Saugerties, New York, USA – July 18, 2024 – International show jumping competition during Hits-on-the-Hudson IV at Hits Hudson Valley in Saugerties, New York, kicked off on Thursday, July 18, 2024, with the $31,020 Jumper Classic CSI 3*. The week marks the first of three comprising the Hudson Valley Jumping Tour® Series. The lead-off class set the stage for the elite sport to follow, and in the end, it was Carly Anthony (USA) who piloted Jet Blue to the first win of the week.

Twenty-five horse-and-rider combinations contested the faults-converted speed course designed by Meghan Rawlins (CAN). The challenging course featured several option fences where riders could decide on different track options. Fallen rails were converted from jumping penalties to seconds, yielding a final time for the rider’s overall result. With speed and carefulness at the utmost importance, it was Anthony and Jet Blue that left the poles in the cups in a blazing time of 78.25 seconds for victory.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Anthony of her tour around the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium. “I think Meghan [Rawlins] did a wonderful job with her creativity, giving options, and setting every line on a nice, forward stride, which is inviting for a speed class. It gets you going on the right foot, so I thought it was great.”

Just off the pace of Anthony was Stella Wasserman (USA) with her own Kamiel van het Langwater, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Wiensender x Beaujolais). They crossed the timers clear in 80.55 seconds for second-place honors.

Philip McGuane (IRL) completed the top three with Edgard de Prefontaine, the 14-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Contact van de Heffinck x Orlando) owned by Evergate Stables LLC, stopping the clock in 81.56 seconds.

Anthony has had the ride on Jet Blue for more than three years, with numerous impressive placings through the five-star level. As their partnership has grown, she has been able to call on the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding by VDL Zirocco Blue, owned by Porfolio Horses LLC, for a variety of class types, but recently, they have excelled in the speed classes.

“He’s having a lot of fun, and I think when your horses are having fun, you get the most out of them,” shared Anthony of Jet Blue. “We found his sweet spot and he really enjoys it. I’m really proud to see him thrive.”

With the first triumph of the week under her belt, Anthony is looking forward to the rest of the Hudson Valley Jumping Tour ® and enjoying her time at Hits Hudson Valley.

“Now, I love it and I really look forward to coming here,” she expressed. “The footing is great, and the hospitality is fantastic. The HITS team has really gone above and beyond in making improvements, and making the show enjoyable for horses and riders. Rain or shine, they do a wonderful job, and I think this is a new standard that is being set for horse show management and horse shows in this country.”

Final Results – $31,020 Jumper Classic CSI 3*

1) Carly Anthony (USA) & Jet Blue – 0 – 78.25

2) Stella Wasserman (USA) & Kamiel van het Langwater – 0 – 80.55

3) Philip McGuane (IRL) & Edgard de Prefontaine – 0 – 81.56

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © ESI Photography

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