Sarah Duhon and Better in Blue Sweep Green 3’3” Hunter Championship at HITS Chicago

Wayne, Ill. – May 11, 2023 – The first week of the Lamplight Spring Classic I is in full swing at HITS Chicago to kick off the season at the boutique venue. The professional hunter divisions took center stage, where Sarah Duhon had a standout day in the Green 3’3” Hunters aboard her new partner Better in Blue. The duo captured the division's championship title and then went on to win the $1,000 USHJA 3/3' 3 " Green Hunter Incentive.

Sarah Duhon and Better in Blue. Photo by Alison Hartwell

“I got this horse as I was leaving Ocala this year, so I've had him since early March,” explained Duhon of the 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Wendy Hofmeister. “He's a young 6, but he's a very good student and he wants to please – He literally gets a bath and comes to the ring. He doesn't have to do anything to get tired or get prepared. It’s so nice to work with a young horse like that.”.

Duhon and Better in Blue had four beautiful performances in the Green 3’3” Hunter division, sweeping the over fences classes to earn the championship tricolor. The reserve championship went to Ashleen Lee and Newspeak, who won the under saddle and also earned two red ribbons.

Ashleen Lee and Newspeak. Photo by Alison Hartwell

“This is our third horse show together and he's just come along so nicely,” said Duhon after earning the championship title. “Better in Blue has such a good brain and he is such a goof in the barn. My niece will show him in the Large 3’3” Junior Hunters. I'm really honored to have a horseman like Wendy Hoffmeister trust her horses in our program and getting the opportunity and privilege to work with her is amazing.”

This is Duhon’s second year returning to Lamplight Spring Classic Series and she was thrilled to be back. “I love the area! It's now one of my favorite places to compete,” she commented on, “Tom Urban is amazing. He and I showed together as junior riders. All of the in gates here are so friendly – it feels like family.” .

Hunter action at Lamplight Equestrian Center will continue over the next two weeks of the Spring Classic Series as part of the full HITS Chicago Series, which runs through September at the world-class facility.

Sarah Duhon and Better in Blue