Friday, August 28, brought another exciting day of international show jumping to the HITS Hudson Valley venue in Saugerties, New York, as the first week of the 2026 HITS Hudson Valley Late Summer Series continued. The two-week Series serves as the culmination of an action-packed summer season, featuring CSI2* competition during HITS Hudson Valley VII before the international action steps up to the CSI3* level alongside World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition during HITS Hudson Valley VIII Championship Week. Friday’s competition was highlighted by the $31,020 CSI2* Go Rentals Jumper Classic, where an impressive international field took center stage beneath the Catskill Mountains. When the final fractions of a second separated the best of the day, it was Megan McDermott (USA) and Nintendo who delivered when it mattered most.
Riders faced a challenging track designed by Kevin Holowack (CAN), which tested the athletes with a combination of technical questions, related distances, and a carefully set time allowed. Samuel Parot (CHI) was the first to advance to the immediate jump-off aboard Gradje O, wasting no time setting the standard. The pair raced across the short course and stopped the clock at a seemingly unbeatable 39.08 seconds. As the class unfolded, rails continued to fall, and Parot’s early lead remained untouched.
McDermott qualified two of her mounts for the jump-off: Da Vinci DV Z and Nintendo. Returning first aboard Da Vinci DV Z, McDermott had the opportunity to get a feel for how the short course would ride before returning second to last in the order aboard Nintendo. With Parot’s time still leading the way by the time McDermott entered the arena with Nintendo, McDermott knew she had to turn on the afterburners. The pair produced a fast and efficient performance, crossing the timers in 38.280 seconds to claim the lead. Parot immediately followed with his second ride, Chrystal Blue, and came agonizingly close to catching McDermott with a clear effort and a time of 38.310 seconds, narrowly missing the top spot by just three-hundredths of a second
Though the victory belonged to McDermott, Parot ultimately claimed both remaining podium positions. Chrystal Blue, his 15-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Chacco Blue x Calvaro Z), finished in second place, while Gradje O, his 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Cardento x Voltaire), rounded out the top three.
“I can’t express how much I love this horse,” said McDermott of Counter Balance LLC’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Numero Uno x Connor). “He is the sweetest angel on the ground, and then when you get on his back, he is so naughty. But he really wants to win, and he’s so sharp at the jump.”
McDermott, a professional rider operating her own Counter Balance LLC out of Ridgefield, Connecticut, has carefully produced Nintendo since he was a seven-year-old, making theirs the longest-standing partnership of her career.
“He can be a bit difficult,” she said. “If he’s too relaxed, it’s not great. If he’s too fresh, it’s not great either. On the days he’s locked in, it’s really hard to beat him. He’s taught me everything as a rider.”
Friday’s victory added another impressive result to Nintendo’s record at HITS Hudson Valley, where the gelding has accumulated upwards of seven grand-prix-level wins throughout his career.
“I’ve been coming to HITS since I was on a pony,” added McDermott. “It was already a show that I really loved, but with all the upgrades and new footing, it’s an unbeatable venue.”
Competition continues throughout the weekend at HITS Hudson Valley, with additional FEI show jumping as well as national-level jumper, hunter, and equitation competition. Saturday, August 29, features an especially exciting lineup with the $80,000 Great American Insurance Group CSI2* Grand Prix and the $5,000 ClipMyHorse.TV Classic Qualifier, which represents the final opportunity for riders to earn their spot in the $300,000 ClipMyHorse.TV 3’6” Open Hunter Classic Final, taking place Sunday, September 6, during HITS Hudson Valley Championship Week. For full results, please visit www.showmanagementsystem.com.
