Culpeper, VA — When show jumping returns to HITS Culpeper this Wednesday for two consecutive weeks of show jumping, the sixth annual USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals will spotlight some of the most talented equitation riders in the region.

The competition will run in the Grand Prix ring on Saturday, August 20 as riders from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware and West Virginia vie for a USHJA Zone III title. Competitors qualified for the finals by winning a Zone III national or state medal class at either 3’ or 3’6” over the course of the past year. During the finals, the 3’ section will compete first, followed by those showing at 3’6”.

In 2010, it was Caitlin Ivey of Mechanicsville, Virginia who impressed the judges with a ride aboard her own Ranier and took the winning title in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Equitation Finals. She was coached by Teddi Ismond, who was honored with a trainer award for guiding her student to the victory.

This year’s winner will be awarded a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle and a cooler, donated by Gary Baker.

The second place finisher in the finals will score a pair of custom leather half chaps, donated by Chuck Pinnel’s Custom Leather, and the rider taking third-place honors will win a show bridle, donated by Hidden Hollow Farm. Finally, the exhibitor finishing in fourth place will win a leather show halter and lead shank, donated by The Tack Box.

For their participation in the prestigious event, each of the riders who finish in the top ten will receive a $75 gift certificate to Champion Saddlery, a selection of saddle pads, courtesy of Clifton Saddlery, as well as ribbon sashes, donated by Tom Struzzieri.

All of the qualifiers for the class will enjoy a welcome reception Saturday afternoon, sponsored by Hollins College, where they will receive boutonnieres from Jonelle Mullen Stern and TuDane Farm, and gift bags from Dover Saddlery.

Aside from the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals, HITS Culpeper is also host to a full schedule of classes over the next two weeks with the Winston National and the Constitution Classic. Hunter riders will be offered two more $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix – the last two chances to qualify for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix in Culpeper. Similarly, Grand Prix riders will have two qualifying opportunities for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Commonwealth Park with a $40,000 Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health each week.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. HITS will once again offer the most innovative weekend in show jumping history in 2011 when it hosts the second annual Pfizer Million and the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, September 10-11, at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

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