Hunters and equitation were a main focus on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Saratoga Summer and United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Zone 2 Finals. Caitlan Brooks and her own In the Air triumphed in the $10,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic. Five Zone 2 equitation champions were also crowned, and memorial trophies were presented.

Brooks found In The Air, known as “Dug” in the barn, through his racing connections in 2024 as a three-year-old. The gelding by Warrior’s Reward had five starts as a racehorse before retiring. Brooks saw potential in him and brought him to the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, where he won the field division and was second in the show hunter division.

Remarkable

“He’s a remarkable five-year-old,” said Brooks. “This was only his third time doing 3’. He spent his four-year-old year with a junior client, but I bought him back this year. He’s back into a professional program and getting to show again.”

Caitlan Brooks and In The Air won the $10,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic. Photo by Eye Was Here

When Brooks saw the prize lists for the 2026 Saratoga Horse Shows, she was eager to enter. Brooks is based out of her River’s Ridge in Glyndon, MD, and this was her first year competing at Saratoga Horse Shows.

“I was excited to see the purse money, I love supporting Take2, and I’ve always wanted to come to Saratoga,” she explained. “It seemed like a great opportunity when we first came up in July. I unfortunately had a surprise appendectomy two weeks prior, so my friend Rachael Lively rode both of mine for me that week. It inspired me to want to come and try it myself.”

Moving on Up

In The Air finished second in the $10,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic with Lively at July’s 2026 Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular, while Jersey Fresh was third. Both horses made a move up the ribbons, with Jersey Fresh finishing second this week. Brooks also rode Meadow Magic, owned by Alissa Facciolo, to third place.

Although the prize money was a welcome benefit, the experience of winning with In The Air was especially meaningful.

“It means a lot because I knew early on that he was something special,” she expressed. “I’m glad that he earned the win today. He continues to step up and rise to the occasion time after time. I’m really excited for his future.”

The 2026 Saratoga Summer and USHJA Zone 2 Finals continue on Saturday, August 15. Due to inclement weather, Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby has been postponed to Saturday.