The Lamplight Summertime II on July 9-13, 2025, brought another exciting chapter of competition to HITS Chicago, with top riders from across the country converging at the picturesque Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Known for its boutique charm, exceptional footing, and vibrant atmosphere, the venue provided the perfect stage for a week of standout performances and memorable moments. With highlight classes like the $2,500 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby, the $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby, and, of course,the $35,000 Great American Insurance Grand Prix,, the competition did not disappoint.
In the hunter ring, junior and amateur riders had their moment to shine during the $2,500 USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derby. A field of 24 horse-and-rider pairs took to the main hunter ring to tackle a beautifully designed track set by Dean Battaglia of Woodstock, Illinois. After two stellar rounds, it was amateur rider Sinead Fennelly who claimed top honors aboard Thunder Mountain.
Fennelly has only been riding “Dewey,” Ryan Sassmannshausen’s eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Clinton), for just over a month, yet the pair have already established an impressive partnership. She credits Dewey’s steady rhythm and dependable nature for their immediate success.
“Dewey is amazing at what he does,” exclaimed Fennelly. “He is always up for whatever is asked of him. He’s so sweet and always carries himself with the best expression.”
With Dewey’s background in the equitation ring, it came as no surprise that the duo excelled in the derby, particularly in the handy round.
“The handy was great because there were a lot of different tracks you could take to each fence,” shared Fennelly. “It was such a fun course to ride, and he’s great at the inside turns, so I knew I could trust him to go for it.”
Training with the team at Kinvarra Farm, closely located in St. Charles, Illinois, Fennelly has enjoyed many winning experiences at HITS Chicago.
“The Lamplight showgrounds are beautiful, and the new hunter ring is a great addition this year,” she noted. “I love spending the summer circuit here at HITS Chicago.”
Junior rider Sarah Stary secured second place aboard her own Special Envoy, a 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Spartacus x Clinton), while Gabrielle Sharlow rounded out the top three with Belamour, Bays and Grays LLC’s nine-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding by Dakar.
Elite hunter competition continued with Friday’s $5,000 USHJA Open National Hunter Derby. For the second consecutive week, Steve Schaefer topped the class with The Gray Man, his seasoned 17-year-old KWPN gelding (Tjungske x Calando I). Tina Judge-Boyle secured second aboard Afelix Dell’A, Amy Martin’s 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x Cassini I), while Ella Ansolabehere rounded out the top three with Casmant VA, her 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Casall Ask x Clearway) owned by Ansolabehere Equestrian LLC.
In the jumper ring, Lisa Goldman-Smolen rose to the top of a competitive field of 20 horse-and-rider combinations to claim victory in the $35,000 Great American Insurance Grand Prix aboard Romeo B. Competitors gathered on Saturday, July 12, to navigate a technical track set by Mark McGowan of Nantwich, United Kingdom. Delivering the only double-clear performance of the class, Goldman-Smolen secured the bulk of the prize money with Romeo B, her eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Apache).
Shannon Sullivan took second with Downtown’s Main Event, her 18-year-old Polish Warmblood gelding, while Brandon Howard completed the podium aboard HF Andiamo, his 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo Z x Silverstone).
As the second week of the Summertime Series wraps up, anticipation builds for even more action when Lamplight Summertime III kicks off on July 16.
