The HITS-on-the-Hudson Fall Series is a wrap! The ‘Richest Week in Show Jumping’ not only featured the HITS Championship, but also the NCEA Junior Hunt Seat Medal Final – East, a $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, and Marshall & Sterling Insurance League qualifying classes and classics. HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII also hosted the Parade of Grand Circuit Champions.
Laura Chapot secured the blue ribbon aboard Thornhill Kate in the $5,000 HITS Open Welcome on Wednesday, September 2. Chapot was last to compete and claimed victory as she crossed the timers in 42.187. In second place were Christian Coyle and Centurion [42.248]. Chapot claimed third place with another mount, Diarado’s Flying Dutchman [4-Faults, 42.695].
Competition continued on Thursday, September 3 with the $10,000 HITS Jumper Classic where Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen claimed the win aboard Zidante in a time of 40.003. Hunter Holloway and Ciao Bella S took second place, [40.310], and Chapot took third again with Diarado’s Flying Dutchman [41.150].
Jordan Coyle on Picador. Photo by ESI.
Jordan Coyle, who has been one to watch throughout the entire HITS Saugerties Series, piloted Picador to another Grand Prix win at HITS-on-the-Hudson. Coyle was the first to return for the jump-off in the $75,000 SmartPak Grand Prix and his quick time of 40.107 was unbeatable to claim first place. Thiago Rhavy took second place with Salamandra Baloubina [40.445], and Jenni McAllister galloped to third with Escada V S [43.688].
Saturday, September 5 featured the $10,000 Saugerties Steamboat Co. Jumper Classic where Chapot added another win to her records, this time aboard Out of Ireland. Chapot went early in the jump-off and her time of 39.724 couldn’t be caught. Holloway and Ciao Bella S took second place [41.155], while Alex Matz took third with Evelien [41.783].
Top honors in the $7,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic – High were awarded to Abigail Wagner and Andiamo. Wagner completed the jump-off in 37.879 to take first place. Ava Strohmeyer and Feeling took second place [38.633], while Wendy Chapot Nunn and Cashe’ took third [39.096].
Emi Richard on Game Plan. Photo by ESI.
The Grand Prix Stadium was transformed into a Derby Field for the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby on Saturday afternoon. Emi Richard and Game Plan posted scores of 85 and 88 for a 173 total and the blue ribbon. Emma Brody and Silver Wishes took the red ribbon [168], and Jenna Bach and Follow the Blue took the yellow ribbon [163].
The final class in the Grand Prix Stadium on Saturday was the NCEA Junior Hunt Seat Medal Final – East. This unique final consists of three phases, beginning with an over fence phase, followed by the top 10 riders returning for a flat phase. The top four riders return with a clean slate for a bracket-style phase where they swap horses for the final ride-off.
The top four riders who returned to compete in the bracket phase were Kate Egan, Strohmeyer, Madison Olvert, and Kayla Wilson. Strohmeyer (83) and Egan (81) had the lower of the four scores in the bracket phase to place third and fourth, respectively.
Madison Olvert on Wilson. Photo by ESI.
Moving onto the final phase were Olvert and Wilson, who would ride-off on the same horse which neither had ridden yet. In the final round Olvert scored an 82 to win first place. Wilson took home the red ribbon with her score of 64 in the final phase.
Additional Jumper Highlights:
- $500 Harcour M&S Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic – Low: Bianca Salituri and Red Round Number
- $250 M&S Modified Children’s & Adult Jumper Classic: Jennifer Perry and Carlton
- $2,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.20m Jumper Classic: Tori Corts and Black Pearl
- $5,000 Pyranha Jr/A-O/Am 1.30m Jumper Classic: Emily Dougherty and Quintreau Un Prince
Additional Hunter Highlights:
- $1,000 Jr/A-O 3’3″ Hunter Classic: Becky Gochman and Mythical
- $1,000 Jr/A-O 3’6″ Hunter Classic: Kelly Tropin and Chablis
- $500 M&S SmartPak Adult Hunter Classic: Deanna Speranza and Speechless
- $500 M&S Child Hunter Classic – Horse: Grace Daggett and Paris
- $500 M&S Child Hunter Classic – Pony: Hannah Glanzberg and After the Rain
- $250 M&S Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic: Kira Sfera and Galileo
- Short Stirrup Hunter Classic: Anna Frear and Clovermeade Call Me Peaches
- Novice Adult Hunter Classic: Gloria Benoit and Rocket Man
- Novice Child Hunter Classic: Sophia Michaels and Remastered
For full class results, click here. As we look forward to the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals, management’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable show for everyone. To do so, please review the HITS Quick Tips and HITS Horse Show Protocol online prior to your arrival to the show grounds.