Tag Archives: HITS

Cheers to 39 Years at HITS Ocala

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.

The Marshall & Sterling Team Challenge Returns This Week

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.

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

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.

Vale Repeats and Swinderman Mitchell Rises to the Occasion at Ocala Premiere

The Ocala Premiere closed the books with high scores in the Hunter Prix and back to back wins in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.

The $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Welcome started the week for the Open Jumper division with Bree Rosales taking the victory. She rode VOIGTSDORFS QUONSCHBOB to a blue ribbon finish with a time of 42.443.

2nd Place: Heren Lee & EVERYDAY HERO
3rd Place: Kaitlyn Williams & VEDOR

The fastest time for the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix went to Brian Feigus with a time of 33.973 on CATOKI to grab the blue ribbon.

2nd Place: Derek Petersen & DIAMANT’S LEGACY (35.576)
3rd Place: Kristen VanderVeen & BULL RUN’S ALMIGHTY (37.040)

VanderVeen continued her winning ways, taking home top honors by winning the $10,000 KindredBio Open Prix. This time she was on BULL RUN’S DIVINE FORTUNE to earn a time of 46.405.

2nd Place: Kris Killam & BOREALE DE TALMA (47.063)
3rd Place: Matthias Hollberg & VANITA (48.000)

The $10,000 1.35m Jumper Classic on Saturday was won by Sarah Meier. She had the blue ribbon round with a time of 39.030 aboard CHANEL.

2nd Place: Savannah Unger & FABIO TN (40.931)
3rd Place: Grant Seger & DR. J (41.853)

Claire McDonald took home the winning round in the $2,500 Pyranha Junior 1.25m Jumper Classic, capturing the win on LUNA.

Bringing home the blue ribbon in the $2,500 Pyranha A-O/AM 1.25m Jumper Classic was Molly Struve. She crossed the timers in 38.872 aboard AURORA to finish with top honors.

Hayley Waters was the winning rider in the $5,000 Summit Joint Performance Jr/AO/AM 1.35m Jumper Classic. She piloted IDALIE VAN DOPERHEIDE across the timers for a top honors finish.

Sima Morgello rode a great jump-off round to finish first in the $7,500 U-Dump Jr/A-O/AM 1.45m Jumper Classic. She was aboard ORIENTALES to catch the first place win.

Aaron Vale returned to the Ocala Horse Properties stadium for $50,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday and wowed the crowd with a repeat performance of last week’s victory. Vale and MAJOR finished with a time of 45.891 for their second Grand Prix win in a row.

2nd Place: Brooke Kemper & CLASSIFIED (46.235)
3rd Place: Sharn Wordley & BARNETTA (50.110)

When it came to tough competition and impressive victories, the hunters gave the jumpers a run for their money at the Ocala Premier.

The winning score in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix was close to call, but Alexandra Carroll was able to come out on top of the pack. She was aboard CHINCHINO, earning a first round score of 81. And, when combined with her second round score of an 80, gave her the overall winning score of 161.

2nd Place: Kelly Anne Siock & SANTEUR (159.50)
3rd Place: Lena Rea Reeb & CALL ME (157.50)

Robin Swinderman Mitchell earned the top score for the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix this week. Mitchell earned a first round score of 85 and a second round score of 90 to win the class with an overall total of 175. She was aboard CLASSIC to seal the blue ribbon finish.

2nd Place: Grace Debney & KAHLUA (166)
3rd Place: Amanda Steege & TENACIOUS (165)

For more information, visit HitsShows.com.

Brooke Kemper and Sara Taylor Capture Featured Class Wins at Culpeper Finals

Brooke Kemper and CLASSIFIED. ESI Photography.

The HITS Culpeper Summer Series at HITS Commonwealth Park has come and gone for 2018. It was a beautiful week to close out the season in the Heart of Virginia’s Horse Country with great weather, blue ribbons and the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Champion awards claimed at the Culpeper Finals.

The featured classes in the Grand Prix Ring kicked off with the $5,000 Open Welcome where Tracy Magness would start her week with a win aboard INTENZ VAN HD. Magness and “Candy” crossed the timers in 35.043, over a full second faster than the second place recipient.

