Kristen VanderVeen Gives Riders a Run for their Money

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That Makes Two Grand Prix Wins for Kristen VanderVeen at HITS Ocala
Featuring the $50,000 Summit Joint Performance Grand Prix
The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is nearing the completion of its 39th season but show jumping competition is still going strong. Riders continue to find their 'Top Game' at HITS Post Time Farm whether it be in the Grand Prix or Hunter Prix, and the excitement continues as we crown another group of featured class winners. 

Grand Prix riders are gearing up for the seventh annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, on Sunday, March 22,  and it is clear after Sunday's success in the $50,000 Summit Joint Performance Grand Prix  that Kristen VanderVeen, is one to keep an eye on in the Richest Grand Prix in America.

Read on to see all the featured class winners at HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Week VIII.
Jill Henselwood and CANNTINUE moved up from their third place finish in the $5,000 Open Welcome last week to take home the blue ribbon on Wednesday afternoon as they cleared the jump-off in a time of 37.646.

2nd Place: Erin Haas & COACHELLA [41.758]
3rd Place: Stevie Murphy & EBAB RK [43.042]

Continuing the celebration during Week VIII was Derek Petersen as he rode DIAMANT'S LEGACY to a first place finish in the $10,000 HITS Open Prix on Thursday, crossing the timers in 36.243. 

2nd Place: Johan Kachelhoffer & AND ACTION [37.431]
3rd Place: David Jennings & CENDATUS PS [38.264]
Lisa Goldman-Smolen added another Grand Prix win to her record as she secured first place in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix aboard NIKE. As the last to jump off the pressure was on to be quick, and Goldman-Smolen was just that as she jumped clear in a time of 43.125

2nd Place: Haas & COACHELLA [44.760]
3rd Place: Lauren Balcomb & VERDINI D'HOUTVELD Z [48.321]
It was a blue ribbon finish for Dorothy Douglas and MTM FIONA 621 in the $15,000 1.40m Jumper Classic on Saturday. Douglas was the last to compete and stole the lead in a time of 36.188.

2nd Place: Kachelhoffer & AND ACTION [36.492]
3rd Place: Sharn Wordley & MARACA LS LA SILLA [37.190]
Children and Adult riders returned to the Stadium for a night of competition under the lights. Kicking off Saturday Night Lights was Elizabeth Suddath & SUPER STAR to take home the blue ribbon in the $7,500 M&S Children's High Jumper Classic.
Competition continued with the adult riders being featured in the Stadium on Saturday evening. First place was awarded to Lori Osterstock & PATRON for their fast and clear round in the $7,500 M&S Adult High Jumper Classic.
Jumper Classic Winners
 
$1,000 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic - Low: Sophia Ayers & CASANOVA JUNIOR
$1,500 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic - Medium: Megan Manubay & CARISMA

$2,500 Pyranha Jr 1.25m Jumper Classic: Haley Barnes & OLEY
$2,500 Pyranha A-O/AM 1.25m Jumper Classic:
Katherine Standley & ESH TAKE THE PLUNGE

$5,000 Summit Joint Performance Jr/A-O/Am 1.35m Jumper Classic:
Amy Shafmaster & CARLOS
$7,500 U-Dump Jr/A-O/AM 1.45m Jumper Classic: Grace Debney & ZARINA DE VIDAU
In 2020, HITS has doubled and even tripled prize money in most of the Grand Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit drawing top Grand Prix Riders from down the road and around the world. Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida, Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, Ontario and Rowan Willis representing Australia are just a few Grand Prix riders at the 'Top of their Game' in Grand Prix competition at Post Time Farm. With increased prize money in the Sunday Grand Prix this year, HITS Ocala has seen an increase in Grand Prix entries throughout the circuit, having attracted half a dozen Olympic Medalists and riders representing a dozen countries.

The ring was set for the $50,000 Summit Joint Performance Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon where 44 riders would challenge the track designed by Catalina "Catsy" Cruz of Mexico City, Mexico. The course called for accuracy, and six riders would successfully clear the track. 

