HITS back in Culpeper

Show jumping at HITS Culpeper resumes this month with the Winston National Wednesday through Saturday at Commonwealth Park and the Constitution Classic Aug. 19-23. When the horses and their riders return to Culpeper Wednesday for two consecutive weeks of show jumping, the fourth annual USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals will shine a spotlight on some of the most talented equitation riders in the region.

The competition will take place in the Grand Prix ring Saturday evening. Riders from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware and West Virginia qualify by winning a national or state medal class in Zone III at either the 3-feet or 3-feet-6-inches division over the course of the past year. The 3-feet section will compete first, followed by those showing at the 3-6 height.

In 2008, it was Megan Fellows of Great Falls who wowed the judges with an impressive ride aboard Guinness and took the title in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Equitation Finals.

“It seems that everyone I bump in to is making this a part of their annual calendar,” said Pam Freeley, who is the chairperson for the event. “I would guess that this is going to be the biggest and best year yet for the event. It provides fantastic preparation for any of the riders who are going onto compete at any of the other Finals later in the season.”

The most talented young riders from the surrounding area will be vying for a chance to win not only the championship title, but a custom-made Tad Coffin saddle, valued at approximately $4,500. The second-place winner will receive a pair of custom half chaps from Pinnell Custom Leather.

There will also be cash awards presented to the leading trainers with contributions from Clairborne Bishop, the Fellows Family, Jenny Graham, Teddy Ismond, Sandra Ruiz and Pam Freeley.

Other contributors include Ginny Edwards and Hidden Hollow Farm, Tudane Farm, Gary Baker, Tony Workman, and Tom Brennan. The Preppy Pink Pony is once again providing engraved keepsake boxes and popular HITS Culpeper vendor Champion Saddlery will be providing gift certificates.

“All of the sponsors have really stepped up again this year,” added Freeley. “We are fortunate to have some really fantastic prizes and we are pleased that Bridgewater College will once again host a wonderful welcome dinner for all of the riders. Also, I want to express our appreciation to HITS for being such a great host. Their participation has really helped to grow this event to the level it is today.”

Aside from the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals, other highlights at HITS Culpeper in August include the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix, $5,000 Culpeper Hunter Classic, $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Low, $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classics and two more $30,000 HITS Grand Prix classes which will take place each Sunday.