The Vermont Summer Celebration, held August 6-10, ushered in the final 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 $24,500 Voltaire Grand Prix, the celebrated six-week series.
In the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, a competitive field of 23 horse-and-rider combinations—from juniors and amateurs to seasoned professionals—vied for top honors. The class featured a thoughtfully designed hunt-and-go course by Charles Throckmorton of Fort Collins, Colorado. Riders began the classic portion in the Hunter 1 arena before seamlessly cantering through a connecting path to Hunter 2 to complete the handy phase.
In the end, it was professional Shane Powell and Emerald City that delivered the winning performance, earning the highest overall score to clinch the victory. Powell posted an 85.25 in the classic portion and matched that in the handy round, adding four bonus points for high options to finish on a two-round total of 174.50.
“He’s the most consistent horse I have,” said Powell. “Sometimes I pull him out for the International Derby, and sometimes I trail ride him down the road.
“I thought the course was beautiful,” he added. “I love when there aren’t so many related distances, so you can show off your horse’s canter and let them be brilliant.”
Based in Ocala, Florida, Powell trains out of his own Connelly Brook LLC. Emerald City, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding (Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Quasimodo Z), was originally imported by Powell as a four-year-old. After bringing the gelding along through the baby green divisions, Powell sold him to current owner Melissa Bleiler.
“Her trainer at the time ended up relocating, so she brought him back to me,” he explained. “I absolutely love having him back in the barn.”
A longtime competitor at HITS Vermont, Powell decided to base his operation there this summer.
“I’ve been coming since my junior years, but this year we made it our home base to escape the Florida heat,” he said. “I think the management has been wonderful this year. I’m really impressed with the footing, and the jumps are beautiful.”
Professional rider Alexa Harris earned second place aboard Alfredo, Heather Potrzeba’s seven-year-old Holsteiner gelding, with a two-round total of 174.25. Harris also claimed third aboard Como L, a 13-year-old gelding (Che Guevara L x John Z) owned by Jordan Kempisty, finishing just behind with a score of 174.
In the Grand Prix Ring, Katie Eppinger captured the spotlight in the $24,500 Voltaire Grand Prix, riding Cool Lady to a well-earned victory. The track, expertly crafted by Oscar Soberon of Wellington, Florida, challenged a field of 19 duos with a technical course that demanded precision, adjustability, and boldness. Eight advanced to the jump-off, setting the stage for a high-speed, high-stakes finale.
First to return, Eppinger and Cool Lady, her own nine-year-old Holsteiner mare (Colman x Con Air), set a blazing standard, stopping the clock in 39.194 seconds. Their time would hold through the remainder of the round, securing the top prize.
“This was actually our second grand prix together, and first grand prix win, so I’m thrilled,” shared Eppinger, an amateur rider from South Salem, New York. “She has the best brain. She’s always there for you and very honest. It’s amazing that she can be so careful and so forgiving at the same time.
“It has been a great week,” continued Eppinger, who made a triumphant return to the venue after competing 12 years ago as a junior. “It’s a great atmosphere, but also a bit relaxed, which is so nice for the horses.”
Amy Shafmaster took second place aboard Infante SK, her own 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Cannabis Z, crossing the timers in 40.297 seconds. Brooke Olejnik and Fabritius, her 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Vido D’Arsouilles x Conterno Grande), rounded out the podium as the final double-clear of the day in 50.189 seconds.
As the six-week circuit at HITS Vermont comes to a close, HITS extends its sincere thanks to all staff, exhibitors, and supporters — and looks forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2026 season.
