Jennifer Jones and Copper Canyon Capture Green 3’3” Hunter Championship at HITS Ocala

Ocala, Fla. – February 2, 2023 – It was a fantastic start to the third week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit for Jennifer Jones and Copper Canyon, who garnered the Green 3’3” Hunter championship. Jones effortlessly maneuvered the 5-year-old warmblood in the Main Hunter ring, showcasing their style as they stepped up to the new division. Based at Terrapin Hill Farm, the beautiful gelding made his American debut at HITS Ocala in 2022, and proved that his talent has only grown over the last year.

“Yesterday he placed first and second, and this is the first time he’s shown at HITS this year,” explained Jones. “He really liked the bigger ring and he's a really good jumper. He doesn’t look at anything.”

Jennifer Jones and Copper Canyon. Photo by ESI

Jones has been showing Copper Canyon this season for his owner Adele Einhorn, who plans to ride him in the Amateur Owner Hunters as he matures. Trainer Bobby Braswell has worked with Copper Canyon since his longtime client purchased the warmblood from Desiree Johnson out of Holland last year. Following his arrival, Braswell has continued to be impressed with how mature Copper Canyon is for his age. The gelding has already been dubbed an “old soul,” who rarely acts green.

“He's just a solid citizen who is so brave all the time,” expressed Braswell. “He walks in and he's a machine that just goes. All he needs is a straightforward ride where all you have to do is kick. He's simple that way.”

Another horse and rider duo that has been working well together for a short amount of time is Jennifer Alfano and Newspeak. Alfano was quite pleased with Newspeak’s performance in the Green 3’3” Hunters. The mare earned the reserve championship title during her debut in the division this week.

Jennifer Alfano and Newspeak. Photo by ESI

“Newspeak moved up this week, so I really happy with her,” smiled Alfano. “She’s pretty easygoing and just tries to do everything right all the time. She’s starting to learn her job.”

It was certainly an accomplishment for the two, especially after having only been linked for a couple of months. Alfano will continue to show the 6-year-old Dutch warmblood throughout the winter season at HITS Ocala.

“The whole place is amazing,” said Alfano. “The Main Hunter ring looks beautiful. They really have done a great job.”

Braswell added, “I think that Main Hunter ring is one of the best riding rings in the country between the size and the footing. They breathed new life into this horse show.”

Hunter action at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will continue this week with the third $5,000 HITS Hunter Prix and the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. Horses and riders hoping to make their derby debuts will have the opportunity to showcase their skills during the Post Time 2'6" and 2’ Hunter Derbies. Top horses and riders should mark their calendars today for the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies, which will be held during Weeks 4 and 9 at Post Time Farm. For more information visit the horse show office or www.hitsshows.com.