Category Archives: HITS

Competitions, HITS, Show Jumping

Andre Thieme Captures Great American $1 Million Grand Prix Win

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It was a perfect day at HITS Ocala for the seventh Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, where riders from near and far took their shot at the coveted title and the winner’s share of $350,000. The sun was shining as previous Million Winners, first time Million riders, Grand Prix and Olympic Veterans, and newcomers were welcomed under the HITS arch into the Grand Prix Stadium for the richest class in the world so far in 2020 and 2021. Not only was this the seventh Great American Million, but it was also the 22nd $1 Million Grand Prix hosted by HITS.

The course designed by Mr. Bernardo Cabral of Lisbon, Portugal challenged riders to be accurate and earn their shot at the top honors. “This class was a varied group of riders. Some have been in Ocala all circuit, and some came from other parts of the state. It was a big field, so I thought it was a hard class to put together,” said Cabral. “I didn’t make it overly big but it was technical and I thought asked a lot of questions to the riders, but also left an easy way out for the horses if there was a mistake by the pilot.” The first round course consisted of fourteen fences and included several delicate verticals throughout the track, often with wide oxers right before or after, making riders plan their adjustments quickly. The triple bar to the triple combination was a unique effort early in the course, and the last line of a wide oxer away from the ingate to the final vertical foiled many a rider’s plan of making it to the jump-off. Eight riders jumped clean to move on to the jump-off course which featured several new elements as well as parts from the first round course.

Andre Thieme is officially the most decorated HITS Million Winner as Sunday marked his fourth HITS Million title, this time taking home the blue ribbon aboard his own CHAKARIA. “I think everybody can tell by now that this class [HITS $1 Million Grand Prix] means something to me! It’s my goal every year and while I’m not giving away other classes, I definitely don’t put as much effort toward some of the other classes,” said Thieme. “I try to really produce my horses for this class every single time. I try to be sure that everything on the day of this class goes perfect because this is the class that I really want to win each year.”

Thieme’s first HITS Million win came aboard ARAGON ROUET in the 2011 Saugerties Million, followed by his first win in the Great American Million aboard CONTANGA 3 in 2014, and the third being back in Saugerties with CONTHENDRIX in 2017. “Now that I’ve won this class four times, it’s just unbelievable to me,” Thieme exclaimed. “I would have never thought that it is possible, but I have a superstar horse for the first time in my life and it’s just so much easier with that kind of a horse.”

Thieme has been riding CHAKARIA for the past year-and-a-half and said that it didn’t take him long to realize how amazing the chestnut mare is. “I couldn’t believe my luck that for the first time in my life, I was a little bit quicker than someone else buying the horse. She is fast, sound, a fighter, careful, and scopey – I don’t know how to start and how to end; she’s just an amazing horse.”

As Thieme continued talking about the day, he discussed the course, saying, “When I first walked it, I thought that it was probably going to be a little bit too small. I was expecting something bigger for the number of horses entered, to not have 15 clear rounds. Bernardo [Cabral] explained it to me and I realized that the course was a touch trickier than I thought.” Going 41st in the order, Thieme was the fifth to go clean in the first round, giving him an advantage of returning later in the in the jump-off.  Several early riders had rails or other mistakes, so Thieme knew a clear round was most important, but a fast time would put the pressure on the final three. Thieme jumped clear in 34.393 to claim the lead. “It worked for my horse because she is really careful,” said Thieme. “I have to thank Tom and HITS once more because without him we wouldn’t have a class like this and I and many of the other riders really appreciate it.”

For more results and information, visit HitsShows.com.

Community/Charity, HITS, Show Jumping

New Features on Showhorse TV This Summer

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©ESI Photograhpy.

HITS and Showhorse TV are excited to announce expanded Live Stream and Video Services to be introduced at HITS Saugerties during the Great American Summer Series presented by Alliant Private Client. Every ring will be streamed live at Showhorse.tv, and videos will be archived and accessible for a full year.

