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Circuit Awards are up for grabs at HITS Culpeper during the USGPL Finals

September 4, 2025

CULPEPER, VA (September 5, 2025) – HITS Culpeper is winding down with one final week of show jumping on the horizon as the USGPL Finals are set to take center stage at Commonwealth Park beginning on September 24.

The prestigious week of show jumping will feature a full schedule of classes including the $10,000 Pre-Green Hunter Classic, $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Low Classic, $25,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner High Classic, $25,000 Devoucoux Wild Card Grand Prix and the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix.

Also on the agenda for the USGPL Finals will be the presentation of the Grand Circuit Champion Awards in 60 divisions prior to the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix in the majestic Grand Prix ring. Click here for the current circuit award standings.

“I try not to really dwell on winning circuit awards because sometimes it puts too much pressure on the kids,” said trainer Emil Spadone. “However, it’s something that all of our riders strive towards. We have several kids in the running and it would be a great reward for them to take a circuit award home.”

The 2008 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix leader Patty Stovel may have her eye on the top prize in the big Invitational, but she’s also excited about the possibility of winning a circuit award in the Level 6 Jumpers. “Caigor Z is a lovely horse of mine that is right near the top,” said Stovel. “Anytime you can win a circuit award you know it was a great tour.”

Also on tap for the final week of show jumping of the season at HITS Culpeper will be the presentation of this year’s SHALANNO Style of Riding Award Perpetual Trophy winner. The SHALANNO Style of Riding Award Perpetual Trophy is presented to the Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation as modeled by Olympic medalists Joe Fargis, Conrad Homfeld and George Morris. The award recipient must have the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.

Last season the award went to Sarah Chovnick and, according to office manager Kristen Vale, it will be a tight race this year to see who wins the coveted perpetual trophy. “Two of the front runners to take the trophy home include Kylie Wright and Ramsey Carter,” said Vale. “A lot of thought goes into picking the winner so it is sure to come down to the wire.”

The first Culpeper Horse and Colt Show was held at Monte Vista Park in 1897 and it continued for the next 54 years. In the 1980s, show jumping returned to Culpeper in a grand fashion with the opening of Commonwealth Park, one of the finest horse-sport facilities in the country. Some of the richest show jumping events in America have been held at Commonwealth Park, including the $200,000 U.S. Cup, the grand finale for the United States Grand Prix League in 1986. HITS purchased Commonwealth Park in 1997 and began restoring the grounds to its former glory. In 1998, HITS reintroduced the United States Grand Prix League, and has presented the USGPL Finals at Commonwealth Park ever since. Approximately $1 million in total prize money is offered at the six HITS Culpeper events.

HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

Written by HITS · Filed Under Culpeper, HITS, Press Releases 
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