Abigail Hopkins and Fine By Me Claim Performance Hunter Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson Spring III

Saugerties, NY – June 9, 2022 – Professional hunter divisions came to a close Thursday during HITS-on-the-Hudson III, where championship honors were awarded across several divisions. Abigail Hopkins had a standout week in the Performance Hunter 3’3”/3’6” combined division aboard Fine By Me, capturing the division's championship title.

This week marked Hopkins’ first time riding Fine by Me, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Emma Woodworth. “This was my first time on her and she was an absolute superstar,” she commented. “She's awesome, and [Emma] is really lucky to have her.”

 Abigail Hopkins and Fine By Me. Photo By: ESI Photography

Hopkins and Fine By Me had smooth and flowing rounds during the Performance Hunter 3’3”/3’6” combined division, placing first, second and third on Thursday to earn the championship tricolor. The reserve championship went to Renato Troani aboard Always Social, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Nicole Modell. The pair earned a first and third over fences, as well as a red ribbon in the under saddle.

Renato Troani aboard Always Social. Photo By: ESI Photography

Hopkins was thrilled to have a successful debut with Fine By Me during HITS Saugerties. “She is a true hunter – she has a beautiful jump and she likes a soft ride,” she said. “[Fine By Me] is a lovely mare and she's super cool. Her owner is going to come and show her in the Juniors or the Children’s Hunters, so hopefully they do awesome, they're a great team.”

The HITS Saugerties Series is one of Hopkins’ favorite competitions. She concluded, “I love the [Hunter Stadium] here. I love going in the stadium, and I haven't been able to do it in a while. Being able to do it on [Fine By Me] was wonderful!

Hunter action for the Spring Series at HITS-on-the-Hudson season will conclude this week, but the HTS Saugerties Summer Series will get underway in July at the world-class facility. The HITS Saugerties Spring Series will feature a $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby week on Saturday. 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.