The Lamplight Summertime III, held July 16-20, 2025, delivered another thrilling chapter of competition at HITS Chicago. Top riders from across the country converged at the picturesque Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, during a week which carried added significance with a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation, offering hunter riders valuable opportunities to earn points toward the year-end standings. With highlight events like the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby and the $35,000 FarmVet Grand Prix, the competition did not disappoint.
In the hunter ring, riders took center stage during the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. A field of 28 horse-and-rider pairs tackled a beautifully designed track by Gerald Briggs of Smyrna, Tennessee. After two stellar rounds, professional rider Jake Evans rose to the top aboard Westport.
Evans set the tone with a first-round score of 88, adding five bonus points for taking the high options. He followed up with a consistent second round, earning an 85.5 plus four bonus points, which held up for the win.
“Even though my partnership with Westport is still young, he is so brave,” said Evans of Isltime LLC’s eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Clinton Jack. “I am never afraid to ask a big question of him because he always steps up.”
Westport’s bravery comes as no surprise considering his background. Evans originally sourced the gelding as a five-year-old cross-country horse in Ocala, Florida, in 2022. Though sold to another rider, Westport has recently returned to Evans for training while also competing in the amateur-owner divisions with his owner, Jerry Camera.
“When I walked the course, I told Jerry that I’m just going to let him gallop,” explained Evans. “Jerry said Westport would like that—and he did, earning a 93 in the first round. The course was beautiful, and the track was so open and flowing.”
The young professional, who trains out of Empire Lane Farm in Ocala, Florida, uses HITS Chicago as a key stop on his road to the season’s major finals.
“We came last year for the first time, and I really like the facility,” shared Evans. “It’s a great place to prepare for the big finals without overfacing the horses and riders. Environment is everything, and this facility has such great energy.”
Ryan Sassmannshausen secured second place aboard Signature, Alyssa Quinn’s 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Etoulon VDL x Indorado), with a two-round total of 181. Kathleen Caya rounded out the top three with a score of 178 aboard Camilo des Sequoias Z, Stephanie Maah’s nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Cicero Z van Paemel x Randel Z).
Elite hunter competition continued with The League Hunter Derbies, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance. In the $750 The League Bit O’ Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby, Chaylee Wisecup claimed top honors aboard 100 Acre Woods. Meanwhile, Monica Possekel and In The Moment led the way in the $750 The League Bit O’ Straw 2’ Hunter Derby.
Over in the jumper ring, Lisa Goldman-Smolen rose to the top of a competitive field of 14 horse-and-rider combinations to claim victory in the $35,000 FarmVet Grand Prix aboard Romeo B for the second consecutive week. On Saturday, July 19, competitors navigated a technical track designed by Andy Christiansen of Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Delivering a quick, double-clear performance, Goldman-Smolen secured the bulk of the prize money with Romeo B, her eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Apache).
Adeline Rohrbach took second with Cooper 211, her 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Carinjo x Welt Hit II), while Tina Yates completed the podium aboard Oceans Pearl, Finesse Sporthorses LLC’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Forever D’Arco Ter Linden x Winningmood).
As the Summertime Series draws to a close, anticipation builds for even more action as Equifest I kicks off on July 23.