Kristen VanderVeen has been one to watch all season, with a Grand Prix win under her belt from Week V and several top five finishes to go along with it. She saved the best for last on Sunday, entering the ring aboard BULL RUN'S ALMIGHTY and putting down a slick ride in 36.270 to capture another Grand Prix win. Willis, who had gone first in the jump-off, had held the lead all the way up until VanderVeen. 

2nd Place: Rowan Willis & EVERSE W [36.998]
3rd Place: Sharn Wordley & COBALOU [46.105]
Kristen VanderVeen was presented with the big check and a gift basket courtesy of Angel's Salumi & Truffles by Summit Joint Performance Representative, Heather Farmer.
 
Week VIII of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit featured Hunter Prix and World Championship Hunter Rider competition, an always popular week during the season. The Grand Prix Ring became the featured Hunter Ring for the week, giving horses and riders a new stage to showcase their talents. Hunters will be featured again Week X when the second $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of the Circuit takes place. From the Diamond Mills and Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Finals to some of the riches USHJA International Hunter Derbies across the nation, HITS is proud to host some of the richest hunter classes in the world.
Week VIII was host to the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby where Jennifer Alfano took top honors aboard SILVER LINING. Alfano scored a 93 in the first round and followed that with a 94 in the second round for a cumulative score of 187.

2nd Place: Cassandra Kahle & ESPIRIT DE VICTOIRE [184]
3rd Place: Daniel Geitner & GRATIS [178]
Securing the blue ribbon in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix was Grace McReynolds for her outstanding rounds aboard CASCAVEL. McReynolds scored an 84 in round one and matched that in round two for an overall score of 168.

2nd Place: Carly Hoft & CORETTO [164]
3rd Place: Elizabeth Kenny & IT'S AVANTOS [158.5]

Ponies had their chance in the spotlight during the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby on Saturday afternoon. Following up her win from the HITS Ocala Week IV USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, Lauren Gee made it two-for-two claiming top honors this season. Furthermore, she had a one-two finish this past week! Gee took first place aboard STERLING with scores of 89 and 90 for a total of 179, and second place with EDITOR'S NOTE with scores of 87 and 86 for a total of 173.

3rd Place: Carleigh K. Niles & REIDELL DAY DREAM [158.5]
Hunter Classic Winners

$1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive: Hunt Tosh & JUST IMAGINE

$1,000 A-O 3'6" Hunter Classic: Darby Toben & GIOVANNIE
$1,000 ALL-IN Removal A-O 3'3" Hunter Classic: Stephanie Zimmerman & VALENTINE
$1,000 CWD Jr 3'6" Hunter Classic - Small: Debney & CALAGRAND
$1,000 Antares Jr 3'6" Hunter Classic - Large: Lauren Reid & OXFORD
$1,000 Jr 3'3" Hunter Classic: Maddie Tosh & LUCADOR

$500 M&S SmartPak Adult Hunter Classic: Catherine Mooney & CASPER II
$500 M&S Child Hunter Classic - Horse: Francesca Dussek & GREATNESS VDK
$500 M&S Child Hunter Classic - Pony: Adair Moses & SAWYER

M&S Bit O'Straw Hunter Classic: Beth A. Ford Estey & KODIAK HARBOR
$1,000 Perfect Products Pony Hunter Classic: Gee & STERLING 
Click here for the full listing of results from the HITS Ocala Winter Finals.

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit continues with nearly 400 classes in more than 100 divisions each week, and more than two dozen special classes and classics, from the Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic to the featured Sunday Grand Prix. HITS wishes the best of luck to all in the race for the Tack Shack of Ocala Second-Half Circuit Awards, HITS Ocala Grand Circuit Champion Awards, and those eyeing the prize in the seventh annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix.
 
Social Scene
VIP Tables and Individual Passes for the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, Sunday, March 22 are now available. Tables seating 6 guests are $1,000 for the day, or purchase individual passes for $150 per person. VIP Tables and passes must be purchased in advance in the Horse Show Office or online. Full Table reservations will have a reserved table for 6 guests; Individual reservations will be open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy the Great American Million in VIP Style! 
HITS is excited to be back in Ocala for its 39th consecutive year of horse shows - be sure to check out the Official Prize List for details on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and everything we have to offer! 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 352.620.2275 or info@hitsshows.comEnter today! We look forward to seeing you at this year’s circuit!
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