Georgia Peach! Leigh Anne Hartrampf wins the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship

OCALA, FL (January 26, 2009)—Leigh Anne Hartrampf was crowned the overall winner of the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Championship to conclude the Ocala Pre-Circuit 2 at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida.

“I was really nervous about this class—there was a good amount of competition," said Hartrampf. “I’m really happy with this win; however, it's bittersweet because I have to go back to Atlanta tonight and I really love it here and I am not ready to leave!"

A blue-ribbon performance in the $4,000 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Championship's third leg aided Hartrampf and her mount Golden Boy to the title. The pair outlasted 40 riders in the class to climb up the ladder and eventually be crowned the winner.

The $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Championship's fourth and final leg was won by Jojo Levy and Just Cruising to propel the horse/rider combination to an overall second-place finish in the Championship. Hartrampf collected 132 total points, while Levy was right behind with 127.

Hartrampf has been showing at HITS Ocala for three years and rides under the guidance of trainer Trina Blankenship. "I have been doing very well in this class. It really plays to my horse's strengths. It was a very challenging course and I am excited that my horse went so well." 

The first two legs of the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Championship took place during the Ocala Pre-Circuit 1 and saw Mackenzie Ryan and Kristianna Lindgren emerge as the two favorites to capture the title after they won the first and second legs respectively. However, in the end it was Hartrampf who came from behind to take home the overall title.

The HITS Ocala Pre-Circuit 2 also featured The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Center Exhibitor Party. Exhibitors were treated to refreshments, heavy hors d'oeuvre, exhibitions and seminars. Over 150 exhibitors enjoyed a great evening at The Sanctuary. For those arriving at HITS Ocala for the rated shows, The Sanctuary will be hosting a Welcome Party on Friday, February 7 from 5 pm to 9 pm. For more information, please contact Brenda McDuffee at The Sanctuary at sanctuaryestrc@aol.com.

The 2009 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit now takes a one-week break before returning for six consecutive weeks of rated composition in the heart of horse country. On tap for the Ocala Winter Classic is a full week of divisions and classes, including the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix and the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix.

HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

Media should contact Chris Mayone at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.

©Lili Weik Photography
Leigh Anne Hartrampf is on course during the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship at HITS Ocala.

 

©Lili Weik Photography
Leigh Anne Hartrampf was crowned the overall winner of the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Championship to conclude the Ocala Pre-Circuit 2 at HITS Post Time Farm. She is congratulated by exhibitor Mariana Savage.