The Manchester Summer Festival, held on July 8-13, carried the momentum forward into the second week of the 2025 HITS Vermont Summer Festival, delivering another installation of world-class sport in Manchester, Vermont. Nestled among the breathtaking Green and Taconic Mountains, the picturesque venue once again set the stage for thrilling competition, attracting elite riders and horses from across the country. Spectators and exhibitors alike enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere as the schedule showcased marquee events. Among them, the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby included an astounding 68 entries and was split into three sections: the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby and two sections of the $2,500 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby. The action-packed schedule also included the $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix to cap off a week highlighted by exceptional talent and unforgettable moments in this six-week summer series
Between the three derby classes, it was Eleanor Pieters with Tibri’s So True, Lily Rusis with Set Sail, and Morgan Ward-Knowlton aboard Comissario that claimed the blue-ribbon honors. In the Grand Prix Ring, David Jennings topped the leaderboard riding Presley Degli Assi.
Each derby featured a thoughtfully designed hunt-and-go course by Danny Foster of Milton, Ontario. Riders navigated the classic portion of the course in the Hunter 1 arena before seamlessly cantering through the path to the Hunter 2 arena to complete the handy phase.
In Section A of the $2,500 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby, a field of 24 horse-and-rider combinations contested for the win, but ultimately, it was Eleanor Pieters and Tibri’s So True who posted the high score to take home the victory.
“The hunt-and-go’s are always so fun when you can canter through the rings,” shared Pieters. “I think it’s something that’s really unique to this horse show, and it’s super fun.”
Pieters campaigns Tibri LLC’s nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cordess x Riant) in the 3’6” equitation ring but makes a point to compete in the derbies for some extra practice — a strategy that has paid off.
“I knew I could trust ‘Dallas’ in this type of environment; it’s pretty hard to surprise him,” said Pieters. “He jumps every jump the same and is really pretty across the ground, so I think that’s what impresses the judges.”
The junior rider from Chepachet, Rhode Island, trains with her parents, Annie Dotoli and Fran Pieters, out of their Tibri LLC. Longtime supporters of all HITS venues, from Ocala to Hudson Valley, the Tibri team also makes HITS Vermont a staple on their summer schedule.
“The derbies here are such a featured class, so obviously everyone wants to do it,” noted Pieters. “Being able to split it not just into an open section and a junior/amateur section, but also into two junior/amateur sections is fantastic. It lets many more people come home with a ribbon, which lets people leave here with a really positive experience.”
Junior rider Brooke Kelly earned second place in Section A aboard Vagabond Z, while amateur rider Kerry Cole rounded out the top three aboard Blue Soul.
In Section B, it was amateur rider Lily Rusis who captured top honors out of 26 entries with a standout performance aboard Set Sail, her own 18-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Clinton x Cavalor Cumano)..
“I really liked the handy part of the course,” said Rusis. “I think my turns were really good, which helped set him up nicely at the jumps.”
Rusis trains with Monica Hunt and the team at Cornerstone Farm in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and was thrilled with the result of the week.
“He was great today,” enthused Rusis of her star mount. “I love that the derbies go on Fridays because it really helps set you up for the weekend. I think it’s awesome that they split the derbies, because it really gives everyone a chance instead of putting us all in one group.”
Junior rider Francesa Morando secured second place in Section B aboard Snow White van’t Heike, while Isabella Grimm rounded out the podium in third with Caruso.
For the professional hunter competitors, the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby delivered plenty of excitement as Morgan Ward-Knowlton swept a competitive field of 18 pairs to claim the win with Comissario, her 20-year-old Warmblood gelding by Calido, for the second consecutive week. Jennifer Wright followed closely in second aboard Decklin, with Alexa Bayko and Valyrian completing the top three.
On Saturday, July 12, the spotlight was on the Grand Prix Ring as 22 top jumper duos took on the $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix. The technical, demanding track was set by world-renowned FEI Level 4 Course Designer Bernardo Costa Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal.
Leading the way as the first to jump clear, David Jennings (USA) and Presley Degli Assi set the pace and ultimately secured the win in the jump-off with a time of 37.498 seconds.
“Going first in the jump-off, I played it a little conservatively. I just really wanted to go double-clear today,” Jennings shared. “I stuck to my plan, and people had to chase me, and it ended up being enough for the win.”
Jennings has been developing The Presley Partners’ 12-year-old Italian Sporthorse by Presley Boy for just over a year, debuting him at the grand prix level during the HITS Vermont circuit last summer.
“I’ve been coming to Vermont for almost as many years as it’s been running,” said Jennings. “It’s a great venue, and the town really steps up for the horse show. Bill Worthington, the new manager here, is doing an excellent job.”
Finishing just a tenth of a second behind, Christian Coyle (IRL) and his amazing partner Ma Pomme de Tamerville, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Deauville van’t L x Contendro II), took second in 37.586 seconds. Lorraine Allan (USA) and Somethin’ Else, her 15-year-old Westphalian mare (Stairway x Cartano), rounded out the podium with a time of 41.360 seconds.
As the Manchester Summer Festival wraps up, anticipation is high for even more thrilling sport as the Manchester Classic kicks off on July 15.