“In an effort to minimize the number of people on the showgrounds this summer, HITS has arranged to live stream from every ring, every day,” said Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO of HITS, Inc. “During these very unique times, this allows all of us to help deliver the safest showing experience possible. You and others will be able to access these videos at any time for the next 12 months.” Each week, exhibitors at HITS Saugerties will receive a code to access the live stream and archived videos. The code will be available in Show Office.

Remember, every ring is being live streamed every day. Just create your User Account at Showhorse.tv and enter the code provided by the Show Office and you can watch and re-watch every round from the show.  With Showhorse TV, you’ll never miss out on watching any of the featured classes at HITS Saugerties the Summer.

1) Log in to your account at Showhorse.tv OR create a new account.  Creating the account is FREE.  Just enter a Username and Password on the Showhorse.tv website.

2) Go to Showhorse.tv/discover.

3) Select any “Live Stream” or to re-watch a recorded class choose “Video” for the week you were in attendance.

4) When the Purchase Screen appears, enter the event Promo Code supplied by Show Office for that week.

5) Share the code with friends and family.  Anyone can use the code to access all Live Stream and Video Archives – they’ll just need to create a FREE Showhorse TV account.

Please Note: The Option to enter Promo Code to unlock “Live Streams” and “Recorded Rounds” is only available on the Showhorse TV website (Showhorse.tv/discover), not the Showhorse TV app. After having done so, they will be unlocked and available on the app as well.

More information at HITSShows.com.

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Join HITS for the Great American Summer Series

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HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that, pending USEF approval, HITS-on-the-Hudson will be host to a six-week series of shows this summer that will combine three existing Vermont Summer Festival shows and three HITS Saugerties Summer Series shows to create the Great American Summer Series, July 1 – August 9, 2020.

“We are pleased to be working with John Ammerman and the Vermont Summer Festival to create the Great American Summer Series at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this year,” said Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO of HITS. “When John [Ammerman] first found out he could not run shows in Vermont in 2020, we immediately began collaborating to bring our two circuits together to provide exhibitors with a world-class experience this summer.”

The Great American Summer Series will begin July 1 with two VSF Shows, the Vermont Summer Special and Manchester Summer Festival, followed by the three-week HITS Saugerties Summer Series, and finishing with the Vermont Summer Celebration.

We expect to hear from USEF next week and will make our final announcement and publish the Great American Summer Series Prize List then.

Stay tuned for more information at HITSShows.com.

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Update on Commonwealth National at HITS Culpeper in April

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Out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of HITS exhibitors, their horses, and HITS employees, HITS President and CEO, Tom Struzzieri, made the decision to cancel the Commonwealth National Horse Show, April 15-19, at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

“Health and Safety come first,” said Struzzieri. “This was a tough decision. The Culpeper April show is one of our favorite shows all year, but the well-being of our exhibitors and staff is the top priority for us right now. We wanted to get the word out early so exhibitors, staff, and their families can make plans appropriately.”

The HITS Culpeper Summer Series at Commonwealth Park will now kick off with the two-week July Series, July 1-12, that will feature two USHJA National Hunter Derbies as well as USHJA Green Hunter Incentive qualifying classes. The August series runs two weeks, August 12-23, and the Culpeper Finals horse show closes the season September 23-27.

“We will be back for the summer and fall with bells on,” Struzzieri continued. “In the meantime, we hope everyone stays safe and healthy, and we look forward to seeing you soon.”

The HITS Culpeper Prize list is available at HITSShows.com. If you have any questions regarding the April show, or would like assistance as you make plans for the Summer and Fall shows, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 845-246-8833 or info@hitsshows.com.

We will continue to closely monitor the health situation and stay in daily contact with appropriate officials and health experts for HITS Culpeper and all HITS Summer Horse Shows. We will post updates as needed on our website or HITS Facebook.

Competitions, HITS, Show Jumping

Aaron Vale Secures Second Grand Prix Win of HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in $200k Grand Prix

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It was a beautiful day for the final Grand Prix of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. A field of 58 riders were ready to take on the $200,000 CaptiveOne Grand Prix, over a course designed by Oscar Soberon of Dallas, Texas. The triple combination at fence 12 proved to be a challenge for many riders in the first round, with 31 having faults at one or more of elements. A tight time allowed added to the pressure, just to be in the top 12 with a four fault score riders had to have a time of 78.885 or quicker.

