Morgane Qualls and Favorite D’Armanville Fly to First in $24,500 John Deere Grand Prix at HITS Ocala
Morgane Qualls and Favorite D’Armanville. ESI Photography.
Under a picturesque Florida sky, the atmosphere at the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida sizzled as horses and riders geared up for the week’s main event, the $24,500 John Deere Grand Prix. Boasting two weeks of top hunter, jumper, and equitation competition, the 2025 HITS Ocala Holiday Series saw athletes from across the country return to the iconic venue to freshen up their skills as they prepare for the 2026 winter season. Headlining competition in the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Ring on Saturday, December 20, Morgane Qualls captured the day’s biggest victory as she piloted Favorite D’Armanville to the win.
From hometown heroes including Jared Petersen and Hayley Waters Wear to Olympic veterans like Sharn Wordley, as well as up-and-comers, the afternoon’s event featured a breadth of qualified talent hoping to secure the top position following the two rounds of show jumping action. Course designer Ken Krome (USA) set the finishing touches on the first-round track, which would see a total of 26 horse-and-rider combinations doing their best to deliver a clear-round performance and advance to the deciding jump-off.
“Every time she just gives you 110 percent,” enthused Qualls. “She absolutely loves it. She knows when she’s done well and she knows when she’s had one down, and she really thinks about it. She processes it and she tries every time to be better and better, which over the years has just turned her into this amazing horse.”
For full results, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com.
For more information, visit HitsShows.com.
