The premier week of the 2025 HITS Hudson Valley Show Series, held May 21–25, kicked off what promises to be an exciting ten-week season with an expanded schedule of top-level competition. Hosted at the world-class venue in Saugerties, New York, which has become known for its signature charm, exceptional footing, and the stunning backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, the opening week drew riders from around the globe for the first installment of the three-week Spring Series. Among the highlights was the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, where Hannah Matts and Czar HS secured the top honors.
The class featured a field of seventeen horse-and-rider combinations navigating a thoughtfully designed course by Chris Collman and Kerry Kocher. A competitive lineup of seasoned professionals delivered strong first-round performances before returning for the all-important handy round, where bold decisions and polished execution set the leaders apart.
Returning for the handy round in second place, Matts laid down a consistent effort — earning a score of 85 with four bonus points for the high options in both rounds — securing the victory with a final score of 178.5. What makes the flashy grey excel is simple.
“He gets lots of love, and he can feel it,” said Matts emphatically.
That love comes from both Matts, who is based in Williston, Florida, and owner Rachel Fugate. For the past year, Matts has been developing the nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Cohibas x Cumano), campaigning him in the green hunters and derbies, while “Dexter” also competes in the adult hunters with Fugate in the irons.
“His owner is so great,” expressed Matts. “She just told me to go for it, so we went for it.”
Having returned to HITS Hudson Valley for the first time since her junior career over a decade ago, Matts added: “The derby ring is so cool. I love the atmosphere with the crowd. It was a really fun class to ride in.”
Alexa Bayko earned second on a score of 177.5 with Set Sail, an 18-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Clinton x Cavalor Cumano) owned by Lily Rusis, while Kristin Bumpus took third aboard Casper II, a 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood by Cassini owned by North Wind Farm LLC, finishing on a score of 176.
The week also featured the $2,500 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby, giving junior and amateur athletes their moment in the spotlight. Junior rider Sophie Schaeffner claimed top honors aboard Edelweisz, Katie Moriarty’s 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Zurich.
“Edelweisz was so calm in the handy, and going through the turns so nicely,” explained Schaeffner of her star mount. “I found some nice inside turns. The trot jump was the hardest part for me, but she finessed it, and the rest was perfect.”
Schaeffner and “Poppy” have been a team for three years and are well-acquainted with the showgrounds at HITS Hudson Valley. “I love coming to HITS in Saugerties. With all the improvements the past few years, I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in the way my horses are going.”
Junior competitor Anna Klee secured second place aboard her own St. Elmo’s Fire, a 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Zelote VDL x Lost Boys Nandor Fortuna). Amateur rider Nicole Oliynyk rounded out the top three with Chekandino, her 21-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contender x Quidam De Revel).
The week also showcased The League Hunter Derbies, offering a spotlight for developing riders and seasoned partners alike. Nellee Fine topped the $750 The League Bit O’ Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby aboard her own Donnybrook, a 17-year-old American Performance Horse, earning a combined score of 172 to secure the win. In the $750 The League Tiny Bit O’ Straw 2’ Hunter Derby, Athena Kosmidis claimed top honors with Blue Me Away, a 12-year-old German Riding Pony owned by Zoe Reick, finishing on an impressive two-round total of 179.
As the opening week of the 2025 HITS Hudson Valley Show Series wraps up, anticipation is only building for more exciting competition as the second week of the Spring Series gets underway on May 28.
