The 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit kept the energy at an all-time high on Saturday, March 15, with its marquee event — the $80,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix. Spectators were treated to an electrifying display of speed and precision as Jared Petersen (USA) and his longtime partner, Kawir MS, delivered a commanding performance to claim the top prize.
With 30 elite horse-and-rider pairs vying for victory, course designer Mark McGowan (SCT) set a demanding track filled with delicate verticals, wide oxers, and technical rollback turns, pushing even the most seasoned competitors to their limits. Eight combinations delivered fault-free first rounds, setting the stage for a high-stakes jump-off.
On a hot streak notching numerous top placings throughout the season, Kirk Webby (NZL) and Cameron 38 threw down the gauntlet early, posting a blistering clear round in 42.227 seconds. That result seemed untouchable as riders faced the challenge of keeping the rails up while chasing speed. Undaunted, Petersen and Kawir MS had other plans, attacking the course with confidence to stop the clock clear in 41.992 seconds, securing an undeniable victory.
“Kirk [Webby] was really fast,” noted Petersen. “I caught jump one so well, so I was like, ‘Let’s go for it.’ I kept cruising and tried to stay out of the reins as much as I could, and it panned out.”
Petersen has been partnered with the nine-year-old Belgian Sport Horse stallion (Comme Il Faut x Diamant De Semilly) since he was three, taking him from an unbroken youngster to his first grand prix. While Kawir MS has his quirks, Petersen believes his determination sets him apart.
“He genuinely loves his job,” he shared. “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a horse that enjoys working as much as him. He can be a funny guy sometimes, but if you put a jump in front of him, he’s ready to go and wants to go as fast as possible.”
Not only did this mark Kawir MS’s first grand prix victory, but the moment carried extra significance for Petersen, as it coincided with his late mother’s birthday.
“My mom bought him and didn’t tell me or my wife,” he related. “Her whole family was here to watch today. She was always afraid I was going to get hurt on him one day. She would be so proud of us, so I’m really, really happy.”
Petersen and his family have long been supporters of HITS Ocala and continue to enjoy their time at the venue.
“I love coming to HITS,” he said. “It’s just like being at home. It’s so inviting but still has a great atmosphere, and everyone is so friendly.”
By just fractions of a second, Webby and Cameron 38, Andrea Clark’s 10-year-old Mecklenburg gelding (Cellestial x Lord Kemm), finished as runners-up, while Andre Thieme (GER) and For Dilando PS, his own nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (For Pleasure x Chacco-Blue), were right behind them with a time of 42.440 seconds for third place.
The excitement during HITS Ocala Winter Celebration extended beyond the $80,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, with top-tier competition unfolding throughout the week. Action kicked off on Wednesday, March 12, with the $2,500 Adequan Open Welcome, where François Lamontagne (CAN) and his own Thunderbird vh Scheefkasteel Z, an 11-year-old Zangershiede mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Calvaro Z), delivered an impressive double-clear round in 40.885 seconds to clinch the victory. Hot on their heels, MaryLisa Leffler (USA) guided Rolling Acres’ 15-year-old Zangershiede mare (Zandor x Caretano Z) to a second-place finish in 42.142 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Sarah Johnstone (USA) aboard Robin Ferguson’s Laszla, stopping the clock at 42.580 seconds.
Thursday’s $25,000 Alliant Private Client Cup brought another electrifying showdown, with fierce competition until the very last ride. Jordan Coyle (IRL) and Action T, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Falkirk Farm LLC, blazed through the jump-off in 41.245 seconds to claim the top spot. Not far behind, Samuel Pegg (CAN) and his own Casadimo, a 12-year-old Holsteiner stallion (Cachas x Cassini II), secured second place with a time of 41.559 seconds. Haley Waters Wear rounded out the top three aboard Over Lux, Chuck Waters’s 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Lux Z x Cruising), finishing in 42.338 seconds.
Speed took center stage on Friday in the $15,000 STX Open Speed Class, setting the tone for next week’s highly anticipated series finale. For the third consecutive week, Madison Kondracki (USA) and her own nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Escudo I, E Storm Cat, delivered a blazing-fast performance, clinching victory in an lightning-quick 60.521 seconds. Wilhelmina Horzepa (USA) and her own 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, College Fund, claimed second in 64.545 seconds, while Tim Maddrix (USA) and Quina Blue PS, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare (Qualdandro Z x Chacco Blue) owned by Lynne Skaryak, secured third in 65.811 seconds. With momentum building, all eyes now turn to the $15,000 STX Speed Series Finale next week, where the competition promises to be fiercer than ever, and the leading rider from the circuit will claim the coveted STX Tack Box.
The HITS Ocala Winter Celebration wrapped up on a high note with Sunday’s $24,500 Horseflight Jumper Classic, delivering an exciting finale to the competition. Melissa Strawser (USA) and her own Darwin De Mars, a 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Jarnac x Air Jordan Z), blazed through the jump-off in 39.711 seconds to claim the top spot. Andre Thieme (GER) and Chavanna PS, his talented nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Chacoon Blue x Savaro), were just fractions behind, securing second place in 40.117 seconds. Rounding out the podium, Shannon Lilley (USA) and her own Ideal IX, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Vittorio x Ustinov), delivered a smooth and efficient round to finish third in 42.127 seconds.
With Week 9 in the books, excitement is mounting as the 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit rolls into the final week of competition. Riders and fans eagerly await more world-class competition, set to resume on Tuesday, March 19, with the highly anticipated Ocala Championship.
