Dressage made its show debut at the charming HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia, with the first-ever HITS Dressage at Culpeper show. The weekend featured USEF Level 2 competition and hosted horses and athletes showing in numerous divisions. On Saturday, June 21, it was local stars Lauren Sprieser and Orijinal JP that dominated the scene.
Sprieser and “OJ” share a special relationship, with Spreiser having purchased the now six-year-old American-bred Dutch Warmblood gelding (Hennessy x Infinity JP) about two years ago. As one of the few horses owned entirely by Sprieser, the show was a momentous event for both, marking one of their first outings to a larger competition.
“This is a great venue for us,” said Sprieser, who is a renowned USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist with distinction and an international Grand Prix rider. “It’s really close to home, and we had a lovely horse show.”
OJ brought his A-game and triumphed in the USEF First Level Test 3 by earning a powerful final score of 74.583%. Their test received high marks throughout from judge Margaret Freeman with notable movements, such as the single loop canter and the working canter for scores of 8. After a stellar performance, Sprieser felt OJ had overachieved with his efforts, earning himself the trip home and a brief summer vacation before continuing his training later in the year.
“We are thrilled with all of the improvements the facility has made over the last couple of years,” enthused Sprieser of HITS Commonwealth Park. “It was really fun to see all of that. For sure, if we can keep this show on our schedule, we will absolutely be back.”
Competition on Sunday, June 22, also reached the pinnacle when Erin Hart danced her way to victory with Legal Buzz, her own 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, in the USDF Freestyle Test of Choice Adult Amateur Division. Hart and Legal Buzz performed a Second Level Freestyle that earned a technical score of 66.316% and an artistic score of 67.895% for an overall impression of 67.105%.
Also riding in the USDF Test of Choice was Emily Nielsen on Stiletto, her nine-year-old Oldenburg mare. Competing in the Open division, the pair received a score of 72.000% after the final salute. Their test was highlighted by impressive marks of 8 in the flying changes, music, and interpretation for a blue-ribbon performance.
While the exciting week marked the only dressage show at HITS Culpeper in 2025, competitors can look forward to more opportunities in 2026. In addition, hunter/jumper action resumes on June 27 for the third VHSA & The League Show. For complete results, please click HERE.
