The Valley Classic, held July 23-27, carried the momentum forward into the fourth week of the 2025 HITS Vermont Summer Festival, delivering another installation of world-class sport in Manchester, Vermont. Nestled among the breathtaking Green and Taconic Mountains, the picturesque venue once again set the stage for thrilling competition, attracting elite riders and horses from across the country. Spectators and exhibitors alike enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere as the schedule showcased marquee events, including the $30,000 FarmVet Grand Prix and the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
In the Grand Prix Ring, David Jennings claimed the top spot in the $30,000 FarmVet Grand Prix, notching his second consecutive win aboard Presley Degli Assi. The course, thoughtfully designed by Ken Krome of Westminster, Maryland, tested accuracy and adjustability, with seven riders qualifying for the shortened jump-off. Jennings impressively returned with all three of his mounts.
First to go aboard Bionce des Monts, Jennings laid down a quick and clear round to set the tone for the class.
“I just really wanted to go clear with my first horse,” explained Jennings. “So when I went back in on ‘Elvis,’ I just tried to be neater on my track — not necessarily go any faster, but just do one or two less strides to the jumps. Once again, he proved to be a very good horse today.”
Jennings stopped the clock in 41.140 seconds to secure the win aboard Presley Degli Assi, The Presley Partners’ 12-year-old Italian Sporthorse gelding by Presley Boy. The victory marked their second grand prix win in a row at HITS Vermont.
“Elvis and I have really started to gain a rapport,” shared Jennings. “He seems to love this ring, and he goes really well on this footing. I promised him that after winning today, he’ll get next week off.
“When I first got him, I changed his bridle, his reins, different martingales, different boots, and then after a while, I had to take a deep breath, step back, and just figure out what he likes — not what I liked on him,” he continued. “Now that we’ve figured it out, it proves that he can jump great and win these classes.”
For nearly as many years as the Vermont Summer Festival has run, Jennings has made it a tradition to bring his team at Full Circle Farm from Ocala, Florida, up for the summer circuit.
“This is a great venue,” he expressed. “The organization here is really starting to get a handle on things, the management is excellent, and the show is doing an impeccable job all around. The footing here is fantastic, and we just love the atmosphere.”
It was a great day all around for Jennings, who also claimed the other two podium spots. Bionce des Monts, Hillview Farm Sporthorses’s Selle Français gelding (Ravage Du Mars x Cenaze Du Hil), finished second in 43.683 seconds. Follow Me, the Follow Me Group’s 18-year-old Hanoverian gelding (For Edition x Continue), rounded out the top three in 44.098 seconds.
In the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, 34 horse-and-rider combinations vied for winning honors. Ultimately, it was Kimberly Cousins and Lambada who posted the highest score to clinch the victory. Cousins, a professional rider from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, trains out of Patty Miller Show Stables and guided Laina Grenyer’s nine-year-old Warmblood gelding (Sir Obelensky Z x Libero H) to the top spot.
Amateur rider Kristine D’Andrea secured second aboard Valeria M, her own nine-year-old Westphalian mare (Vagabond de la Pomme x Landor S), while junior rider Anna Klee rounded out the podium with Lucky Luuk, her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Verdi x Heartbreaker).
As the Valley Classic wraps up, anticipation is high for even more thrilling sport as Manchester and the Mountains kicks off on July 30.