Rowan Willis set the pace with the first clear ride in the jump-off in a time of 40.784 aboard BLUE MOVIE to take home third place. A few trips later, Willis returned to the ring and topped his first ride with DIABLO VII in 40.608 for the red ribbon. But it was Aaron Vale and ELUSIVE who took home top honors in $200,000 CaptiveOne Grand Prix when they came in and broke the 40-second mark, clearing the jump-off course in 39.158. Vale saved time by choosing a direct route from fence five to six in eight strides where most did nine to claim their second victory of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

That’s a wrap! While the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit ended a week earlier than expected, the health and safety of our exhibitors and their horses, our spectators, and staff come first. President and CEO of HITS, Tom Struzzieri, made the decision early Friday morning that the 39th edition of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit would end following the close of competition. The grounds were closed to spectators, but riders were all in high spirits on Sunday as the season closed out with the $200,000 CaptiveOne Grand Prix, the Tack Shack of Ocala Second-Half Circuit Awards, and the HITS Ocala Grand Circuit Champions.

Even though this year’s circuit is complete, we are looking forward to 2021 and celebrating our 40th Anniversary in central Florida. The circuit will start December 9 and will again offer 12 weeks of USEF-Rated shows featuring over 400 classes in more than 100 divisions each week, along with special classes and great prize money throughout. Plus, we are excited to announce that the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix will return to close out the circuit March 2021. Look for more information in the coming months and the official prize list to be released in October.

Click here for the full listing of results from the HITS Ocala Winter Celebration.

For more info, please contact the staff at HITS Post Time Farm, 352-620-2275 or info@hitsshows.com.

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

HITS Ocala Taking Steps to Protect Health and Safety of Participants

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While there are no reported cases of coronavirus in the Ocala area, out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our exhibitors, their horses, and HITS employees, we will close this year’s HITS Ocala Winter Circuit at the end of competition on Sunday, March 15.

“Safety and health come first,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “Obviously horses can stay on the property following competition on Sunday. Please reach out to HITS staff if you have any special timing needs. All of us at HITS are greatly disappointed with this news, but are happy to be able to make this announcement in a voluntary manner. Riders planning on showing in the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix should stay tuned for an announcement from HITS regarding a replacement competition of equal importance to this unparalleled class.” Looking ahead, we are pleased that Great American has signed on to sponsor the Ocala Million again in 2021.

Riders who have been competing for 2nd-Half and Overall Grand Circuit Champion Awards will be honored this Sunday prior to the $200,000 CaptiveOne Grand Prix.

Through next week and beyond as needed, HITS Staff will remain on-site at Post Time Farm. Feed and bedding will continue to be available. Rings will be maintained for use by riders on-site. Food service and the Horse Show Office will remain open. Those staying in Campers, GenZHomes, or the on-site Houses and Condos are also welcome to stay.

Beginning Friday, March 13, HITS Post Time Farm will be closed to the general public.

HITS will continue to closely monitor the health situation and stay in daily contact with appropriate officials and health experts in Marion County.

For questions or concerns, please contact the staff at HITS Post Time Farm, 352-620-2275 or info@hitsshows.com.

Competitions, HITS, Show Jumping

Enjoy the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Style

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The Seventh Annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, on Sunday, March 22, is less than a month away. The richest Grand Prix in America will feature a great group of Grand Prix veterans and rising stars, including nearly a dozen past Olympians and a dozen more Olympic hopefuls. This year’s Great American Million is an event you don’t want to miss.

Watch top Grand Prix riders including Beezie Madden and McLain Ward representing the United States, Jill Henselwood and Beth Underhill representing Canada, Rowan Willis and Scott Keach of Australia, Sharn Wordley of New Zealand, Andre Thieme of Germany, and more. Be a part of show jumping history, where past Million Champions meet first time contestants all in hopes of securing the crown jewel of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

General Admission Tickets are $10 for Adults, Children 12 & Under free.
Grandstand seating or bring your own lawn chairs. Snack Bar available.
Season Passes grant admittance to the Great American Million also.

