The Arion Sellier Equitation Championship brought an exhilarating test of skill and independence to the final week of the 2025 HITS Del Mar Show Series. Held on Sunday, August 31, during the Del Mar Summer Classic II, this prestigious event tasked junior riders to compete without trainer guidance, showcasing their ability to think and perform under pressure. In the end, it was Grayson Pacelli who mastered the test to claim top honors.
The course, masterfully designed by Andy Christiansen of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, set the stage for an exciting day of competition. Judges Claire Kellner and Melissa Bark carefully evaluated each round as the talented junior athletes rose to the challenge, relying solely on their own preparation and horsemanship. With phones collected at the start of the class, riders navigated both the schooling and show rings independently, without the familiar instruction of their trainers.
After a competitive first round, riders advanced to the second. Despite it being a newer partnership, Pacelli piloted Go For It B, his own 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Eldorado van De Zeshoek x Patihn), to a smooth and confident first-round performance. He carried that same poise into the second round, delivering another strong trip to finish with an impressive overall result.
“I’ve had him for the past couple of weeks; this is my third show with him,” explained Pacelli. “He’s just been great. He’s fantastic in the equitation ring, and he’s really improving my riding and taking me to the next level. He listens to every aid I tell him. He’s a really supportive partner and is always there when I need him to be.
“I thought the courses were great,” he continued. “I feel like I rode them to the best of my ability. I’m really happy about my rounds today. I think my handiness in the courses and using my space, using that track, was impactful.”
Pacelli, the junior rider from Encinitas, California, who trains with Alicia Saxton of Ocean Crest Farm, embraced the entire experience, from the unique class format to the competitive atmosphere. After securing the victory and earning the coveted custom Arion Sellier saddle, there was plenty to take in and celebrate.
“I truly love classes like this where you get your riders’ notes, you get your comments card,” he said. “Having the posted scores, I really love. I love the transparency of the class. The whole experience was really fun. It felt like everyone was cheering each other on, and the energy in the ring made it amazing”
Addison Henssler and Cover Girl, her 15-year-old Oldenburg mare (Conthargos x Chacco Blue), finished as the runner-up. Brooke O’Malley and Quijote, her own 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Quintender x Pilot), rounded out the podium.
The day also showcased the HITS Junior/Amateur Equitation Championship 3’, where Taylor Loew emerged victorious aboard Lancelot K, Susie Hopper’s 16-year-old Warmblood gelding (Palisco x Lancer III).
“Lancelot is the boss,” shared Loew. “He’s a really good boy, has a huge step, big stride, and it’s really fun to ride him around here in the Covered Arena. I feel like my high score today was an accumulation of my track, my pace, and just staying on an overall consistent flow.
“With indoor finals season around the corner, it’s really good to have a class like this to put you in that mindset,” she added. “You can have some competitive energy around you and really remember consistency. I feel like it’s easy to get a little excited or ahead of yourself, so having three rounds to recalibrate and balance yourself is always good practice, and the class was really fun.”
Hannah Hutter and Cingsley, Lavender Creek’s 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding, delivered a strong performance to claim second place, while Catherine Westling rounded out the podium aboard Just Cavalli, Gabrielle Sokolow’s 11-year-old KWPN gelding by Emir R x Carleone.
The excitement carried on with the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, where the hunters took center stage. Lindsay Ransom piloted Country Road, Debra Chambers’s seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding (I’m Special de Muze x Eldorado van de Zeshoek TN), to top honors with a stylish and confident performance. Ava Shatzko guided Kaskade, Laura Shatzko’s nine-year-old KWPN gelding (Comme il Faut x Cantus), to a strong second-place finish, while Joie Gatlin and Chosen, Cherokee Show Horses’ eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Cohinoor VDL, rounded out the podium in third.
With that, the 2025 HITS Del Mar Show Series has come to a close! Thank you to all the riders, trainers, owners, sponsors, and spectators who made this season such a success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting 2026 season at HITS Del Mar.
