Gabriella Conte and Konfetti Celebrate Green Hunter Championship at HITS Culpeper

Culpeper, Va. – April 20, 2023 – Riders were excited to return to HITS Culpeper for the 2023 show season, where the new HITS management team debuted new footing and additional upgrades throughout Commonwealth Park. Gabriella Conte and Konfetti had reason to celebrate on Thursday as they kicked off the week with the Green Hunter Championship. The duo garnered three blue ribbons on their way to the tricolor title, while Juliana Thorbecke and Vidano PS took home reserve.

Gabriella Conte and Konfetti. Photo by: Alison Hartwell

“Konfetti is a really special young horse that my mom and I own with one of our customers,” said Conte after her win. “I was just hoping to have nice rounds, and I thought he improved a lot from yesterday to today. It’s really rewarding to see that with the young horses – when they learn and improve each day. I was really happy with his performance.”

Conte and Konfetti placed first and second in the Green Hunter division on Wednesday, returning Thursday to sweep both over fences classes. The 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood’s beautiful effort over the fences was rewarded with the championship award. Thorbecke and Vidano PS won the under saddle and earned three second-place ribbons to secure the reserve championship.

Juliana Thorbecke and Vidano PS. Photo By: Alison Hartwell

Conte has been riding Konfetti for just over a year and expects he will become a nice junior amateur horse. “He's very fun to ride,” she noted. “He likes it when you’re soft on him – he doesn't like anything too serious. He has a very playful personality.”

HITS Culpeper is a regular stop for Conte, who is very pleased with all of the improvements for 2023. “We'll be back in July with more horses. I just brought Konfetti this week to practice a little bit with him. I liked the footing, it was a lot better. I think they did a good job and I'm excited to come back in July.”

Hunter competition at HITS Culpeper will continue throughout the weekend, featuring the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby and the $2,500 USHJA National Derby on Saturday. For more information visit www.hitsshows.com.