qualifiers will be offered weekly coast to coast this winter and throughout the HITS Saugerties and HITS Culpeper summer circuits before the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final returns to the HITS Championship this fall and offers junior and amateur hunter riders the opportunity to show for exciting prize money over thrilling courses.

About Platinum Performance
Platinum Performance provides more than 10 supplements essential to your horse’s health and conditioning in just one scoop. Platinum Performance Equine addresses a horse’s total body health from joint and hoof care to athletic performance and coat health, and is the 2014 sponsor of the $250,000 Hunter Prix Final and all qualifiers. For more information on Platinum Performance, visit platinumperformance.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.comHitsShows.com

Hunter Holloway Planning for a Big Winter at HITS Ocala

©ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway finished fourth in last year’s Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final and is well on her way to a stellar performance in 2014 after winning yesterday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix with Lyons Creek Bellini at HITS Ocala.

OCALA, F.L (January 20, 2014) – Hunter Holloway and Hay’s Investment Corp.’s Lyons Creek Bellini highlighted hunter action at HITS Ocala off with a blue ribbon this week. They rode to the top of the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and got an early start on 2014 qualifying for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. The final will take place during the HITS Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this September.

“We are very excited about how the circuit started,” said Holloway, who hails from Topeka, Kansas.

“I just kept thinking about how I wanted to make it to that last fence,” she added candidly.

Holloway topped both rounds, scoring a 90 in the first round and an 86 in the second to lead all contenders with a total of 176. She piloted Lyons Creek Bellini, a seven-year-old Warmblood gelding, who carried her to an impressive fourth-place finish in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final last year. “Our goal is definitely to qualify again and make it to Saugerties,” said Holloway.

The 16-year-old rider also has big plans outside the hunter ring and will be pointing Yolo, her grand prix mount, toward the inaugural Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at the conclusion of the winter circuit.

Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida set the courses for the Devoucoux Hunter Prix in the Outside Course at HITS Ocala, which was a traditional concept of hunter courses introduced last year at all HITS Horse Shows to rave reviews. “He [Bellini] loves the banks in that ring and he is really good at them,” said Holloway of her gelding’s performance on the terrain inside the innovative ring.

Riding to an 87 in the first round, Donald Sheehan of Merryville, Tennessee picked up an 84 in the second round to finish behind Holloway with a final score of 171. He collected the red ribbon in the irons of Elizabeth McKim’s Quintessential. Greg Prince of Sherborn, Massachusetts was one point off Holloway in the second round with an 85, and combined that with an 84 to finish third aboard Linda Langmeier’s Marschino. Their total score was 169.

Jennifer Tate of Bourne, Massachusetts swept the rest of the top five, riding to fourth on Florestan and fifth on Cavallino, both owned by Barbara Kravetz. Her fourth-place finish was with a 166.5 and fifth posted a 166.

Devoucoux Hunter competition continues throughout the duration of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit as the race to qualify for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final heats up.

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. Devoucoux offers a wide range of saddles in many colors and sizes and matching accessories. Devoucoux craftsmen are devoted to creating beautiful products that reflect their obsession with quality and lovingly finished work. For more information on Devoucoux, visit devoucoux.com.

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Now boasting a new title sponsor, the first qualifier for the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final qualifier took the main stage at HITS Ocala on Sunday and crowned Haleigh Landrigan of Marshfield, Massachusetts the winner. She rode Acavibo, owned by Nancy Vinal. Leading both rounds by considerable margins, Landrigan posted a final score of 165 after earning and 84 and an 81, respectively.

In second, Kylie Harvil of Orlando, Florida rode her own Something To Be Proud Of to a 73 and a 72 for a final total of 145. Capping the top three was Jennifer Jones and Linda LaLonde’s September. Their 69 and 71 delivered them a final score of 140.

Larsen Muruin of Ocala, Florida finished fourth in the irons of self-owned Derby after earning scores of 71 and 67.5. Samantha Kramig of Castle Rock, Colorado rounded out the top five on Kramig, LLC’s Snuggle Zocks with scores of 70 and 68.

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix qualifiers will be offered weekly coast to coast this winter and throughout the Saugerties and Culpeper summer circuits before the final returns to the HITS Championship this fall and offers junior and amateur hunter riders the opportunity to show for exciting prize money over thrilling courses.

About Platinum Performance
Platinum Performance provides more than 10 supplements essential to your horse’s health and conditioning in just one scoop. Platinum Performance Equine addresses a horse’s total body health from joint and hoof care to athletic performance and coat health, and is the 2014 sponsor of the $250,000 Hunter Prix Final and all qualifiers. For more information on Platinum Performance, visit platinumperformance.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.comHitsShows.com

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

© 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.comHitsShows.com

Fifteen-year-old Hunter Holloway Hoping for Her Shot at $500,000

©ESI Photography. Hunter Holloway and Bellini kicked Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final qualifying into high gear this weekend with a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

OCALA, FL (March 5, 2013) – This weekend’s win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix has Hunter Holloway, 15, of Topeka, Kansas seeing zeros and eagerly awaiting an appearance in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final this fall in Saugerties, New York.

Holloway was one of 12 to return for second-round competition out of an original 38 starters. The course was designed by Timmy Hott of Cumming, Iowa, and utilized the all-new Outside Course at HITS Ocala.

Holloway, daughter of grand prix rider Brandie Holloway, piloted Hays Investment Corp.’s Bellini to the top scores in both rounds of this weekend’s hunter prix, earning an 88 and 89 for a combined score of 177. “Today’s course was straightforward, but the new ring with the bank keeps the courses fresh and fun to ride,” said Holloway.

Bellini and Holloway were partnered this past summer to show primarily in Junior Hunter divisions and collected six top-five ribbons last week, in addition to their blue in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix. “Bellini is very easy, very honest and a joy to ride. He was awesome today,” said Holloway of the seven-year-old Warmblood gelding. “If he hasn’t sold by September, he is most definitely the horse I would choose to ride in the Diamond Mills Final.”

Adrienne Marciano of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, try as she might to best Holloway, pocketed a pair of 86s for a combined score of 172, which was good enough for second place. She was aboard her own Grey Street. The top three was completed with Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Caroline Russell Howe’s Caramo earning a 170.5.

Only fractions of a point decided fourth and fifth places. Meghan Flanagan of Atlanta, Georgia and her own O’Ryan finished fourth with a combined score of 169.25, and Nicole Lyvere of Lakewood, Colorado settled for fifth aboard her own Drumline with a 169.

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 this September.

©ESI Photography. Sophia Lothrop and Castell on their way to a win in the $1,500 Hunter Prix
©ESI Photography. Sophia Lothrop and Castell on their way to a win in the $1,500 Hunter Prix

$1,500 HITS Hunter Prix
Sophia Lothrop of Shelburne, Vermont has gone south this winter to qualify for the popular HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final and she found success with her own Castell this weekend. The pair rode to first place in the first of three remaining HITS Hunter Prix qualifiers in Ocala. Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia, who finished second in last year’s HITS Hunter Prix Final, finished in second place with her own Glad Rags this week.

Kristen Sameth of Lebanon, New Jersey was third aboard her own Vandrin and Erica Lipke of Hamburg, New York was fourth on Christine Hannon’s Knight Call. Eliza Month of Scarsdale, New York rounded out the top five in the irons of her own Duval.

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.comHitsShows.com