Honoring More Than 75 Years of Tradition, Preserving the Magic for Future Generations: Celebrating the 2026 Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic

News Release: July 17, 2026

The 2026 Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic has come to a close after another unforgettable two weeks of competition, camaraderie, and cherished traditions at Chagrin Valley Farms. While the show continues to grow in its new home at Chagrin Valley Farms in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, one thing proves to remain unchanged; the unique atmosphere that has made the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic one of the most beloved horse shows for generations.

From the youngest exhibitors proudly participating in Leadline to accomplished professionals competing for featured championship titles, this year’s event celebrated every level of our sport. Throughout Opening Weekend and National Rated Week, families, trainers, owners, grooms, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators came together to create the kind of experience that has defined Chagrin for more than seven decades, one built not only on outstanding competition, but on community, sportsmanship, and memories that last a lifetime across generations.

The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic was once again fortunate to be led by nationally respected Show Manager Phil DeVita. A second-generation horseman and Co-Manager of the prestigious Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, DeVita has spent decades shaping many of the nation’s premier equestrian competitions as a competitor, trainer, judge, course designer, and show manager. His distinguished career includes judging and course designing at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, Winter Equestrian Festival, and Capital Challenge, as well as serving on the course design team for the 2008 Olympic Games. His experience, professionalism, and exhibitor-focused leadership continue to elevate the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic year after year.

One of the week’s most memorable evenings featured a packed ringside crowd cheering on our youngest horse lovers during the adorable Leadline class before the excitement continued with the presentation of the Sarah Allison Steffee Sportsmanship Trophy, awarded to Brinleigh Gammill, the always-popular $5,000 Grooms Class, our National Anthem performed by Julian Kimbrough, a golden-ticket winner on American Idol, and the $9,999 Chagrin Classic 1.20m Mini Prix. The Grooms Class, generously sponsored by Campbell and Caroline Kahn, has become one of the show’s signature traditions, recognizing the hardworking individuals whose dedication behind the scenes makes every horse show possible. This year’s winner, Javi, longtime groom for Elizabeth Porter of Wilde Fields at the historic White North Stables in Hunting Valley, Ohio (pictured below).

This year’s horse show also showcased significant facility improvements made by Chagrin Valley Farms and the Schneider family. Most notably, the Hunter Schooling Ring was completely rebuilt just in time for this year’s event, receiving enthusiastic praise from exhibitors and trainers throughout the week. Combined with the outstanding work of Footing First, whose footing once again performed beautifully, even after several heavy summer downpours, competitors enjoyed safe, consistent footing that allowed competition to resume quickly following the weather.

Throughout the week, exhibitors also competed for numerous perpetual trophies, special awards, and an impressive selection of prizes generously donated by our incredible sponsors and supporting brands. We extend our sincere appreciation to Schneider Saddlery | 5-Star Vendors and the many manufacturers, vendors, and local business sponsors whose continued support helps make the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic’s awards and exhibitor experience truly exceptional. As a nonprofit organization, the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic is only possible through the generous support of its many sponsors and donors. Special recognition goes to our Presenting Sponsor, W.F. Young and Silver Honey, whose continued partnership has helped support the show’s success, and to our Diamond Level Sponsor, Campbell Kahn, whose generous support helped make many of this year’s most memorable moments possible.

Competition throughout the week was exceptional. Professional, Stefanie Portman rode Fronsac de Beaufort (owned by Hurt & Hurt Equine) to victory in the $9,999 Chagrin Classic 1.20m Mini Prix after an exciting Saturday evening finale. Sunday’s $7,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby featured an outstanding field of competitors, with pro rider Tyler Petrie and Night Moves (owned by Roseann Messina) taking the top placing along with 2nd on No Touch (owned by Julianna Hillestad).

In the $1,000 Chagrin Classic Non-Pro Derby, Adelaide Schimenti aboard KT Caraco (owned by Sherri Terhaar, trained by Hannah Duffy) claimed top honors, while Gianna Dicello and Van Gogh (owned by Emma Burch, trained by Rande Mellen) captured the title in the $500 Chagrin Classic Pony Hunter Derby.

The Short/Long Stirrup Limit Rider 2′ Challenge was won by Eliane Blackstone aboard Hidden Springs Arizona (owned by Kenzie Tesar, trained by Margaret Kruse), the daughter of Maureen Blackstone, who also grew up showing with us and continues competing at the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, highlighting the impact our show has on the next generation of riders who continue to make the future of our sport so bright. A big thank you to our longtime Official Photographer, Anne Gittins of Wellington, Florida, who has been with us for decades to watch many of these riders grow up right here at our show, beautifully capturing so many of these special moments.

National Derby Winner: Night Moves, ridden by Tyler Petrie, owned by Roseann Messina. Trainer: Scott Petrie

As another successful year comes to a close, the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic continues to prove that while locations may change, the heart of the show remains the same. Every year, new families discover what longtime exhibitors have known for decades, that there is something uniquely special about the Chagrin Classic. It is a place where first ribbons are celebrated as enthusiastically as championship victories, your favorite brands provide the best prizes and awards, where barns cheer one another on, hospitality events keep exhibitors having fun with great food, where friendships are strengthened, and where generations of horse lovers continue to build lasting memories together. The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers extend their sincere congratulations to all of this year’s champions and thanks everyone who helped make the 2026 show such a tremendous success. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and spectators back to Chagrin Valley Farms next year as we continue honoring our rich history while building an exciting future for generations to come.

Media Contact:
Mandy Boggs
media@chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org
www.chagrinhunterjumperclassic.org

(Above) Beginner Jr/Am Jumper Classic Winner – Emit You Love Me, ridden/owned by Gabriella Siess. Trainer: Stephanie Framer, pictured with show manager, Phil DeVita. (Below) Daily sponsored Exhibitor Hospitality