Caitlyn Shiels and Signature Claim Perfect Products Green 3’ Hunter Championship at Lamplight Spring Spectacular III
Wayne, Ill. – June 22, 2023 – On Wednesday and Thursday of the final week of the Lamplight Spring Spectacular at the boutique venue, the professional hunters returned to the Main Hunter arena at HITS Chicago. Caitlyn Shiels and Signature stole the show with beautiful rounds in the Perfect ProductsGreen 3' Hunter division at HITS Chicago. On their road to winning the division championship, the pair brought home two blue ribbons.
Caitlyn Shiels and Signature. Photo by Alison Hartwell
“Signature belongs to Alyssa Quinn, a client of Ashley Hill,” said Shiels after receiving her tricolor. “I started to ride him last summer. We began playing around with the Baby Greens last year, and this year we moved it up to the 3’ Greens.”
Shiels and Signature had five beautiful performances in the Perfect Products Green 3’ Hunter division, garnering a first, second, third, and a fourth place ribbon over fences, and earning another win in the under saddle to capture the championship tricolor. The reserve championship went to Kathleen Caya and Randillo, who earned two firsts, and a third in the over fences classes, in addition to another third in the under saddle.
Kathleen Caya and Randillo. Photo by Alison Hartwell
Signature, a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood Gelding, impressed the judges this week and Shiels was thrilled with each one of her rounds. “He's a blast to ride. He has his green moments that all horses have when they're growing up and moving on to the next level, but he's very brave, has a nice big stride, is straightforward, and his change is getting very strong and solid," explained Shiels. “We are actually planning on taking him to the Green Incentive Finals in August!”
Being local to the area, Shiels is thrilled to be back competing this week at HITS Chicago. “It’s so beautiful here, and I’ve been loving all the improvements they’ve been making. The jumps, the plants, the rings – it all looks amazing,” she concluded. “I absolutely love Lamplight! I moved to Chicago about 10 years ago and I think it's a beautiful facility. The rings are nice sizes, it's very boutique, the horses feel comfortable, there's nice places to ride, and it's close to home!”
Action at Lamplight Equestrian Center will continue over the weekend of the final week of the Spring Spectacular Series as part of the full HITS Chicago Series, which runs through September at the world-class facility.
Caitlyn Shiels and Signature. Photo by Alison Hartwell