Kristen Bumpus and Diadora Claim Performance Hunter Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson Spring I
Saugerties, NY – May 26, 2022 – Thursday marked the second day of the first week of competition at HITS Saugerties, where championship honors were awarded in the professional hunter divisions. Kristen Bumpus had a standout week in the Performance 3’3/High Performance Hunter division aboard Diadora, capturing the division's championship title.
“[Diadora] is really fun,” smiled Bumpus after accepting the championship award. “When you think of a ‘hunter,’ you think of field hunting, which, ironically, I don’t enjoy doing, but she just gallops along and is really steady, and that’s what’s fun. She’ll ride an inside turn to a giant oxer and be awesome.”
Kristen Bumpus and Diadora. Photo by: ESI Photography
Bumpus and Diadora, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Barbara LeStage, had a dominating performance in the Performance 3’3/High Performance Hunter division, winning two over fences classes as well as the under saddle to earn the championship tricolor. The reserve championship went to Joanne Kovacs aboard Something Good, a 15-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Dennis Sisco.
Joanne Kovacs and Something Good. Photo by: ESI Photography
On the first day of competition, Bumpus and Diadora laid down two solid rounds, earning scores of 86 and 82, receiving a first and a second-place ribbon. On the second day of competition, the pair earned a first and a second over fences, as well as a first in the under saddle.
HITS-on-the-Hudson I is Bumpus’ final prep before she competes at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and she was thrilled to end on such a high note. “Yesterday was rough because none of my horses have been to a horse show since Florida, so they were all very exuberant,” she explained. “But Diadora was actually quite good yesterday. She’s here this week to warm up for Devon next week. She’s always perfect.”
Bumpus emphasized her favorite reasons for competing at HITS Saugerties, noting, “I like the size of the rings, and the diversity of rings to ride in. There are a lot of opportunities for anyone that you may bring to a horse show. There is always a way to be successful, which is how you always want to end the week, being successful.”
Hunter action at HITS Saugerties will continue over the next two weeks of the Spring Series as part of the complete HITS-on-the-Hudson season, which runs through September at the world-class facility. The Saugerties Spring Series will feature another $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby week II, and a $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby week III. Classics in the Short Stirrup division, through Junior and Amateur-Owner Hunters highlight hunter competition every week, including the Bit o’ Straw Classic and Novice Children’s/Adult Classics, all qualifiers for the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Finals.