(C) HITS Art Department. A new jump inspired by 35mm film gives a nod to the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping.
Ocala, Florida (December 9, 2014): To celebrate the arrival of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, the creative team at HITS, Inc. has designed unique new jumps to challenge horses, excite riders and entertain spectators.
The jumps debut at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium February 13 at 1 pm at HITS Post Time Farm, as part of the 2015 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. HITS was chosen to host this year’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™, a prestigious international class that is a qualifier for the Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona this September.
The jumps will also be used for the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix March 23 in Ocala.
During the initial phases, the HITS Art Department created almost 40 different visuals and narrowed them down to 10 distinctive jumps, which the Jump Building Department will construct and have ready in time for their February premier.
“It’s all about ideas. Of course, a priority is making them functional for the horses, particularly for this exciting new event,” said HITS Assistant Art Director Elizabeth McClain. “But the fun part is the inspiration.”
New jumps include a bridge over the New York City skyline, old fashioned sailboats, and a jump that features two large heads of garlic to pay tribute to the annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, which draws tens of thousands of visitors to Saugerties each September, just weeks after the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix.
Other innovative jumps feature balls of knitting yarn, a large abacus, and Grecian columns topped with flowers inspired by the myth of Pegasus, the flying horse.
“In addition to the ‘Wow’ factor for spectators, we’re trying to challenge the horses and riders with different kinds of obstacles, and how they interact with the jumps,” said McClain. “It makes the event more special – that’s why we wait for these days to premier them. No one’s seen them before and the Grand Prix riders will be the first to jump over them.”
In addition to original jumps for Grand Prix riders, exhibitors at HITS can always expect top-of-the-line footing and facilities. For more on recent HITS facility upgrades, visit: hitsshows.com/hits-press.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
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