The Manchester Classic, held on July 16-20, carried the momentum forward into the third 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 58 entries and was split into two sections: the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby and the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby. The action-packed schedule also included the $30,000 Maria Mendelsohn/Douglas Elliman Grand Prix to cap off a week highlighted by exceptional talent and unforgettable moments in this six-week summer series.
Between the two derby classes, Jessica Oswald and Lebaron captured top honors in the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby, while Morgan Ward-Knowlton and Comissario secured the blue ribbon in the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby. Meanwhile, in the Grand Prix Ring, David Jennings claimed the top spot aboard Presley Degli Assi.
Each derby featured a thoughtfully designed hunt-and-go course by Samantha Burger of Wellington, Florida. Riders began the classic portion in the Hunter 1 arena before seamlessly cantering through a connecting path to the Hunter 2 arena to complete the handy phase.
In the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby, 36 horse-and-rider combinations vied for top honors. Ultimately, it was the last to go, Jessica Oswald and Lebaron, who posted the highest score to clinch the victory.
“I just tried to make everything smooth,” shared Oswald. “Lebaron has the best canter, so the jumps usually show up nicely. I tried to make some tight roll-backs in the handy portion, and everything worked out well.”
The amateur rider from Tolland, Connecticut, trains with Armand Chenelle at Windcrest Farm in Hebron, Connecticut. Together, they imported “Baron” off a video in 2021 and have since developed a strong partnership. Though Oswald normally campaigns her nine-year-old KWPN gelding (Berlin x Clavecimbel) in the adult hunters and equitation, the pair started to add derbies to their schedule over the winter season.
“I started doing him in the derbies at HITS Ocala this past winter, which was really fun,” explained Oswald. “It sets you up nicely for the weekend when you can get in the ring like this on Friday.
“He’s just a very sweet horse, and naturally so athletic,” she continued. “He really loves his job.”
As longtime supporters of HITS venues, the Windcrest team makes HITS Vermont a staple on their summer schedule.
“I’ve been coming to Vermont for years, and they’ve done a great job with the show here,” commented Oswald. “The scenery is beautiful, and the show is run really, really well.”
Junior rider India Nye-Wenner earned second aboard Orion, Matt Nye’s 14-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding, while Ella Perry rounded out the top three with Testimony, her 15-year-old Warmblood gelding by Carrico.
For professional hunter competitors, the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby provided plenty of excitement. Morgan Ward-Knowlton topped a competitive field of 22 pairs to claim her third consecutive derby victory aboard Comissario, her superstar 20-year-old Warmblood gelding by Calido.
Oakley Clark secured both second and third places, finishing as runner-up with Cali Y, Marjorie Sidman’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Cassillias, and in third with Ravioli, Morgan Eisler-Bradley’s eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Cicero x Der Senaat 111).
On Saturday, July 19, all eyes turned to the Grand Prix Ring as 15 top jumper riders contested the $30,000 Maria Mendelsohn/Douglas Elliman Grand Prix. The technical and demanding course, designed by Ivan Tagle of Cordoba, Argentina, tested the skill and precision of each competitor.
David Jennings (USA) and Presley Degli Assi, The Presley Partners’ 12-year-old Italian Sporthorse by Presley Boy, set the pace as the first pair to jump clear. Their impressive round ultimately secured Jennings his second consecutive Grand Prix victory with a winning time of 40.640 seconds. Jennings also claimed the runner-up spot aboard Follow Me, the Follow Me Group’s 18-year-old Hanoverian gelding (For Edition x Continue), stopping the clock at 40.913 seconds. Rounding out the podium was MaryLisa Leffler (USA) with Zaza Z, Rolling Acres’ 15-year-old Zangersheide mare (Zandor x Caretano Z), finishing in 41.619 seconds.
As the Manchester Classic wraps up, anticipation is high for even more thrilling sport as the Valley Classic kicks off on July 22.