Magness’ victory put an exclamation mark on her season at HITS Culpeper, marking her eighth blue ribbon in a featured Open Jumper class, and securing the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Championship in the Open 1.40m Jumpers. Jumping to second place would be Jennifer Brennan aboard MAC, finishing in a four-fault time of 34.024. Third place would be awarded to Cian McDermott, taking the reins aboard NEWCASTLE in a four-fault time of 35.565. Danny Mahon would take home the fourth place award aboard CHOPPER 5, followed by Randy Johnson in fifth aboard his own CAMPARO.

A field of 21 would take to the course Friday afternoon in the $10,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Prix. Top honors would be awarded to Marylisa Leffler aboard LUMINOUS, soaring to the finish in 31.147. Second place would be awarded to Magness and INTENZ VAN HD in a time of 31.276, followed by Johnson and JADE VAN DE START with a time of 32.872 to claim the yellow ribbon. Jason Berry would capture the fourth place ribbon aboard QUANTOS in a time of 33.598. Rounding out the top five in the Prix would be Tamara Morse and RAVENNA ADELHEID Z in a time of 34.135.

Top honors in the $2,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s and Adult Jumper Classic was Wendy Libert and PAPILLION PEANUT.

Bari Michelle Friedman and CAPITOL II would take home top honors in the $2,500 Pyranha Junior/Amateur-Owner/Amateur 1.20m Jumper Classic.

Taking home top honors in the $5,000 Summit Joint Performance Junior/Amateur-Owner/Amateur 1.30m Jumper Classic was Ginny Gale and EVENSONG. Gale and EVENSONG also captured the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Championship in the Jr/A-O/Am 1.30m.

Tamara Morse and RAVENNA ADELHEID Z would soar to a blue ribbon finish in the $7,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner/Amateur 1.40m Jumper Classic. This dynamic duo would also take home the Horseware Ireland Reserve Grand Championship in the Jr/A-O/Am 1.30m Jumpers and Champion in the Jr/A-O/Am 1.40m Jumpers.

The excitement of the featured jumper classes at the HITS Culpeper Finals would continue on Sunday with the $20,000 HITS Open Prix. Taking home top honors, by over a full four seconds, would be Brooke Kemper and CLASSIFIED. Soaring through the timers in a fault-free time of 34.442 would secure the win in the final Open Prix of the HITS Culpeper Summer Series. Riding home with the second place ribbon would be Ashley Foster and DALIANTE M in a time of 39.612. Marylisa Leffler and LUMINOUS would take home the third place ribbon for their jump-off rider, finishing with a four-fault time of 38.340. Taking home the fourth place ribbon would be Magness and INTENZ VAN HD, followed by Laura Gaither and GARDA in fifth.

In the Hunter Rings, riders competed for blue ribbons and points toward the Hunter Prix Finals at the 2019 HITS Championships, in Saugerties, New York. The Devoucoux serves as the qualifying class for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Finals and similarly the Platinum Performance serves as the qualifying class for the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Finals.

First up in the Main Hunter Ring on Saturday afternoon were those competing in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix. Taking home the blue ribbon and lion’s share of the $1,500 purse was Sara Taylor aboard CARLOTTA. Taylor rode to scores of 88 and 86 for a total of 174 between her two rounds. Riding to second place was Megan Bennett aboard MARGO with scores of 82 and 83 for a two round total of 165. Taking home the third place ribbon was Katie McAfee for her ride aboard CAPPUCCINO with scores of 68 and 70 for a two round total of 138.

Junior and Amateur riders took the stage next for the $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. Taking home top honors would be Carley Gray aboard her own UNIQUE CAR. Chelsea Director and her own URBAN would follow to be awarded the second place ribbon.

The Constitution Classic also featured the Culpeper Equitation Classic where Junior and Amateur riders have the option to compete at either the 3′ or 3’6″ fence height.

Taking home top honors was Madison Smyth whose trip was described by the judge as “smooth as silk.” As first to go in the class, she put the pressure on the following riders. In second place was Jacqui Needle, followed by Lauren Miller to take home third place.

For more information, visit HitsShows.com.

The Cavalier Classic Is a Wrap at HITS Culpeper

Agustin Rosales and CAPELIUS. Photo Courtesy of ESI Photography.

