The penultimate week of the 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit brought an extra layer of prestige, as World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition took center stage at HITS Post Time Farm. Featuring top-tier hunter classes, the event attracted elite riders from across the country, all vying for national recognition. The action culminated on Friday, March 14, during the $40,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, where Brian Feigus and his talented partner Four Aces claimed victory with a combined score of 382.
With valuable WCHR points on the line, competition was fierce as 24 horse-and-rider pairs tackled a beautifully designed course by Tim Hott, Brian Post, and Doug Russell. Judged by Tammy Provost and Constance Tramm Hunt, serving as panel one and panel two respectively, the class began over a flowing classic round that emphasized style and technique. The top 12 combinations then returned in reverse order of merit for the handy round, which rewarded boldness and precision. Riders brought their A-game from start to finish, making for an electrifying showdown.
Feigus and Four Aces, Marita Zuraitis’s 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Acodetto 2 x Leonid), entered the handy round in the lead after earning an impressive first-round score of 187, including an 89 from panel one, a 90 from panel two, plus four bonus points from each panel for high options. They sealed their victory with a brilliant handy round, earning base scores of 87 and 91, plus another four high-option points, and nine bonus points for handiness, cementing their spot at the top.
“I have to say, today he was so calm and relaxed from the get-go,” shared Feigus. “I like that feeling when you can feel them take a breath when they go in the ring. It makes my job much easier.”
Feigus has been riding Four Aces for just over a year, and the duo has been unstoppable from the start. When the flashy gelding was first imported from Stal Hendrix in the Netherlands, Feigus hopped on for the first time on a Wednesday, and then won the $40,000 USHJA International Derby during the 2024 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit the very next day. Since then, Four Aces has continued to excel in both the professional hunter ring and the Amateur-Owner hunters with his owner.
“He was great from the beginning,” explained Feigus, “Now he has really settled into his job. Every time he walks into the ring, he just gets better and more comfortable. He knows exactly what to do.”
Feigus also praised HITS Ocala for prioritizing the hunter ring: “It really makes me excited to compete in these classes. The prize money, the number of opportunities to win big — it’s incredible. That’s never happened at any other show. HITS is putting exhibitors first, and it’s definitely benefiting the sport.”
The battle for the top spot remained tight until the final round. Tracy Fenney guided MTM Holding Court, MTM Farm’s eight-year-old Warmblood gelding (A Golden Boy Hero x Chacco Blue), to a second-place finish with a total score of 367.50. Jennifer Alfano and Admiral, her own seven-year-old gelding by Dulf Van Den Bisschop, rounded out the podium with a 364.
WCHR competition continues through Sunday, March 16. The excitement of the 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit then resumes for the final week of action on Wednesday, March 19, as the Ocala Championship kicks off, putting the exclamation mark on an incredible season.
