The Fall Classic, held September 10–14, 2025, capped off the HITS Chicago season with an unforgettable week of competition at the scenic Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Showcasing boutique charm alongside world-class sport, the final week of hunter and jumper action unfolded against tree-lined paths, exceptional footing, and a welcoming yet energetic atmosphere. The week’s highlight came when Ryan Sassmannshausen and Cold Crush claimed victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
The schedule offered something for every division and discipline, headlined by the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $24,500 HITS Grand Prix. In the derby, a competitive field of 28 horse-and-rider combinations navigated a course designed by Streett Moore of Upperco, Maryland. The classic round demanded rhythm, scope, and style, while the handy round tested precision, adjustability, and bold decision-making.
Sassmannshausen delivered two polished performances aboard Cold Crush, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Bentley x Verdi TN) owned by Becky Price.
“He’s just a steady eddy,” explained Sassmannshausen, who recently acquired the gelding from fellow trainer and friend Megan Murray. “He has a big, beautiful stride, so for these derbies, he’s a great horse to have because you know he’ll jump great whether it’s a little long or a little deep. He keeps the playbook open.”
Sassmannshausen praised Moore’s thoughtful track, which deviated from a traditional hunter course.
“I thought the course today was not your typical hunter round,” he shared. “It had some different elements—not just the usual outside to diagonal. I can appreciate that. It was creative, it was handy, and it makes these bigger classes more exciting.”
Based just down the road in St. Charles, Illinois, Sassmannshausen and his Kinvarra Farm team chose to stay local this summer and compete in the HITS Chicago Summer Series.
“HITS Chicago has been a great place to build young hunters and bring some of my riders up through the ranks. The facility is beautiful, and they always do a great job. I can’t say enough about what Tom Urban does as a manager. He always listens, and he’s really making something special.”
Sassmannshausen’s sweep of the class didn’t stop with Cold Crush. He also took second aboard King Of Leon, Sarah Stary’s 10-year-old Warmblood gelding (Dallas VDL x Emilion), and third with Signature, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Etoulon VDL x Indorado) owned by Alyssa Quinn.
Over in the jumper ring, Thomas Cerra claimed top honors in the $24,500 HITS Grand Prix aboard Mylord Marley. Held on Saturday, September 13, the feature class showcased a technical track designed by Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico, that demanded both pace and adjustability from a talented field of competitors.
Cerra and Mylord Marley, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Mylord Carthago owned by Sienna Halama, delivered a blazing double-clear round in 36.82 seconds to secure the lion’s share of the prize money and the top spot on the podium.
Shannon Sullivan piloted Downtown’s Main Event, her 18-year-old Polish Warmblood, to a strong second-place finish in 37.95 seconds, while Katie Leverick and Cesna M—a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding (Check In x Sandro Boy) owned by AMP Equine LLC—rounded out the top three with a faultless ride in 40.21 seconds.
As the 2025 HITS Chicago season comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the riders, spectators, grooms, staff, and everyone who made it a great year. We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026.