Agustin Rosales Soars to First and Second in the Open Prix; Dominique Damico Jumps to First in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix

Exhibitors jumped into another week of Show Jumping Competition at HITS Commonwealth Park to wrap up the July series of the circuit in Culpeper, Virginia. With trees and flowers blooming and beautiful sunny weather, the two-week HITS Culpeper July Series were just what exhibitors were hoping for.

“It’s been a nice two weeks for me in Culpeper,” said Gavin Moylan, owner, trainer, and rider at Meadowville Farm, based in Middleburg, Virginia and Wellington, Florida. “I won the Devoucoux Hunter Prix last week and the Johnson Horse Transportation Prix this week, so I practiced all the disciplines!” he continued. “I have a new group of horses and this was a great place to bring them to get them started jumping some bigger classes. The footing is great – even better this week than last. Rian Beals (Technical Coordinator) does a nice job running things outside and is easy to work with.”

Pam Baker, owner and trainer at her Hillcrest Farm in Bealeton, Virginia, had a successful two weeks with her clients, and expressed her appreciation of the shows. “I’ve always loved Culpeper – of course I’ve been showing here decades! Now that the footing has been redone I think Culpeper is one of the best facilities in the country.” Pam is also a fan of the Quiche breakfast special served on Saturday mornings at the restaurant. “I wish they had quiche on Sunday too! It’s SO good!”

Melissa Rundershausen and CHARMEUR ASK soared into the Cavalier Classic with a win in the $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper on Wednesday, securing the first place ribbon.

On Friday, Gavin Moylan would capture the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Prix aboard DON FERNANTES Z in a time of 38.347. Taking home the second place ribbon was Lucy Matz and CARDELLA in a time of 38.360, followed by Agustin Rosales and CAPELIUS S in third with a time of 39.291. Dominique Damico would take home the fourth and fifth place ribbons aboard WOODSTOCK O and DORELLA HBC, respectively. Damico finished with times of 40.036 and 40.260.

Shelly Zimmerli and GUMMI VAN OZ captured a win in the $2,500 Pyranha Jr/A-O/Am 1.20m Jumper Classic with a time of 41.216.

Taking home top honors in the $5,000 Summit Joint Performance Jr/A-O/Am 1.30m Jumper Classic with a time of 43.228 was Ginny Gale and EVENSONG.

Tamara Morse and RAVENNA ADELHEID Z soared to a first place finish in the $7,500 Jr/A-O/Am 1.40m Jumper Classic in a time of 41.286.

Taking home top honors in the $20,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Open Prix at the Cavalier Classic was Rosales and CAPELIUS S in a time of 39.236. Rosales also captured the second place ribbon aboard AVALON in a time of 41.862. Alex Matz rode to a third place finish aboard CASHEW CR in a four-fault time of 41.762. Ashley Foster would round out the top five, taking home both the fourth and fifth place ribbons aboard DALIANTE M and LUMINOUS, respectively. Foster jumped to her placings with a four-fault time of 49.645 for fourth and an eight-fault time of 53.620 for fifth.

In the Hunter Rings, riders were looking to qualify for the HITS Championship that takes place September 5-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. HITS Culpeper features the $1,500 Devoucoux and $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix each week, which are the respective qualifying classes for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Finals and the Platinum Performance $100,000 Hunter Prix Finals.

To go along with her successes in the jumper ring, Damico jumped to a win in the $1,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix aboard NEMESIS 11 with a score of 84 in Round One and 82 in Round Two for a combined score of 166 to secure top honors. Taking home the red ribbon in the Hunter Prix was Sara Taylor aboard EXCELLENT with scores of 86 and 78 in her two rounds, adding up to a total score of 164. Rounding out the top three in the Prix was Katie McAfee and CAPPUCCINO. McAfee scored an 87 in the first round, the highest of those competing, and a 75 in the second round putting her in third with a two round total of 162.

Taking home the top honors in the $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix was Catherine Black and HEADLINES with scores of 77 and 84 for a combined score of 161. Second place was Jakob Kronenwetter and EYEWITNESS scoring a 75 in Round One and 72 in Round Two for an overall score of 147. Lauren Miller would round out the top three in the Junior/Amateur Prix aboard FERNHILL STARBOY with a two round total of 134. Miller scored a 65 in the first round and a 69 in the second round.

Visit hitsshows.com for more information.

