International show jumping action returned to the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium at HITS Hudson Valley for the second week of the highly popular Hudson Valley Jumping Tour® on July 23, 2025. Part of the HITS Hudson Valley Show Series at the world-class venue in Saugerties, New York, the three-week-long tour showcases elite show jumping talent from around the world with a weekly CSI3* rating, and offers top hunter riders a chance to gain valuable points with a World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week. As the venue bustled with action, some of the world’s top competitors geared up to contest the first international competition of the week. Executing one of the famously fast performances she is known for, it was Kristen Vanderveen (USA) who captured the win aboard her rising star, Bull Run’s Celestial, in the day’s featured event, the $31,020 Equestrian Gardens CSI3* Jumper Classic.
With a starting field of 47 impressive combinations representing eight nations, including including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Belgium, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, and of course, the home nation of the United States, the week’s first FEI victory was not an easy feat. Known for designing across some of the most prestigious horse shows, Ivan Tagle (ARG) crafted the exciting opening round track with a challenge fitting of its contenders.
At the completion of the first half of the class, Israel’s Alberto Michan sat at the top of the field, having produced a tidy time of 34.02 seconds, setting the challenge for the remaining contenders. With a fast group of athletes still to follow, Michan ultimately settled for third aboard his own 11-year-old KWPN gelding, Joint de Canabis van de Doornhoeve (Canabis Z AKZ x VDL Cardento 933). Vanderveen skyrocketed to the top podium placing on Bull Run Jumpers Inc’s 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Cicero Z van Paemel x Numero Uno) in a blazing 31.38 seconds. Splitting the difference, Caitlyn Boyle also clocked a podium position for the USA, crossing the timers in 33.70 seconds aboard Beyaert Farm Inc’s 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder vd Zuuthoeve x Lambada van Berkenbroeck), Prianti van het Mikkenhof, for second place.
“I got Bull Run’s Celestial a year ago this week actually,” explained Vanderveen, who is based out of Ocala Florida. “He came out of quarantine here last year and he’s a very very sensitive horse, so I’ve been a little hit and miss with my results as I learn how he likes to go. He has such good character that it never really sets us back, though. I think we are getting closer and closer to putting all of the pieces together, but sometimes it’s fun to just do these speed classes to have fun and not overthink it.
“This is our first week back at HITS Hudson Valley this year, and we just love coming here,” she continued. “With all of the improvements, the ground is great, the set up is really nice, and my clients really like being here. It’s definitely a bit if a hike to come up here for us, but it’s really always worth it to us to make this part of our trip.”
With plenty more top sport to be seen, competition continues on Thursday, July 24, as exhibitors return for the $62,480 FEI CSI3* Welcome. The week will culminate with the thrilling conclusion to FEI action on Saturday, July 26, with the $116,050 Core Specialty CSI3* Grand Prix, while national competition features through Sunday, July 27. For complete results, please click HERE.
