Ocala, Florida, United States – March 08, 2025 – The Hits Ocala Winter Celebration wrapped up on a high note with Sunday’s $24,500 Horseflight Jumper Classic, delivering an exciting finale to the competition. Melissa Strawser (USA) and her own Darwin de Mars, a 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Jarnac x Air Jordan Z), blazed through the jump-off in 39.711 seconds to claim the top spot.

Andre Thieme (GER) and Chavanna PS, his talented nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Chacoon Blue x Savaro), were just fractions behind, securing second place in 40.117 seconds.

Rounding out the podium, Shannon Lilley (USA) and her own Ideal IX, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding (Vittorio x Ustinov), delivered a smooth and efficient round to finish third in 42.127 seconds.

With Week 9 in the books, excitement is mounting as the 2025 Hits Ocala Winter Circuit rolls into the final week of competition. Riders and fans eagerly await more world-class competition, set to resume on Tuesday, March 19, with the highly anticipated Ocala Championship.

Final Results – $24,500 Horseflight Jumper Classic

1) Melissa Strawser (USA) & Darwin de Mars – 0 / 0 – 39.711

2) Andre Thieme (GER) & Chavanna PS – 0 / 0 – 40.117

3) Shannon Lilley (USA) & Ideal IX – 0 / 0 – 42.127

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © Hits Horse Shows / ESI Photography

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