Riders Are All Smiles after Successful Week at HITS Culpeper for Showday National

Photo Courtesy of ESI Photography.

Jennifer Brennan and Gavin Moylan Ride Away with Top Finishes in the Featured Hunter and Jumper Classes

Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation riders return to HITS Commonwealth Park for another week of USEF-Rated Show Jumping Competition. The Showday National featured over 400 classes, including qualifiers for the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Finals and the HITS Championship, and of course the featured $20,000 ULCERGARD Open Prix. Riders would trot away with blue ribbons, championship titles, and smiles on their faces.

Professionals were ecstatic to be back at HITS Commonwealth Park to kick off the July Series. Ken Krome, USEF and FEI Course Designer and Judge, travelled from his farm in Westminster, Maryland to show at the Showday National in Culpeper, Virginia. Krome stated, “It was beautiful here this week. Rian Beals (Manager and Technical Coordinator) did a great job. The show grounds look the best it ever has, and the footing was tip top in every ring.” Krome had riders with top finishes in Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation classes. “From the schedule, to the in-gate staff to the office, everything ran smoothly and we’re looking forward to another great week,” Krome said, expressing his excitement for the show this week.

Ian Silitch, a well-known trainer and rider in Virginia, now based out of Ocala, Florida, said, “Culpeper really is a hidden gem! We came early this week, and everything was ready to go from the start. We could have started showing on Monday!” Silitch continued, “Coming to Culpeper always puts a smile on my face – it’s like coming home. The footing was perfect, the stabling is some of the best in the country, and the staff did a great job. The course designer got it just right on Sunday and [Rian] Beals has really taken the reins, and is always friendly and approachable.”

Randy Johnson, of Greener Pastures Equine in Clarksburg, Maryland, had a first and third place finish in the Junior/Amateur Jumper Classics on Sunday. Earlier in the week, he was reminiscing with Kristen Vale-Mosack, Show Office Manager, about their time showing here in the 1980s. “It was so nice to be in Culpeper this week, especially for those of us who feel like we grew up here!” he said.

In the Grand Prix Ring, riders jump-started the week with the $5,000 Open Welcome. Kicking the week off with a win was Melissa Runderhausen aboard CHARMEUR ASK in a time of 40.057. Finishing in second place would be Agustin Rosales aboard CAPELIUS S in a time of 41.865, followed by Shelly Zimmerli and her partner CHARDONAY HARAS DES BARRAGES in third with a time of 42.916. Taking home the white ribbon was Savannah Unger and FABIO TN, followed by Jennifer Brennan and MAC rounding out the top five.

Jumper riders joined us back in the Grand Prix Ring on Friday for the $10,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Prix where Cian McDermott and NEWCASTLE would add a win to their record. Mcdermott would fly to a first place finish, crossing the timers in 34.026. Ashley Foster would jump to second and fifth place finishes aboard LUMINOUS and DALIANTE M, respectively. Foster finished with her two equine partners in times of 34.403 and 37.072. Sarah Hubbard and GENIUS would claim the third place award in a time of 34.463. Returning to the Winners Circle and claiming the fourth place award in a time of 35.087 would be Brennan and MAC.

On Sunday, Jessica Rich and CAVALIER CLOVER BOY took home top honors in the $2,500 Jr./A-O/Am. 1.20m Jumper Classic in a time of 29.371.

In the $5,000 NAL Summit Joint Performance Jr./A-O/Am. 1.30m Jumper Classic, Randy Johnson and JADE VAN DE START would finish at the top of the standings in a time of 28.824.

Claiming top honors in the $7,500 Jr./A-O/Am. 1.40m Jumper Classic was Zimmerli and CHARDONAY HARAS DES BARRAGES in a time of 32.990.

A successful week in the Grand Prix Ring ended with the $20,000 ULCERGARD Open Prix. Three riders would return to the Jump-Off all in hopes of securing top honors in the featured class at the Showday National. All riders completed the Jump-Off with four-fault scores, meaning that the standings would be determined by who was the fastest. Brennan and MAC would soar to a first place finish in a time of 41.938. Following Brennan, in second place was Foster and LUMINOUS in a time of 44.252. Brian Murphy would round out the top three in a time of 49.212 aboard MIMMO T.Z. Not returning to the jump off but round out the top five would be Gavin Moylan and DON FERNANTES Z in fourth and Hubbard and LATINO VAN DE LOOISE HEIDE in fifth.

