Equifest II, held July 30-August 3, 2025, delivered another memorable week of competition at HITS Chicago, seamlessly blending boutique charm with world-class sport. Riders and spectators gathered at the scenic Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, where tree-lined paths, exceptional footing, and an energetic yet welcoming atmosphere set the tone for another action-packed installment of the summer series. With a full slate of highlight classes, including the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby and the $35,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix, the week offered something for every division and discipline.
On Friday, August 1, professional hunter riders took center stage in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. A competitive field of 37 horse-and-rider combinations navigated a beautifully designed track by Dean Battaglia of Woodstock, Illinois. The course challenged riders to demonstrate rhythm, scope, and style—first in the classic round, and then in the handy, which required precision, adjustability, and bold decision-making.
Ultimately, it was Evan Coluccio who rose to the occasion, delivering two polished performances aboard Nice Guy Especiale, a promising seven-year-old KWPN gelding (Cornet Obolensky x Chacco Blue) owned by Hidden Ridge LLC. The pair earned an 86 in the classic round, with three bonus points for taking the high options, and returned for an even stronger handy score of 88, plus two high-option points, bringing their total to 179 and securing the win.
Coluccio’s success did not end there. He also claimed second place aboard Grand Avenue, another exciting seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Grandorado TN x Voltaire), also owned by Hidden Ridge LLC. The pair posted a total score of 172.5, making it a one-two finish for Coluccio and his team.
Rounding out the top three was seasoned professional Jennifer Alfano, who guided Chactoon, a seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Chacfly PS x Carthago) owned by Charlie and Nicole LLC, to a two-round total of 171.
Over in the jumper ring, Lisa Goldman-Smolen rose to the top of a competitive field of 24 horse-and-rider combinations to win the $35,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix aboard Sovereign. Held on Saturday, August 2, the class featured a technical, thoughtfully designed course by Ivan Tagle of Cordoba, Argentina, that tested pace and adjustability.
Goldman-Smolen delivered a fast and careful double-clear round in 39.545 seconds aboard Sovereign, a 19-year-old Selle Français gelding (Frontal x Galoubet A) owned by Barbara Disko, securing the lion’s share of the prize money and the top spot on the podium. Stephen Foran earned second place with Idool, Freedom Woods’s 12-year-old KWPN stallion (VDL Zirocco Blue x Geldha’s VDL Emilion), finishing in 40.211 seconds. Maddee Morley rounded out the top three aboard Champions Legue, her 12-year-old Westphalian gelding (Comme il Faut x Der Senaat III), stopping the clock at 40.838 seconds.
As Equifest II draws to a close, anticipation builds for even more action as the final week of the 2025 HITS Chicago Summer Series, Equifest III, kicks off on August 6.
