Manchester and the Mountains, held July 29-August 3, ushered in the penultimate week of the 2025 HITS Vermont Summer Festival with another exciting chapter of world-class sport in Manchester, Vermont. Framed by the scenic Green and Taconic Mountains, the iconic venue once again provided a spectacular backdrop for elite competition, drawing top riders and horses from across the country. Exhibitors and spectators alike enjoyed a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere as the week unfolded with highlight events, including the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $30,000 Alliant Private Client Grand Prix, rounding out a week filled with standout performances and memorable moments in this celebrated six-week series.
In the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, 41 horse-and-rider combinations from juniors and amateurs to professionals vied for top honors. The derby featured a thoughtfully designed hunt-and-go course by Dina Mazzola of Marlborough, Massachusetts. Riders began the classic portion in the Hunter 1 arena before seamlessly cantering through a connecting path to the Hunter 2 arena to complete the handy phase. Ultimately, it was Sarah Stewart and Londarco who posted the highest score to clinch the victory.
“This was actually our second derby together,” explained Stewart. “So it’s quite an exciting day to step up and win that.”
Stewart delivered two impressive rounds, earning an 87 in the classic portion and topping that with an 88 in the handy round, including four bonus points for taking the high options, to ultimately clinch the win with a two-round total of 175.
“This was also my first-ever hunt-and-go derby, and it was so fun,” added Stewart. “In the first round, I just wanted to keep it smooth and rhythmical. We had been working on handy turns, and he met me everywhere. He was amazing.”
A professional rider based in Bedminster, New Jersey, Stewart trains out of Heathersfield Farm alongside Maria Takacs. The winning mount, a nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Glock’s London x Diarado), was purchased by Elizabeth Sobel about a year and a half ago. Stewart recently began showing him in the derbies, while he also competes in the adult hunter divisions with Sobel.
“He’s so athletic with his jump; that’s definitely his specialty,” said Stewart. “He’s such a trier.”
Now a staple on their summer calendar, HITS Vermont has become a favorite stop for Stewart and the Heathersfield Farm team.
“This show has been so great,” she expressed. “The staff is so nice, and we love the atmosphere. It’s intense, but also is like a breath of fresh air at the same time.”
Professional rider Stephanie Clarke secured second place aboard Perfectly Lovely, her own nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Fürsten-Look x Golfclub). Amateur rider Kristine D’Andrea rounded out the top three with Valeria M, her nine-year-old Westphalian mare (Vagabond de la Pomme x Landor S).
In the Grand Prix Ring, Penny Brennan rose to the top in the $30,000 Alliant Private Client Grand Prix, claiming her second consecutive win aboard Vertigo Delorme. The course, expertly designed by Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico, challenged riders with a technical layout that demanded both accuracy and adjustability. Eleven competitors advanced to the shortened jump-off, setting the stage for a fast-paced finale.
Brennan and Vertigo Delorme, her own 16-year-old Westphalian stallion (Chacco Blue x Caretano Z), stopped the clock in a blazing 38.528 seconds to secure the victory. David Jennings finished second aboard Follow Me, the Follow Me Group’s 18-year-old Hanoverian gelding (For Edition x Continue), with a jump-off time of 39.599 seconds. Phoebe Topping and For Me D’Able, her 10-year-old Selle Français gelding by Up To You, rounded out the podium in 40.301 seconds.
As Manchester and the Mountains wraps up, anticipation is high for even more thrilling sport as the final week of the 2025 HITS Vermont Summer Circuit, Vermont Summer Celebration, kicks off on August 10.
