Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by adminahb
Jones and Levi VDL. © ESI Photography
Hudson Valley V, the second week of the 2026 HITS Hudson Valley Jumping Tour®, marked an important stop on the summer calendar with its designation as a World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) event. Held at the HITS showgrounds in Saugerties, New York, the week featured a full schedule of elite hunter classes, drawing top riders from across the country. One of the numerous highlights was the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Great American Insurance Group, held Friday, July 24. Jennifer Jones and her exceptional partner, Levi VDL, delivered a standout performance to take the win.
Riders navigated a thoughtfully designed course crafted by Kerry Kocher, of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania along with Chris Jones of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and judged by Lyman T. Whitehead and Phillip Long. The class began with a flowing classic round and continued with a handy round contested in reverse order of merit by the top 12 combinations. Riders brought forward their best efforts in what proved to be an exciting and competitive class from start to finish.
Jones and Levi VDL entered the handy round in the lead after earning a first-round score of 90, plus four bonus points from each panel for the high options. They continued to impress in the handy, receiving a base score of 92.50, along with four high-option points, and four handy bonus points from each panel. Their combined total of 194.50 secured the victory.
“Riding Levi feels exactly like how riding the best horse of your life should feel,” said Jones of John Kimmel’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Arrezzo VDL x Mr. Blue). “I keep thinking of creative ways I can keep him forever.”
Although Jones and “Levi” have only been partnered for a few months, she has admired the talented stallion for years.
“I first saw him at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada a few years ago, and have been obsessed with him ever since,” she said. “I followed him for a bit, and then this winter his owner called and asked if I’d be interested in taking him on as a sales horse. I was obviously thrilled with that opportunity.”
One of the sport’s most accomplished hunter riders, with derby victories spanning from Ocala, Florida to Lake Placid, New York, Jones admitted her approach differs from many of her competitors.
“I’m actually a bit superstitious,” explained Jones. “I don’t walk the courses, so I didn’t get a good look at the handy turns until I was in the ring. My plan was to just be smooth and tidy.”
With the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Lexington, Kentucky just weeks away, Jones viewed WCHR week at HITS Hudson Valley as the perfect opportunity to prepare.
“I haven’t shown Levi since Devon, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to get some practice in before Derby Finals,” she noted. “I’ve been coming to HITS Hudson Valley for years, and every year there are more improvements, so it’s lovely to be here. I’d also like to thank Great American Insurance Group for sponsoring today’s class. It’s really nice to have such a great sponsor for the hunters offering a lot of prize money.”
Laena Romond claimed the two remaining podium placings, taking second place with Diaceur, Heritage Farm Inc.’s 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x Landlord), on a total score of 194. Romond also piloted Fellow Z, last year’s runner-up in the class, to a third-place finish. The 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Diarado x Clinton), owned by Maggie Ezring, earned a total score of 188.
For complete results, please click HERE.