Equifest I, held July 23-27, 2025, delivered another memorable week of competition at HITS Chicago, seamlessly combining boutique show charm with top-tier sport. Riders and spectators gathered at the scenic Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, for a full slate of highlight classes, including the $7,500 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby presented by CWD, the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby, and the $35,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix.
In the hunter ring, professionals had their time to shine in the $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by CWD. A field of 20 competitive pairs took on a beautifully designed track by Michael Puffer of Roscoe, Illinois. After two polished rounds, it was professional rider Kelly Mullen who claimed the top spot aboard Quite Fair, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Susan Myers.
“His previous trainer told us that he shines in the derbies,” said Mullen. “He definitely proved that to us this week.”
Though her partnership with “Q” is still relatively new, Mullen has already taken note of the gelding’s special character and versatility, as he competes successfully in both the derbies and the adult hunters with his owner.
“The handy is his specialty,” added Mullen. “We had a lot of fun out there with the handy track.”
Mullen, who operates Cornerstone Equestrian in Franklin, Tennessee, made her first trip to HITS Chicago this season and has already made the most of her debut experience..
“We are loving everything about HITS Chicago,” she said. “It’s a great town, a beautiful show facility, and the people are especially nice.”
Tina Yates claimed second place aboard MTM Idolized, Finesse Sporthorses LLC’s eight-year-old Warmblood gelding (I’m Special x Urikoriko). Mullen rounded out the top three, finishing third with El Nino, an eight-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Emir R x Carrera VDL) owned by Mary Jane King.
The week’s elite hunter action continued with the $5,000 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby. Junior rider Mia Thomasson captured the win aboard Affirm, her nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding (For Pleasure x Chilensky), delivering a seamless performance to top the field. Amateur rider Macy Tremblay followed in second place with Silent Partner, her seasoned 14-year-old Warmblood Cross gelding by Sir Calettio. Rounding out the podium was junior rider Geneva Saunders, who earned third with As If, her eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Chellano.
Over in the jumper ring, Olivia Cliver topped a competitive field of 18 horse-and-rider combinations to claim victory in the $35,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix aboard Connor 69. Held on Saturday, July 26, the class featured a technical and demanding track designed by Tommy Brawley of Wellington, Florida.
Cliver delivered a fast and faultless double-clear round aboard Connor 69, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Connor 48 x Contender) owned by On The Mark Equestrian LLC, securing the lion’s share of the prize money and the win.
Maddee Morley earned second place with Champions Legue, her 12-year-old Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut x Der Senaat III), while Holly Shepherd rounded out the podium aboard H J Hercules, an 11-year-old Argentinian Warmblood gelding (Picadilly Tame x Carthago) owned by Loretta Patterson.As the Equifest I draws to a close, anticipation builds for even more action as Equifest II kicks off on July 30.
