Christina Serio and Outsider on their way to a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix win at HITS Culpeper (ESI Photography)

Culpeper, Va. - Growing up under the tutelage of her mother Louise Warner Serio at Derbydown Farm, Chrissy Serio knows that while ribbons and prize money may be the end goal, consistency is the silver lining.

“My mother always taught me to try and maintain solid rounds. That is exactly what Outsider had today,” said Serio after her $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix win at HITS Culpeper. “When I stay soft and confident, he jumps beautifully.”

Serio and “Emmett” as she fondly calls Outsider in the barn, jumped to a pair of 86s for the blue. The eight-year old Dutch Warmblood gelding became the ride of Serio last year when owner Alex Currier started college.

“We bonded immediately,” she said. “Emmett and Alex had a lot of success, but he excels in every hunter division we put him in. He was perfect and deserved this.”

While the pair earned Sunday’s win, it didn’t come easily. Jennifer Jones (Marion, South Carolina) was hot on Serio’s heels with two mounts. Jones and Lisa Williams’ Julliard pocketed 85.5 in the first round and an 86 in the second to finish a half point behind Serio. Jones also claimed third with Redfield Farm’s Clear Sailing after an 83 and 85.5.

Jason Berry (Verona, Virginia) rounded out the top five with Oak Ledge Farm’s Rose Gold scoring a pair of 84s to place fourth, and then fifth riding Twin Oaks Farm, LLC’s Upswing with an 82 and 79, respectively.

Multi-tasking as rider, trainer and groom didn’t keep Serio from the coveted Devoucoux win while also coaching Alley Milam in the USHJA Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships held at Commonwealth Park this year. Milam’s team was number-one after Saturday’s Nations Cup format competition.

“Between teaching, grooming and competing I don’t know how I made it to the warm-up, but everything fell into place and Emmett felt great,” said Serio. “Now I want to focus on making it to the Final in Saugerties – what an unbelievable opportunity for hunter riders.”

One qualifying Hunter Prix remains before the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York. To view qualifying standings for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, click here.