(C) ESI Photography. Robin Swinderman and Cliff II.
Ocala, FL (February 2, 2016): Sunday jumpers of all ages and levels competed in the Grand Prix Ring to contend for the blue on courses set by Oscar Soberon, of Dallas, Texas, during Week II of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. The classes were run under Table II.2.b with an immediate jump-off over some jumps not used in the first round, and some to be jumped in the opposite direction. Riders tried different techniques to achieve the fastest time, including leaving out strides in different lines, choosing to go inside a fence for a shorter turn or turning outside to keep up the gallop.
$2,500 M&S/NAL Adult Jumper Classic – High
The $2500 M&S/NAL Adult Jumper Classic ran in the Grand Prix Ring at HITS, Ocala on Sunday, and course designer Oscar Soberon made use of the entire ring, setting a course of 15 jumping efforts at 1.10 meters.
Thirty-three took the course with a time allowed of 92 seconds, and sixteen went clean to move on to the jump-off Robin Swinderman of Morriston, Florida, and Cliff 2, owned by Meadowwood Farm LLC, have been consistent winners this circuit. They went early in the order setting a blistering pace that could not be beat. Their time of 32.686 seconds held the lead in the class all the way to the end.
Maisie McSwain of Gainesville, Georgia, riding Horseflight.com’s Remiville, came in just a tenth of a second behind Swinderman, in a time of 32.772 for second place. Debi Batz of Lewisburg, Tennessee and Abalia crossed the timers in 32.867 seconds for third place.
“He is an amazing horse! He does all the winning,” said Swinderman. “The plan is to keep the streak alive with the $7500 Classic next week and the $25,000 Classic Week X.”
$2,500 M&S/NAL Child Jumper Classic – High
Young riders tested the 1.10 meter course but it was Sydni Moss of Flower Mound, Texas, riding Erin Hisey’s HSS Lasiano, who topped the leader board. They clocked in with a speedy, clear jump-off round of 32.031 to seal the victory.
Hannah Loeffelbein of Olathe, Kansas, riding FVF Brulee for John and Stephanie Ingram LLC, was second. They passed the timers just behind Moss in a fault-free 33.899 seconds.
Helen Kirbo of Tallahassee, Florida and Cita Z, owned by Raylyn Farms, LLC, also went clear but crossed the timers in 34.573 for third place.
$1,000 S.A. Comunale Adult Jumper Classic – Low
The Low Children’s/Adult Classic was won by Laurie Russell of Ocala, Florida, riding GLS Volos, owned by Kelsey Barfield. Russell and GLS Volos captured the win with a fault-free 34.401-second round.
Second place went to Chino, with Kate Philips of Montpelier, Virginia in the irons. They sped through the timers in 35.639 as the last clear round of the jump-off.
Third went to Grant Anderson of New Canaan, Connecticut, riding Silvermine Farm’s Skelton W. They finished the shortened course in a fault-free 37.946 seconds.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com