Summertime III, the third week of the 2026 HITS Chicago Summer Show Series on July 15-19, 2026, brought an added level of prestige to Lamplight Equestrian Center with its World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation. Featuring a full schedule of elite hunter action, the week drew top riders from across the country in pursuit of valuable WCHR points and national recognition. As the smoky conditions from the Canadian wildfires cleared, exhibitors welcomed a return to ideal competition. One of the week’s marquee events was Saturday’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, where professional rider Jake Evans and Kandoo PJ turned in a standout performance to capture the win.
With winning honors on the line, the competition was fierce as an even dozen talented horse-and-rider combinations navigated the intricately designed course by Andy Christiansen of Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Overseen by esteemed judges Lauren Schweppe and Lyman T. Whitehead, the class began with a flowing classic round that highlighted style and technique. From the first round, the duos then returned in reverse order of merit to contest the handy round designed to reward boldness and precision. Evans and Kandoo PJ entered the handy round in pole position after earning an impressive first-round score of 86, plus four bonus points from each panel for successfully navigating the high option fences. The pair then sealed the deal in the handy round, posting a score of 85, additionally earning three more bonus points for the high options, and another three for handiness.
“I was riding him this morning to prepare for the class, and I just kept speaking it into existence,” laughed Evans . “I kept saying, ‘This is going to be his first international derby win and my first international derby win.’ I could just feel it.”
The victory marked a milestone for both horse and rider. Evans has only been partnered with Kandoo PJ, Equestrian Dreams LLC’s 10-year-old stallion (Kannan x Contender), since the end of the winter season.
“Kandoo and his owner, Maurah Burkholder, came to us just a few months ago, and this was my first week showing him at the 3’6″ height,” said Evans. “That made this win even more special because it was our first international derby victory together. His owner was absolutely over the moon.”
Returning for the handy round in the lead, Evans knew the class was far from over with fellow professional Ryan Sassmannshausen close behind.
“Ryan is such a handy rider, and after competing against him over the years, I knew I was going to have to be tidy,” explained Evans . “Kandoo comes from a jumper background, but he isn’t a naturally handy horse. My goal was to stay cool and ride sophisticatedly.”
The week also presented an unexpected challenge after competition was canceled on Thursday and Friday due to poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires. Despite the interruption, Evans remained confident in the preparation behind his program.
“I thought the show did an excellent job keeping everyone informed about how things were going to run,” he said. “Of course, it’s disappointing to lose two days of competition, but that’s when you have to trust your program. We put the work in, and two days off wasn’t going to change that.”
Making the trip from Ocala, Florida, to HITS Chicago is no small undertaking for Evans and his team at Empire Lane, but he believes the experience is invaluable ahead of the championship season.
“This show is an important stop for us before heading to Kentucky for Green Incentive Finals,” he shared. “The outdoor venue, the atmosphere, and the courses all create a championship feel without the added pressure of a championship.
“I’d also like to dedicate this win to my wife, Mackenzie,” he added. “She stays home in Ocala and keeps everything running while I’m on the road. I couldn’t chase my dreams without her. Knowing she has everything handled allows me to focus on doing what I love, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
Ryan Sassmannshausen guided Signature, Alyssa Quinn’s 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Etoulon VDL x Indorado), to a second-place finish with a two-round total of 177. Kelly Mullen rounded out the top three aboard Catch My Heart 5, Susan Turner’s seven-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Catch x Cosimo), earning a combined score of 172.
WCHR action continues through Sunday, July 19. The fourth week of the 2026 HITS Chicago Summer Circuit, Equifest I, gets underway on Wednesday, July 22, setting the stage for another thrilling week of top-caliber competition. Full results can be found at www.showmanagementsystem.com.
