As summer sport sizzles across HITS venues, Lamplight Summertime I on July 2-6, 2025, continued the season in style at HITS Chicago. Nestled within the scenic Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois — renowned for its boutique charm, exceptional footing, and welcoming atmosphere — the week drew top riders from coast to coast. With standout classes like the $35,000 Finish Line Grand Prix and the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby, the competition did not disappoint.
In the jumper ring, Matt Cyphert topped a seasoned field of 17 horse-and-rider combinations aboard Paddington to win the $35,000 Finish Line Grand Prix. Riders gathered Saturday, July 5, to take on a challenging track designed by world renowned FEI Level 4 Course Designer Bernardo Costa Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal. One of only four fault-free efforts across the first-round track, Cyphert delivered a quick double-clear performance in 42.617 seconds to claim the lion’s share of the prize.
“It was a good jump-off for me because you could really gallop between the fences, and Paddington does that really well,” noted Cyphert. “The course was brilliant of course, and Bernardo is as good as it gets on that side of the sport. To have someone of his caliber here in Chicago is fantastic.”
Paddington, the now 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Kannan x Cicero Z van Paemel), was always impressive, even since the beginning when Cyphert and a group of clients bought him when he was eight. Though he continues to progress, the process to refine and hone that awesome potential has not been the easiest.
“I’ve had the ride on ‘Paddy’ for almost two years now,” explained Cyphert. “He’s been fun and challenging to bring along. He’s as talented a horse as I’ve ever sat on, but sometimes he makes things harder on himself because of his strong opinions. Today’s wins make those challenging days so worth it.”
Operating Woodhill Farm alongside Audrey Norrell in Argyle, Texas, Cyphert makes it a point to make the trek north to Chicago every summer.
“The facility is beautiful, and we love the improvements they’ve done since last year,” he expressed. “Show Manager Tom Urban does a wonderful job of running the show and makes it fun for everybody.”
James Billington secured second place with Lemonade WB, Samantha Mackenzie’s nine-year-old KWPN mare (Hermitage x Namelus R), in a time of 42.746 seconds, , while Lisa Goldman-Smolen rounded out the top three aboard Ivaro N, Barbara Disko’s 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Elvaro x Celano), in 40.529 seconds but with four faults added for a rail.
The week also shone a spotlight on hunter riders with Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Professional rider Steve Schaefer claimed top honors aboard The Gray Man, his 17-year-old KWPN gelding (Tjungske x Calando I). Audrey Norrell followed in second with Kathmandu WV, Liston Johnson’s 10-year-old KWPN mare by Denzel van’t Meulenhof, while Havens Schatt and Corsini, a six-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Cornet Obolensky owned by Julia McNerney, took third.
As the premier week of the Summertime Series wraps up, anticipation builds for even more action when Lamplight Summertime II kicks off on July 9.
