HITS Ocala is Proud to be the Winter Circuit You can Count On

Since 1982, HITS Ocala has been a staple of the Florida show jumping calendar, providing innovative classes for riders at every level and some of the richest purses in history. The 41st HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, beginning with the two-week Holiday Series (December 1-5 and 15-19, 2021) and followed by the ten-week Winter Circuit (January 18 – March 27, 2022) will again offer competitors unparalleled competition opportunities, with USEF National- and Premier-Rated Hunter and USEF 4*, 5* and 6* Jumpers, and $3 million in prize money awarded throughout the series.

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 $25,000 – $100,000, culminating with the Great American $500,000 Grand Prix on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

Over four decades, HITS has cemented itself as a leader in equestrian sport at every level, from Short Stirrup to Grand Prix. HITS Horse Shows offer qualifying classes for USEF and USHJA Finals and championships, as well as points and qualifying for programs and finals at the local, regional, and national level. Join HITS in the “Horse Capital of the World” this year and enjoy all HITS has to offer, from the varied competition, to professional and experienced staff, to the comfort of one of the most horse-friendly show grounds in the country.

Photo credit ESI Photography

HITS Offers Some of the Most Innovative & Prestigious Competition in the Country

HITS takes pride in listening to exhibitors and providing them with the classes and competition they desire. That means offering classes for every rider, from those at their first shows to some of the greatest Olympians. Many of these offerings have been the first of their kind, like the many Marshall & Sterling Insurance League classes, divisions, and classics. The Marshall & Sterling League provides children’s and adult riders the opportunity to compete at a prestigious National Finals, and the HITS Ocala Circuit allows for some of the first chances to earn 2022 qualifying points. Other long-running favorites that give up-and-comers a chance to shine are the $25,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, which has been offered since 1999, and the HITS Equitation Championship, offered since 2004. Raising the level of recognized Hunter competition in the United States, HITS Ocala will host multiple USHJA International, National, and Pony Hunter Derbies, the Zone 4 Handy Hunter Challenge, and two World Championship Hunter Rider Weeks, where riders will get their turn under the lights of the Grand Prix Ring and the Stadium. HITS Ocala has hosted the FEI Nations Cup in years past, and this year will add seven weeks of FEI CSI2* competition, attracting top talent from all over the world. The final week of the circuit has always hosted a prestigious Grand Prix with an impressive payout, and this year is no exception. On Sunday, March 27, riders will have a chance to take home a share of the purse and the glory in the Great American $500,000 Grand Prix. Riders of all levels are welcome at HITS, where it is our pleasure to help riders rise from beginners to world champions!

Prepare for Championships and Finals Throughout the Year – & Your Career!

HITS Ocala attracts top riders and up-and-comers from across the country and around the world. Dozens of riders who show at HITS Ocala have garnered great success in many National and International rings, including:

Andre Thieme – 2021 European Champion, 2020 German Olympian

Hunter Holloway – 2016 ASPCA Maclay Finals & WIHS Equitation Finals Winner

Jennifer Alfano – 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion

Hunt Tosh – 2010 & 2021 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion

Many past and current Olympians have spent their winters at HITS Ocala, including Will Simpson of California; Jill Henselwood, Beth Underhill, and Hugh Graham of Canada; Kirk Webby and Sharn Worldy of New Zealand; and Scott Keach of Australia. Many more Grand Prix riders of notable national success begin their season at HITS Ocala each year, including Aaron Vale, Tracy Fenney, and Cassandra Kahle.

Photo credit ESI Photography

Experienced Staff are Ready to Help You in the Show Office or the Field

HITS employs consistent, full-time horse show staff that can be reached year-round for questions on HITS Ocala or any HITS show! Led by President and CEO Tom Struzzieri, a true pioneer in equestrian sport, this year’s HITS Ocala staff boasts more than 250 combined years of horse show knowledge and experience. Many of the HITS staff grew up riding, training and loving horses and have turned that passion into their careers, while others have taken their broader interest in sports, events, design and marketing and brought those skills to HITS, with no prior horse experience. This makes for a well-rounded staff that offers a personal touch in many aspects at the show, from the Show Office to the Restaurant to Course Design and Management.

HITS Post Time Farm is one of the Largest and Most Horse & Rider Friendly Show Grounds in the Country

Situated on 500 acres, you’ll find bridle paths, lush grazing areas, and ample riding and lungeing space, making it clear that there is no place like HITS Post Time Farm to spend your winter show season. The grounds offer permanent and temporary stabling options, over 120 permanent grass paddocks, on-site RV spots, and on-site housing rentals. Over 20 years at HITS Post Time Farm, HITS has continuously added permanent barns and stalls and upgraded its temporary stalls and tents to suit growing demand.

Students can succeed in the classroom and in the ring with Blue Ribbon Scholars, an on-site school and tutoring program that helps kids keep up with school while away at the show. Visit BlueRibbonScholars.com for more information.

Upgrades across the grounds for 2022 include newly regraded and paved wash racks, additional paved roads, several rings of brand-new jumps, and an upgraded FEI compound with an improved entrance to the Stadium side of the property. All the amenities you and your horses will need can be found right on the grounds of HITS Post Time Farm, making it easy to feel at home all winter long.Photo credit ESI Photography

We’ll See You in Ocala!

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is right around the corner, and our staff is counting down the days until we see you there! If you have any questions as you make your plans or just want to chat about the upcoming circuit, we’d love to hear from you! We are available by phone Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at 845-246-8833, via email at Info@HITSShows.com, or send us a message on social media. Be sure to stay up-to-date on all things HITS Ocala by visiting HITSShows.com and following us on Facebook (@HITSShows) and Instagram (@HITSHorseShows).

 

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This is HITS

“This is what we at HITS do for an occupation. It is not something based on a whim or a fleeting interest in the hunter/jumper world. I have been a horse show promoter since 1977. Ocala is my winter home and will be for the foreseeable future. I encourage everyone to make their plans for HITS Ocala in 2022!” – Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO, HITS, LLC

USEF and USHJA Sanctioning, Horse Welfare, & SafeSport

The Significance of USEF-sanctioned horse shows should not be understated. The sanctioning by the United States Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body for U.S. Equestrian Sports, is vital to a well-run hunter/jumper event. The USEF drug rule and well-regarded disciplinary arm have set standards to protect the welfare of horse and rider and have established an unprecedented template for all top shows to aspire to. HITS continues to invest in facility improvements and prize money on a regular basis to stay ahead of the considerable criteria set by USEF to ensure the quality, integrity, and level of USEF-recognized shows.