Husband-and-Wife Duo Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn and Martin Kuhn Bring the Heat at HITS Chicago
Dressage at HITS Chicago was welcomed back to the renowned facility in Wayne, Illinois, for the HITS Lamplight Summer Dressage I & II show on June 27-29, 2025. The historic grounds of the HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center offered three days of USEF Level Three competition, showcasing dressage athletes in a true Windy City fashion. Although temperatures were high, it was Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn and Franzsis HSR who brought the real summer heat down centerline.
On Friday, June 27, Fleming-Kuhn and the nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Franziskus FRH x Simone) she owns with her husband Martin Kuhn defined elite-level competition with a sensational performance in the FEI Freestyle Test of Choice. Performing a USEF FEI Intermediate I Freestyle, the powerhouse pairing was rewarded with high marks throughout their ride from judge Janet Hannon.
“It was one of the best tests I’ve ever ridden on him,” exclaimed Fleming-Kuhn. “I just have to say that I am very, very lucky to have a pretty phenomenal partner.”
Crafted by Jenna Butler, the floorplan of their Freestyle gave “Fran” the opportunity to unveil both his beauty and brilliance. Notable movements like the half-pass left at the collected trot and the flying changes every third stride received impressive scores of 8.5 on the scoresheet. Featuring songs such as “Counting Stars” and “Love Yourself” by Simply Three, their music and interpretation of the music earned an 8.4 with other high artistic marks. Ultimately, their standout ride culminated in a first-place ranking with a monumental final score of 78.300%.
Also in the Freestyle Test of Choice riding a USEF FEI Intermediate I Freestyle was Ryan R. Yap and Isadora, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Margo Berry, for a second-place finish with a final score of 71.475%. Brittany Burson and Fürst Emilio, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Furst Fugger owned by Patricia Joy, completed the top three with a score of 69.950%.
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