In the Hunter Rings, riders joined us for HITS Championship qualifying classes the $1,500 Devoucoux and $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.

Moylan and STRING OF PEARLS would be victorious in the $1,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix with scores of 87 and 84, for a two round total of 171. In second place, with a combined score of 169, was Riley Hogan and RONALDO scoring an 83 in Round One and 86 in Round Two. Foster and SUMMERLIN would be awarded third place with scores of 79 in Round One and 87 in Round Two, for an overall score of 166.

Junior and Amateur riders would join us for the $1,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. Lydia Davidson and PARK AVENUE would secure first place with a score of 73 in the first round and an 86 in the second round for a combined score of 159. Jumping to a second place finish was Lilly Pollin and PURA VIDA, receiving scores of 74 and 80 in her two rounds for a combined score of 154. Rounding out the top three in the HITS Championship qualifier was Kathryn Piper Martin and ANDIAMO with an overall score of 148. Martin received scores of 70 in Round One and 78 in Round Two.

Taking home top honors in the Culpeper Equitation Classic was Lauren Miller. The Culpeper Equitation Classic is open to both Junior and Amateur riders and is held at both 3′ and 3’6″. It offers riders a unique opportunity to compete together in an interesting format, and as the featured class in the Grand Prix Ring on Saturday afternoon, it is a great opportunity for riders to gain experience showing in the spotlight. Miller received a score of 78 to secure top honors in the Culpeper Equitation Classic. Riley Hogan placed second with a score of 74 and Natalie Tezsla placed third with a score of 70.

Visit hitsshows.com for more information.

Final Week Wraps Up at HITS Ocala for 2018

Photo: David Raposa and Iliona.

“It’s not goodbye; it’s see you soon!” is what many people were saying this week during the Ocala Championship, as the final week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit came to a close. Week X proved to be one of the most exciting weeks yet, with high stakes classes for both hunters and jumpers, including the fifth annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix.

The week kicked off with the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Open Welcome and a victory by Michael Hutchinson and RONALDO DE LA POMME with a jump-off time of 35.850. In second was Taylor Land and FALCO V with a jump-off time of 37.973. Devin Ryan came in third aboard FLORIDA with a jump-off time of 38.342. Fourth place was Rachel Schnurr and PRINCE GARBO with a jump-off time of 38.528, while Tracy Magness rounded out the top five aboard INTENZ VAN HD with a jump-off time of 39.045.

On Thursday, the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix took place once again. This week, David Raposa took the top spot aboard ILIONA with a jump-off time of 40.620. Newcomer to the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, Jamie Barge, took second aboard LUEBBO with a jump-off time of 41.498. Sharn Wordley was third with CASPER in a jump-off time of 41.530 and three time $1 Million Grand Prix winner, Andre Thieme, was fourth aboard ARETINO 13 with a jump-off time of 41.936. Week VII $50,000 HITS Grand Prix winner, Callan Solem, took fifth aboard DAVIDSON with a jump-off time of 42.887.

Friday afternoon, the $10,000 Open Prix took place, with $265,000 Longines Grand Prix winner (Week V), Rowan Willis, taking the win aboard SHARK with a jump-off time of 31.672. In second was Wordley aboard RYE VAL DE MAI with a jump-off time of 32.611, while Lisa Goldman was third aboard her well-known mount CENTURION B with a jump-off time of 34.859. Emanuel Andrade continued to impress, taking fourth aboard JOLI JUMPER with a jump-off time of 34.993 and fifth was Lillie Keenan and CHACCOLETTE with a jump-off time of 35.748.

Friday evening, the HITS Equitation Championships took place, giving young riders a chance to shine in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. Madeline Schaefer was awarded first place aboard CORRENDO with a two-round score of 178. Brian Moggre was second aboard MTM GEM with a two-round score of 174. Only one point behind was Sophee Steckbeck and CURT Z with a two-round score of 173. Fourth was awarded to C. Blair Spencer aboard WASSINI with a two-round score of 169. Rounding out the top five was Danny Mahon and CHOPPER 5 with a two-round score of 161.5.