Day VIP Passes are $150 per person and include lunch buffet with beer and wine service.
Day VIP seating will be open style seating in a covered tent overlooking the Grand Prix Stadium.
Day VIP Passes must be purchased in advance and are not refundable.

For more information, contact the Horse Show Office at 352.620.2275 or info@hitsshows.com.

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Cheers to 39 Years at HITS Ocala

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The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is HITS’ longest-running horse show series, having started in Gainesville in 1982.  Now celebrating its 39th year, the annual USEF-Rated show jumping circuit returns to HITS Post Time Farm for what may prove to be its biggest season yet in terms of horses, participants, prize money, and economic impact on the surrounding community.

“In this first week we have already seen an increase of 500 stalls for a total of 2,200 stalls rented on-property,” said Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO, HITS, Inc. “We expect that trend to continue the rest of the circuit, putting us on pace to grow by 30% this year, surpassing our previous entry records.”

A Staple Winter Circuit Returns

Having grown from a five-week circuit at its inception to the current 12-week schedule that runs from December through March each year, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit offers USEF National- and Premier-Rated Hunter competition, and 4*, 5*, and 6* Jumper competition.  Eight of the shows boast the highest Hunter Rating of Premier, and increased Grand Prix prize money has raised the number of shows with a 6* Jumper rating to seven.

These highly-rated USEF shows offer exhibitors at HITS Ocala valuable qualifying points for the prestigious “Indoor” horse shows, a number of National Medal and Horsemanship finals, and several USHJA programs.  In addition, points earned and money won throughout the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit count toward USEF Horse of the Year National and Zone Awards.

HITS continues to stay at the forefront of equestrian sport by offering a range of classes for every level of horse and rider, from Leadline to Grand Prix.  With over 450 classes offered each week, HITS promotes one of the most marvelous aspects of show jumping – where a child at his or her very first show may be seen at the competition ring standing next to an Olympic athlete.

This may be never truer than what this year’s circuit will see, where myriad upgrades and unique offerings at HITS Post Time Farm have attracted top riders from around the world.  These riders include half a dozen Olympic athletes and represent at least a dozen countries.  The richest purse in show jumping, the seventh annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, will be the ultimate showcase for these riders to cap off the circuit on March 22.

HITS Post Time Farm is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm, from January 15 to March 22. Admission is free every day except Sunday, which is $10 per adult admission ticket for the Grand Prix. HITS Season Passes are also available for $20 and grant access to all ten Sunday Grand Prix. Children 12 and under are free and parking is free. Snack Bar and grandstand seating available. For more information, tickets, and Day VIP opportunities for the Great American Million, please contact the show office at 352.620.2275 or visit HITSShows.com.

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

The Marshall & Sterling Team Challenge Returns This Week

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If you’re showing at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit this week, be sure to compete in the ALL NEW Marshall & Sterling Team Challenge making its return during Week IX. This multi-round, multi-day team competition for Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Riders is the latest addition to the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League.

Teams of three will compete to be the Champion in three rounds of competition. Teams may consist of any combination of Children’s or Adult Riders. Riders will earn points individually for the Finals, so a team can change from week to week. The Marshall & Sterling Team Challenge Finals will be held at the Marshall & Sterling Indoor Finals at the Great New York State Fair Expo Center in Syracuse, New York, October 23-27, 2019.

Get together with your friends, or make new friends, and enter your team today in the Horse Show Office!

Hunters

The Children’s/Adult Hunter Team Challenge will consist of three rounds: Classic-Style, Under Saddle, and Handy-Style. Rounds will be scored numerically and scores from each round will be added to determine the total score for each Team.

Jumpers

The Children’s/Adult Jumper Team Challenge will consist of three rounds: a two-round Nations Cup-Style on Day One and a stand-alone Table II Round on Day Two. Faults from each round will be added to determine a final score for the Team.

The Qualifying Period for the 2019 Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals ends on August 25, 2019. Riders must be active Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Members in order for points to count. For more information on the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League, visit HitsShows.com or contact League Director Patti Guerriero.

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Top Hunter Scores and Close Times in the Jump-off at Ocala Tournament

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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.