Dressage at HITS Chicago was welcomed back to the renowned facility in Wayne, Illinois, for the HITS Lamplight Summer Dressage I & II show on June 27-29, 2025. The historic grounds of the HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center offered three days of USEF Level Three competition, showcasing dressage athletes in a true Windy City fashion. Although temperatures were high, it was Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn and Franzsis HSR who brought the real summer heat down centerline.
On Friday, June 27, Fleming-Kuhn and the nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Franziskus FRH x Simone) she owns with her husband Martin Kuhn defined elite-level competition with a sensational performance in the FEI Freestyle Test of Choice. Performing a USEF FEI Intermediate I Freestyle, the powerhouse pairing was rewarded with high marks throughout their ride from judge Janet Hannon.
“It was one of the best tests I’ve ever ridden on him,” exclaimed Fleming-Kuhn. “I just have to say that I am very, very lucky to have a pretty phenomenal partner.”
Crafted by Jenna Butler, the floorplan of their Freestyle gave “Fran” the opportunity to unveil both his beauty and brilliance. Notable movements like the half-pass left at the collected trot and the flying changes every third stride received impressive scores of 8.5 on the scoresheet. Featuring songs such as “Counting Stars” and “Love Yourself” by Simply Three, their music and interpretation of the music earned an 8.4 with other high artistic marks. Ultimately, their standout ride culminated in a first-place ranking with a monumental final score of 78.300%.
Also in the Freestyle Test of Choice riding a USEF FEI Intermediate I Freestyle was Ryan R. Yap and Isadora, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Margo Berry, for a second-place finish with a final score of 71.475%. Brittany Burson and Fürst Emilio, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Furst Fugger owned by Patricia Joy, completed the top three with a score of 69.950%.
The morning of Sunday, June 29, also featured prestigious competition. This time, it was Fleming-Kuhn’s husband’s turn in the spotlight. Throughout the weekend, Martin Kuhn presented numerous horses in a variety of tests; however, it was his remarkable ride on Vhenti in the FEI 5 Year Old Final Test that stole the show. Bred by Maurine Swanson and owned by Fleming Kuhn and Debra Klamen, the five-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Vitalis x Romanov Blue Hors), captivated the judges with both his trot and perspective, earning collective marks of 8.6.
Kuhn made a second trip down centerline in the FEI 5 Year Old Final on Fiorenza HSR, an Oldenburg out of Franklin x Sandro Hit also owned by Klamen, earning the red ribbon with a final score of 78.400%. Third place was awarded to Kristen Becker and Sabella RS, a Hanoverian mare by Secret owned by Eileen Morack, with a 76.200%.
It ended up being a tremendously successful week for the husband-wife team across numerous classes with their many mounts. Over the span of two decades, competing together and against one another since they were young riders, Fleming-Kuhn and Kuhn have seen the facility change for the better.
“In all of the 20…25 years of competing at Lamplight, the facility never looked better,” enthused Kuhn of the HITS Chicago venue. “It’s always fun to come to Lamplight.”
Both riders are now looking forward to the marquee event of the summer show season, the prestigious U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, on August 17-24. For complete results, please click HERE.
