HITS is the Perfect Place for all Equestrians
Compete at HITS Ocala
The 41st HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is right around the corner, January 18 – March 27, 2022! Ten weeks of unparalleled competition opportunities abound, with USEF National- and Premier-Rated Hunters and 4*, 5* and 6* Jumpers. Hunter highlights will include two USHJA International Hunter Derbies, three USHJA National Hunter Derbies, two USHJA Pony Hunter Derbies, and two World Championship Hunter Rider Weeks. Jumper competition will feature seven weeks of FEI CSI2* competition, new in 2022, as well as Grand Prix purses from $50,000 – $100,000, culminating with the Great American $500,000 Grand Prix on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
Show in Ocala this winter where you can be assured that the health and safety of both you and your horses are of the utmost importance. Sanctioned by the carefully thought-out rules and regulations of the USEF, the National governing body for Equestrian Sport, the USHJA, and the FEI, HITS Ocala has the backing of all the major equestrian associations to ensure a level playing field in competition as well as horse welfare and SafeSport adherence. HITS full-time dedicated staff consists of experienced and knowledgeable competition organizers and will provide all the support and assistance you need to make your plans for this year’s HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Check out the Prize List today and feel free to contact us with any questions or for guidance in making your entries.
Careers at HITS
Are you looking to take your passion for horses and events and turn it into a career? HITS has the position for you! As a leader in equestrian sport, HITS is always on the lookout for new talent to add to its team of dedicated staff, from full time positions in show management, administration, marketing, sponsorship and accounting to seasonal and horse show positions for show office, ingate, announcing, hospitality and more.
The HITS Corporate Offices occupy two historic buildings in Saugerties, New York, a picturesque village on the Hudson River, 90 miles north of New York City. With a quiet charm, Saugerties is a bustling upstate town with charming shops, antique stores and a dozen restaurants from casual to fine-dining. HITS has full-time staff of 20+ employees, many of whom travel to the shows throughout the year. Full time positions offer benefits including health care, 401K and paid vacation.
For more information on careers with HITS, or with our sister companies, Alpha Win Triathlons and Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern, contact us today!
It was a Happy Holiday Series at HITS Ocala!
The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit has been getting an early start the past several years with the HITS Ocala Holiday Series, two USEF-rated shows in December that are a perfect kick-off to the winter show season. That continued with the 2021 HITS Ocala Holiday Series that proved worthy of the nice list. Riders and horses kicked off a new season under blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Smiles could be found on the faces of exhibitors, spectators, and staff, as everyone was happy to be back at HITS Post Time Farm for another incredible year!
Ocala Holiday Premiere – December 1-5, 2021
Determined to start the season off successfully, Hadden Frost was the first rider to claim a featured Jumper class, taking the win in Wednesday’s $2,500 Open Welcome. Frost and FINOU 4 used the first jump to knock off the rust associated with the beginning of a new season and went clean the rest of the way with a quick time of 67.967.
2nd Place: Callan Solem & NIPPON VAN DE DONKHOEVE [4-faults, 71.257]
3rd Place: Solem & ESSENAR CRIXUS [8-faults, 67.200]
Photo Credit ESI Photography
| Riders stepped up their game in Friday’s $10,000 SmartPak Open Prix, with eight remaining in the ring for the jump-off round and four going double clear. Aboard MTM DOLCE VITA, Tracy Fenney topped the field with her clean run in 33.303.
2nd Place: Hayley Waters & JUST LUCK [35.449] |
| Callan Solem jumped her way to the blue ribbon and a 1-3 finish in the $10,000 Open Prix on Saturday. She piloted NIPPON VAN DE DONKHOEVE to the only clear round in the jump-off, posting a time of 32.074.
2nd Place: Debbie McCarthy Connor & SASHI W [4-faults, 35.945] |
Photo Credit ESI Photography
On a picture perfect Sunday afternoon, competitors entered the Stadium with hopes of winning the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix. Three riders jumped a clean first round and returned with their eyes on the prize. With a clean, fast round, it was Kaitlyn Williams & CASSIO MELLONI who earned their third Grand Prix win together. The pair posted a fault-free time of 43.116.
2nd Place: Amanda Flint & VDL WITTINGER [3-faults, 47.122]
3rd Place: Hayley Waters & JUST LUCK [8-faults, 43.650]
Photo Credit ESI Photography
| Jumper Classic Winners
$2,000 M&S/NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic: Gabby Adams & GARINCO VAN DE LIJNSAERD $2,500 NAL Junior/Amateur 1.25m Jumper Classic: Laurel Blakemore & ANGEL’S ENVY $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.35m Jumper Classic: Lawson Whitaker & FINCH FARM CLIFFORD |
Saturday played host to the featured Hunter class of the week, the $1,500 HITS Holiday Hunter Prix. McKenzie Clayton piloted CARTIER DU ROUET to a first round score of 82 and a second round score of 65 for a winning total of 147.
2nd Place: Riley Hogan & UBER [125]
3rd Place: Madeline Jordan & SWIPE RIGHT [115]
Photo Credit ESI Photography
| Hunter Classic Winners
$500 Perfect Products Pony Hunter Classic: Jole Kosloske & CHIC IN TIME $500 SmartPak/M&S/NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Hunter Classic: Schuyler Dayner & FREQUENT FLIER $1,000 CWD Junior/A-O Hunter Classic: Luke Sassi & COCORRADO BB |
Ocala Holiday Classic – December 15-19, 2021
Aaron Vale‘s week got off to a big start during Wednesday’s $2,500 Open Welcome, where he swept the podium. Vale had the only three entries that advanced to the jump-off, ensuring his victory. His first attempt at the short course, aboard CHACCMAN, proved to be his fastest at a time of 31.999.
2nd Place: Vale & GRAY’S INN [33.143]
3rd Place: Vale & KRUG Z [34.562]
Photo Credit ESI Photography
Vale’s impressive rides continued in Friday’s $20,000 SmartPak Open Prix, but it was Callan Solem taking the win aboard HORION DE LIBERSART. Solem posted the fastest of four double-clear showings with a time of 44.894
2nd Place: Vale & KRUG Z [45.389]
3rd Place: Vale & OBI WAN [46.808]
In Saturday’s $10,000 Open Prix, Vale returned to the top, this time riding I ADERMIE R4. The pair posted the first of two clear jump-off rounds in a very speedy 38.614.
2nd Place: Carly Campbell-Cooper & HALIFAX KDW Z [44.394]
3rd Place: Madison Kondracki & STAKKO [4-faults, 39.590]
The $25,000 HITS Grand Prix took place on Sunday afternoon, and once again, the win went to Aaron Vale. Vale placed all four of his mounts in the top five, claiming the blue ribbon with OBI WAN. The pair were the last to return for the jump-off and posted a time of 40.097.
2nd Place: Santiago Lambre & DINGEMAN [40.465]
3rd Place: Vale & CHACCMAN [41.820]
Photo Credit ESI Photography
Jumper Classic Winners
$2,000 M&S/NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic: Sophia Ayers & SUCANO
$2,500 NAL Junior/Amateur 1.25m Jumper Classic: Hayley Waters & VITEL SOURDIN
$5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.35m Jumper Classic: Mallory Vale & GRAY’S INN
Hunter Classic Winners
$500 SmartPak/M&S/NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic: Abigaile Zuckerman & INDIGO
$1,000 CWD Junior/A-O Hunter Classic: Laura Linback & THE FULL MONTY