Performance and generosity were the themes of Week VII at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit as sponsors, riders, and patrons went above and beyond both inside the ring and out. It all began with the celebration of “Purina Week,” thanks to long-time HITS partner Purina Animal Nutrition. Then performances took center stage for both Hunters and Jumpers, highlighted by the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium as ten riders jumped off to determine the winner. But everyone won as generosity took over to benefit Marion Country Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA).
The Ocala Tournament held a special event before the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix this week, bringing light to the Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA). Riders from MTRA showed off their skills in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium and hosted their own silent auction to help raise money for the program.
“We would like to thank HITS for the support the support they have given us,” said Dana Waters, member, Board of Directors, MTRA.
Adding to the generosity, all riders in the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix pledged ten percent of their winnings to MTRA. Gail Dady from Caliburn Farms pledged to match the total donated from each rider, making this one of the group’s largest fundraisers to date. And HITS donated their proceeds from the Grand Prix admission to benefit MTRA.
“Horses have given us such wonderful lives,” continued Waters. “It’s so rewarding getting to share them with those who need them.”
Kinser Vale, Sophia Ayers, Addie Edwards, Kendall Dean, and “Timmy Romo” the mini pony helped in raising awareness and donations for MTRA. The group of pony riders went around the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium “trick-or-treating” through the crowd to help raise funds. With the generosity flowing through the crowd that day, the kids and “Timmy” were able to raise an extra $300 to donate to MTRA.
The $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix was the featured class of the week in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, and with ten riders making their way to the jump off, it was an exciting finale. David Jennings and CADDIE R came out victorious, with a clean round in a time of 40.534.
2nd Place: Scott Keach & CHICCO W (41.521)
3rd Place: Michael Morrissey & SAM 1091 (41.710)
Morgan Ward and DANTURA scored a win to start the week, taking home the blue ribbon in the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Open Welcome. She narrowly beat the others in the jump-off. With a time of 40.972, she led the way by more than 1 1/2 seconds.
2nd Place: Devin Ryan & CASPAR’S LASINO (42.502)
3rd Place: Lisa Goldman-Smolen & HINDSIGHT (43.269)
Devin Ryan claimed a win for the second week in a row in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix. This week he rode CASPSR’S LASINO across the finish with a time of 45.534 to clear the field by more than four seconds.
2nd Place: Peter Petschenig & CRAGGANMORE 3 (49.910)
3rd Place: Andre Thieme & CONTADOR (45.094)
The $10,000 KindredBio Open Prix went to Derek Petersen aboard DIAMANT’S LEGACY. They edged out the competition in the jump-off by almost 3 full seconds in a time of 30.219.
2nd Place: Tracy Magness & INTENZ VAN HD (32.921)
3rd Place: Goldman- Smolen & BENGTSSON VDL (33.982)
Manuel Torres had the winning round in the $10,000 1.35m Classic aboard ANASTASIA with a time of 33.720.
2nd Place: Patricia Stovel & CARIGOR Z (34.517)
3rd Place: Anthony Sauriol & PBM CASCADA (34.540)
For more results and information, visit HitsShows.com.