Saturday was an exciting day, with several jumper classics taking place, as well as the $25,000 USHJA International Derby. Starting the day off was the $10,000 KindredBio 1.30m Junior/Amateur-Owner/Amateur Jumper Classic. Kady Abrahamson took first place aboard BASCO H2 with a jump-off time of 35.372. Moggre was second aboard TOUR EIFFEL with a jump-off time of 36.431. In third was Quinn Larimer and LIMBOY VON WORRENBERG with a jump-off time of 37.020 and Nicole Loochtan was fourth aboard CAIMAN DES SEQUOIAS with a jump-off time of 43.423. Fifth was Darby Toben aboard D’ARTAGNAN with a jump-off time of 45.920.

In the $10,000 1.35 Classic, Hutchinson again took the win aboard RONALDO DE LA POMME with a jump-off time of 41.835. Second was Jennifer Ann Smith and LAISSEZ FAIRE 3E with a jump-off time of 46.715. Wordley, took another top five placing aboard RYE VAL DE MAI, placing third with a four-fault jump-off time of 40.853. Fourth was Ryan aboard FLORIDA with a four-fault jump-off time of 41.209 and Jennifer Brennan was fifth aboard MAC with a four-fault jump-off time of 42.724.

In the $25,000 U-Dump Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, Callie Smith and Tamara Morse battled it out in the jump-off as the only two clears from the first round. Smith came out on top with one time-fault in the jump-off in 48.575 aboard FLOYD W. Tamara Morse was second aboard RAVENNA ALDEHEID Z with a rail and one time fault in a time of 48.623. Third was Nicole Belissimo and HARLEY DAVID as the fastest of the four-faulters in round-one with a time of 70.268. Just a second behind her was Kady Abrahamson and CHARLINE 28 with a four-fault score in 71.358 and Bryn Sadler was fifth aboard CEZARRO with a four-fault time of 74.420.

Kate Taylor and CHACCA BLUE took the win in the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic with a jump-off time of 31.257. Grace Debney was second aboard BYOLGA with a jump-off time of 31.736. In third was Alyson Gurney and BLACK FRIDAY with a jump-off time of 33.550 and Sherri Jamison took fourth place with MAY’S NEWS in a jump-off time of 34.364. Fifth was Joy Slater aboard OILEAN UNO with a jump-off time of 34.648.

Saturday evening, the second $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of the circuit took place in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. Holly Shepherd was awarded first place after two beautiful rounds and a total score of 370. Shepherd rode her gelding KODACHROME, securing first place and $7,500 in prize money after masterfully maneuvering through both rounds. Samantha Schaefer was second aboard IN THE KNOW with a two-round score of 364. Third place was Hunt Tosh and FLAMINGO-K with a two score of 362.75. ATTENTION PLEASE and David Jennings were fourth with a two-round score of 355.5. Cassandra Kahle rounded out the top five aboard DIADORA with a two-round score of 354.5.

On Sunday, the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Champions and Tack Warehouse Second-Half Circuit Champions made their way into the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium for the Parade of Champions and recognition of their season-long achievements. Several Special awards were also presented, including the following:

Kindred Bio Leading Rider: Brian Moggre
Laura Pickett Grand Junior Hunter Champion: Rockette, Kaitlyn Williams
Farm Credit Tackroom Award: Sapphire Riding Academy, trainer Doug Boyd
Absorbine Groom’s Award: Robert Buniowski, groom for Grand Prix Rider Rowan Willis of Australia

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Beezie Madden Wins Fifth Annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Ocala

Four-time USEF Equestrian of the Year, Beezie Madden, is a name that almost every horse person in the world has heard at least once. Madden has been competing at the Grand Prix level since 1985 and continues to add to her resume of Grand Prix wins every year. As of March 25th, 2018, she became a two-time HITS Million Dollar Grand Prix winner as well, with a victory in the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix to close out the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

This is Madden’s second $1 Million Grand Prix win with HITS, also winning in Saugerties, New York in 2015. “I’ve been lucky enough that this is my second win. It’s amazing what he offers; all of the venues and shows he offers. I don’t know how he does it all,” Madden said, referring to HITS Owner and CEO Tom Struzzieri.

