Saugerties, New York, USA – August 01, 2024 – International show jumping action kicked off with the $31,020 Jumper Classic CSI 3*, in which Sofia Cady (USA) claimed the first victory of the week aboard her longtime partner Deleyn.

The opening class featured an intricate track set by world renowned FEI Level 4 Course Designer Marina Azevedo (BRA). In the Table C format, jumping faults were converted to added seconds on the clock to yield an overall time to beat. As the final challenger in a field of 22 horse-and-rider combinations, Cady saved the best for last, crossing the timers triumphantly in 67.03 seconds. 

Jad Dana (LBN) was just off the pace of Cady to finish in second place in 67.37 seconds with Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie, a 12-year-old Holsteiner mare (Clarimo x Lancer II) owned by The Cherie Group.

McKayla Langmeier (USA) and Jiselle NS, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) mare (Balou du Rouet x Voltaire Pref) owned by Linda Langmeier, completed the all-mare top three in 68.72 seconds.

“The course was really nice,” said Cady, 19, who attends Fordham University at Lincoln Center in New York City. “When we looked at it this morning and walked it, it looked like a very smooth, nice starting day for all the horses. I watched one or two rounds, but I try not to watch too many because I tend to overthink everything. We make a plan and I just try to stick to that, and it usually works pretty well. Deleyn always steps up to the plate.”

Cady has been partnered with Deleyn for four years, starting with 1.0m classes and ascending the levels to contest three-star competitions. As they have progressed together, the duo has notched numerous impressive wins along the way. Now with Cady heading to school in the fall, they are nearing the end of their time together as Deleyn will be for sale. After winning the $31,020 Jumper Classic CSI 3*, they are certainly going out with a bang. 

“She’s a rock,” expressed Cady of the 13-year-old Holsteiner mare (Larimar 7 x Dobel’s Cento) owned by Twist Studio LLC who was previously campaigned by Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam. “As long as you ride well, she’s going to win the class for you. She’s pretty perfect. She’s my day-one girl, my heart horse, and I love her to death. I’m getting close to my last couple of shows with her, so it’s a little bittersweet, but it’s good to be here.”

The 2024 season marks the first for Cady at Hits Hudson Valley. Originally from Austin, Texas, Cady has been training with the team at Oakland Stables, now based at Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club in Darien, Connecticut, so she has taken advantage of her proximity to the world-class venue.

“I really enjoy HITS, and I am super impressed,” she enthused. “My horses have loved showing here; the footing is amazing, and everything is so well organized and terrifically managed. It has been wonderful.”

Competition resumes Friday, August 2, with the $40,000 Go Winning Round CSI 3*, while the final sold-out week of the Hudson Valley Jumping Tour® culminates in the $116,050 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, August 3.

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

1) Sofia Cady (USA) & Deleyn – 0 / 67.03

2) Jad Dana (LBN) & Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie – 0 / 67.37

3) McKayla Langmeier (USA) & Jiselle NS – 0 / 68.72

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography

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