Laura Chapot & Jolie van Schuttershof Rise Above the Rest To Win the $75,000 HITS Grand Prix D

By Jumper News USA on June 10, 2025

Saugerties, New York, United States – June 07, 2025 – The third and final week of spring competition in the expanded 2025 Hits Hudson Valley Show Series set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling ten-week season of top-tier sport. Held at the prestigious showgrounds in Saugerties, New York, the venue — nestled against the scenic backdrop of the Catskill Mountains and known for its world-class footing and friendly atmosphere — welcomed riders from around the globe to close out the spring series. One of the week’s most anticipated highlights was the $75,000 Hits Grand Prix, on Saturday, June 7, where Laura Chapot (USA) and Jolie van Schuttershof delivered a standout performance to claim the win.

A total of 29 horse-and-rider combinations took to the Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Stadium to contest Olaf Petersen Jr.’s (GER) technical track. Nine countries were represented in the elite field, including Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Spain, and of course, the home nation of the United States. With a tight time allowed and a challenging course, only two pairs advanced to the jump-off, while three riders fell just short with only one time fault.

Aboard her third ride of the class, Chapot expertly navigated the course with Jolie van Schuttershof — The Jolie Group’s 10-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare (Ducati van Schuttershof x Clarimo Ask) — ultimately turning in the only double-clear round in 41.418 seconds to secure the win.

“I thought the track was extremely fair,” stated Chapot of Petersen Jr.s test. “When we walked it, no one thought it would ride as difficult as it did. Olaf is very clever in that way. You think something is simple, and then you end up having rails all over the place, and the time allowed put a lot of pressure on the riders.”

It was also a memorable day for Colombian rider Pablo Mejia (COL), who celebrated his birthday with a second-place finish aboard Caramia, Pellerano Horses’ eight-year-old Oldenburg mare (Chacoon Blue x Landjonker). The pair posted a time of 40.387 seconds in the jump-off, but with four faults added.

Rounding out the top three was Japan’s Karen Polle (JPN) and Celine, her own 15-year-old Mecklenburg mare (Conthargos x Grandino 25), who delivered a steady first-round performance with just one time fault.

Chapot has been methodically developing her partnership with the talented “Jolie” after acquiring her just a few months ago from German Olympic rider Richard Vogel based on a recommendation by U.S. Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward. Together, the pair has made a quick match, now setting the stage for what appears to be an illustrious future.

“I feel like every time we go in the ring it gets better and better,” said Chapot. “This felt like the first time we really trusted each other, and she jumped unbelievably. She’s naturally careful and always wants to do the job. She’s just so game. She pricks her ears and is always looking for the next fence.”

A decorated grand prix rider and long-time Hits competitor, Chapot, who is based out of her family’s Chado Farm in Neshanic Station, New Jersey, is no stranger to that blue-ribbon feeling at HITS Hudson Valley.

“I feel like I’ve been coming to Hits since the beginning of time,” laughed Chapot. “The improvements they have made the past few years have been tremendous, and that’s reflected in the support from the exhibitors. The footing here is amazing. I love it here as a professional, and my customers love it as well.”