Saturday, August 23, marked a highlight of the 2025 HITS Culpeper Show Series as the Constitution Classic brought top hunter, jumper, and equitation riders together at the HITS Commonwealth Horse Park in Culpeper, Virginia. Set against the rolling hills and vibrant charm of Virginia’s horse country, the picturesque venue offered a lively atmosphere for spectators and exhibitors alike. Throughout the week, featured classes showcased exceptional talent across the disciplines, with the excitement peaking in Saturday’s $24,500 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix. Ultimately, it was Claire Connaghan and Figment that rose to the occasion, capturing the lion’s share of the prize money after a thrilling competition.
Riders navigated a challenging course designed by the renowned Ken Krome of Westminster, Maryland. The track tested precision and speed, allowing only four pairs to advance to the jump-off. Of those, just two produced double-clear efforts, with Claire Connaghan and Figment stopping the clock in 46.21 seconds to claim the win.
“He’s got a combination of all the factors that make an excellent horse,” said Connaghan. “He’s athletic, he’s fast, and he’s super confident. He’s a fighter, for better or for worse.”
Connaghan bred the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding (Quincy Car x Parco) herself and has developed him through the levels. While the journey has had its challenges, she explained that everything has started to come together over the past year and a half.
“He’s starting to get really consistent,” shared Connaghan. “He loves to go in there and show off a bit, but he tries his heart out every single day. I wanted to jump clear, but I also wanted to go fast enough to be a bit of a challenger. The track was excellently designed — it was definitely hard to jump clear, but no one had a horrible time getting around.”
Training out of Hyperion Stud LLC in Barboursville, Virginia, Connaghan made HITS Culpeper part of her summer schedule for the first time last year and returned for more during the 2025 season.
“The improvements they’ve made in the past year have been great,” she added. “The footing is excellent, and I love how much open space and grass there is for the horses. They never want to go back in their stalls because the grass is so great.”
Cian McDermott claimed the runner-up spot in 46.65 seconds aboard Illethe B S, the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Baltic VDL x Special D) owned by Glynwood Stables. Rounding out the top three, Grace Long and Idial STM Z, Sarah Scott’s eight-year-old Warmblood gelding (Indoctro x Ramiro Z), finished in 47.37 seconds but added four faults for a rail.
The hunter competition featured the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, where Patrick Miller and Carline claimed top honors aboard Jonna Barber’s 12-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casall x Herannus). Carleigh Carter followed in second with Bon Voyage, her own 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Captain Chancy x Candillo). Miller also secured third place riding Jewell Hill, a nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Nob Hill x Nimmerdor) owned by Nokomis Farm.
As the Constitution Classic comes to a close, anticipation builds for the upcoming VHSA & The League 6 show kicking off on September 20, followed by the Culpeper Finals starting September 24, promising even more excitement in the weeks ahead.
