HITS returned to Commonwealth Park for the two-week August Series that kicked-off with the Winston National. Top riders and horses joined us for USEF-Rated hunter and jumper competition in the ‘Heart of Virginia’s Horse Country’. The Winston National featured a $35,000 Open Jumper division, along with Hunter Prix qualifiers for the HITS Championship, set to take place in Saugerties, New York, September 2-6.
Lucy Matz took the reins to win the $5,000 HITS Open Welcome aboard Quetal on Wednesday, August 12 as she crossed the timers in 30.675. Andrew Kocher and Doirin Clover Boy were close behind to take second place [30.690], and Jamie Gibson and Caddie R took third [32.552].
Kocher joined the Winner’s Circle on Friday, August 14, moving up in the standings and completing the ultimate hat trick as he took home first, second and third place in the $10,000 HITS Prix on Friday. Top honors went to Kocher’s ride aboard Camryn in a time of 31.098. In second place were Kocher and Doirin Clover Boy [31.856], and his third place mount was Connor 69 [32.695].
Andy Kocher on Camryn. Photo by Andy Kocher Show Jumpers.
Saturday afternoon, August 15, featured the Culpeper Equitation Classic in the Grand Prix Ring. The HITS Culpeper Equitation Classic is designed for Junior, Amateur, Children’s, and Adult riders showing at 3’ or 3’6”, offering a unique chance for riders to compete against each other. Taking home top honors in the class was Lily Oelschlager with a score of 78. Claire Campbell earned second place [76], and Andie Preblick earned third [72].
Featured jumper competition came to a close in the Grand Prix Ring on Sunday, August 16 with the $20,000 Open Prix. The blue ribbon went to Penny Brennan for her ride aboard Hells Angel. Only four riders made it on to the jump-off, with Brennan was the only rider to jump double clear securing the win in a time of 40.335. Kocher and Kapriool galloped to second place [4-Faults, 41.180], and in third place were Kama Godek and Continuity [8-Faults, 45.273].
The Winston National hosted several featured hunter classics as well, including the $1,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix and $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix, along with Marshall & Sterling Finals League classes and classics.
Jennifer Tate was awarded top honors in the $1,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix for her ride aboard Carsten S. Tate scored an 84 in the first round and an 87 in the second round for a two-round total of 171 and the blue ribbon. David Jennings and Jordantinus won second place [ 170], and Tate and her other mount, Caspari took third [167].
Top honors in the $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix was awarded to Sally Ives and Just Ed for their scores of 83 and 75 totaling a 158. The Platinum Performance Hunter Prix is open to Junior and Amateur riders, and is the qualifying class for the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship. In second place were Annabele Whitehead and Imperio [146], while Isabella Bertozzi took third with Cousteau [138].
Additional Jumper Highlights:
- $2,000 M&S WIHS/NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic: Katherine Willekes and Cerrado BZ
- $1,000 Children’s & Adult Low Jumper Classic: Debbie Smith and Evieta
- $2,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.20m Jumper Classic: Wyatt Morris and For Star
- $4,000 Pyranha NAL Jr/A-O/Am 1.30m Jumper Classic: Grace Debney and Darc Kiss Z
- $5,000 Jr/A-O/Am 1.40m Jumper Classic: Debney and Zarina De Vidau
Additional Hunter Highlights:
- $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic: Laura Schroff Scaletti and Heartthrob
- $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic: Cate Crawford and Noteworthy
- $500 Pony Hunter Classic: Addy Wingate and Foot Steps FOOT STEPS
- $500 SmartPak M&S Adult Hunter Classic: Jessica Van Brocklin Smith and Samba
- $500 M&S Children’s Hunter Classic – Horse: Kellsey Stern and North Coast
- Novice Children’s & Adult Hunter Classic: Margaret Ball and Lluminaire
- Pre-Children’s & Adult Hunter Classic: Michelle Caviness and Heisman
- $250 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic: Hazel Ammons and Sonoma
For full results, click here. The August Series at HITS Commonwealth Park continues next week with even more featured hunter and jumper competition taking place in the ‘Heart of Virginia’s Horse Country’! As the season at HITS Culpeper continues, our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable for everyone. To do so, please review the HITS Quick Tips and HITS Horse Show Protocol online prior to your arrival at the show grounds.