The world-class HITS Hudson Valley venue in Saugerties, NY, welcomed international-level dressage competition for the first time with the HITS Hudson Valley Dressage June CDI3*, expanding opportunities for riders and trainers. The weekend of June 12-14, 2026, was filled with enthusiasm as many new faces made their way down the Hudson Valley centerline. Among a talented CDI roster, Argentine rider Micaela Mabragana and Belatrix RH captivated judges and spectators alike with a standout FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* performance to claim the blue-ribbon honors.
Mabragana and Belatrix RH, a 14-year-old Hanoverian mare (Bretone x Weltmeyer) owned by Valerie Feigen, are a developing horse-and-rider combination. Initially brought to Mabragana for training, the mare quickly showed strong promise, and their partnership has since emerged into a successful CDI campaign. On Saturday, June 14, the rising duo made their salute with confidence and expression, entering to upbeat music by Britany Spears with a floor plan choreographed to reflect the pop-princess inspired theme.
“We picked the music; it’s all Britany Spears,” enthused Mabragana. “She’s a princess and that’s our Bela. We wanted to bring out her highlights and start with her stronger gaits, which is the canter. It has worked out well for us.”
Mabragana and Bela’s music and interpretation of the music earned a 7.8 from judge at C Sarah Geikie (USA) with other consistent marks of 7.0 throughout the test, ultimately posting a winning score of 69.540%.
Along with the day’s victory, the team of Mabragana and Belatrix RH have accrued valuable points toward qualification for the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final hosted at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, on November 13-14, 2026. Last year, the Final was something the pair had been invited to; however, having been unable to attend has made Mabragana set her sights for this year’s 2026 competition. That goal has made their FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* win even more important.
“Having a CDI here during the summer is great for us; we needed it,” exclaimed Mabragana. “I’m grateful that this show happened, and I hope HITS Hudson Valley can host more CDI’s in the future.”
Also showcasing an FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* was Christina Morin-Graham (USA) and Mondlicht, her own 16-year-old Oldenburg mare (Tailormade Sarkozy x Ravallo), for a second-place finish with a score of 69.225%. Anne Barbarick (USA) and ZZ Top 4, her own 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Glock’s Zonik N.O.P. x De Niro 6), completed the top 3 with a score of 63.605%.
With the conclusion of the HITS Hudson Valley Dressage June CDI3*, dressage at the iconic venue will take centerstage once again during the HITS Hudson Valley Dressage July I & II Show on July 10-12, 2026. For complete results, please click HERE.
