Hunter competition during HITS Championship Week at HITS Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York, reached a thrilling finale on Sunday, September 7, with the second annual $200,000 ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic. Serving as the culmination of not only a week of world-class sport, including an FEI CSI3* division as well as a World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation, but also an outstanding summer season, the class drew exhibitors and spectators in large numbers around The Ring to watch some of the nation’s top hunter horse-and-rider combinations. When the dust settled, it was Havens Schatt and Chaquisto Blue PS who claimed the lion’s share of the prize money.
The event featured an elite field of riders who qualified throughout the summer, with the top three from each of six qualifying classes earning a coveted invitation. The 15 combinations contested a single classic hunter round at 3’6” before three judging panels strategically placed around the arena. Panel one included Richard Slocum and Rob Bielefeld, panel two featured Tucker Ericson and Don Stewart, and panel three was comprised of Robert Crandall and Susie Schoellkopf. Each panel awarded scores that were combined for a final total and overall placings.
Course designer Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida, produced an elegant, flowing track that highlighted brilliance and rideability. First into the ring, Schatt and Chaquisto Blue PS set an early benchmark, scoring 90, 91, and 88 across the panels for a total of 269 — a score that would prove untouchable as the class unfolded.
“After going first, it was really hard to sit there and hear the scores come in,” admitted Schatt. “I thought I’d just wait and see what happens, but it wasn’t like that. We couldn’t sit still — it was so exciting.”
Schatt sourced Chaquisto Blue PS, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding (Chacoon Blue x Cornet’s Balou), in May as a prospective equitation mount. After selling half to Caroline Oliver to campaign in the equitation ring, Schatt realized he was greener than expected and began showing him in the hunters to gain mileage.
“I was just doing these performance classes for practice, and then all of a sudden, every time out, he was scoring an 88 or a 90. He just took to it really well.”
Initially planning to ride a seasoned campaigner in the Classic, Schatt made a last-minute switch.
“On Friday, my husband said, ‘Why don’t you think about showing him?’ And Chaquisto just kept proving himself.”
A decorated hunter rider with a lengthy résumé of major wins, Schatt praised the impact of this class on the sport.
“This is what the hunters are supposed to be,” she said. “Some might think it’s just a classic round with extra prize money, but this is what matters. The class is a great idea.”
Based out of Milestone Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, and Wellington, Florida, Schatt also credited the series format and ClipMyHorse.TV for elevating the hunter discipline.
“Having qualifiers during the year makes it more special,” she noted. “I remember being jittery at the first qualifier because this class was high on my list. I’m so appreciative of ClipMyHorse.tv and HITS for putting on something this meaningful. I can’t explain what it means to our team and Chaquisto’s owners.”
Close behind, Victoria Colvin finished second aboard Gabriel, JT Farm’s 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Azteca VDL x Burggraaf), with a score of 266.50. The 2024 champion, Four Aces, the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Acodetto 2, piloted by David Wilbur for Maria Zuraitis, secured third on 263.
For full results from the $200,000 ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com and catch up on any action you may have missed at https://www.clipmyhorse.tv.