Alan Wade of Tipperary, Ireland, designing his second HITS Million course, built a track that the riders felt was challenging, but allowed for them to ride to their horses’ strengths in both the first round and the jump-off, with spots to make up ground in turns or in long gallops. “The riders who were clean were obviously thrilled, but lots of riders with just one or two rails came out of the ring very happy with their performance.” said Wade, who was pleased with how the course challenged both the veteran and less experienced riders. “For the developing riders, the more they get to jump a course like this, the easier it will become for them.”

After a challenging round one, five riders would come back to jump off to find the winner of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. First to jump-off was Lillie Keenan aboard SUPER SOX, Keenan smoothly rode through the course, going clear with a time of 44.479. As the first to go in the jump-off, and to be clean and efficient, she set the bar for the rest of the riders in the jump-off. Her score would eventually be good enough for second place.

Daniel Bluman was second to go aboard SANCHA LS. Being the only foreign rider in the jump-off field, the crowd cheered him on, but he unfortunately had a rail down early and would have two more down, completing the course with a twelve-fault score in 49.954. Keenan was still in the lead, but not for long. Third to go was Beezie Madden and COACH. A crowd favorite, the energy from in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium was at an all-time high as Madden skillfully jumped fence after fence clear, taking the sharpest turns possible. The crowd held their breath just before the last fence, as COACH soared, landing clear and with a time of 44.479, almost two seconds faster than Keenan.  Madden was now in the lead, but would one of the remaining two manage to top that time?

Jamie Barge entered the ring aboard LUEBBO, with high hopes that she would catch up to Madden.  Barge galloped the long stretches as fast as she could manage, and jumped clear, with a time of 48.461, putting her in third place.  As Barge cantered out of the ring, Charlie Jayne awaited his turn in the ring aboard TOU LA MOON. The pressure was on, as he was the final rider to jump-off. Jayne rode to his mare’s strength of quick, tight turns, trying to push the others out of the lead. Approaching the final fence, the crowd went wild, wondering if he would catch up to Madden. As he landed from the final fence and the scoreboard stopped, everyone looked at the time, 47.092, putting Jayne into third place. Madden had won it and the crowd applauded her as loudly as they could.

Daniel Bluman was second to go aboard SANCHA LS. Being the only foreign rider in the jump-off field, the crowd cheered him on, but he unfortunately had a rail down early and would have two more down, completing the course with a twelve-fault score in 49.954. Keenan was still in the lead, but not for long. Third to go was Beezie Madden and COACH. A crowd favorite, the energy from in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium was at an all-time high as Madden skillfully jumped fence after fence clear, taking the sharpest turns possible. The crowd held their breath just before the last fence, as COACH soared, landing clear and with a time of 44.479, almost two seconds faster than Keenan.  Madden was now in the lead, but would one of the remaining two manage to top that time?

Jamie Barge entered the ring aboard LUEBBO, with high hopes that she would catch up to Madden.  Barge galloped the long stretches as fast as she could manage, and jumped clear, with a time of 48.461, putting her in third place.  As Barge cantered out of the ring, Charlie Jayne awaited his turn in the ring aboard TOU LA MOON. The pressure was on, as he was the final rider to jump-off. Jayne rode to his mare’s stretch of quick, tight turns, trying to push the others out of the lead. Approaching the final fence, the crowd went wild, wondering if he would catch up to Madden. As he landed from the final fence and scoreboard stopped, everyone looked at the time, 47.092, putting Jayne into third place. Madden had won it and the crowd applauded her as loudly as they could.

Center stage was Madden having secured the first place position and earning a check for $350,000. When asked about her ride, she said, “I was really happy with how the horse went. I thought the course really suited him. I have high hopes for him.” speaking of the German-bred ten-year-old gelding, COACH, owned by Abigail Wexner. “Everything fell into place really nicely and I had a great support team behind me.”

Lillie Keenan had claimed the second place spot and a hefty prize money check for $200,000 aboard her well-known gelding SUPER SOX after two clear rounds and a jump-off time of 46.229. Keenan, at only twenty-two years old, has an impressive list of accomplishments, launching her career as a top Grand Prix rider at HITS when she was just sixteen years old in the $1 Million Grand Prix. “The most profound part of the experience is that HITS offers an opportunity to riders that are maybe either young riders or haven’t gotten to the point in their careers to have had the chance to jump at that level and also for that amount of prize money,” Keenan said when asked what she enjoys most about showing at HITS. “For me that made a huge difference, jumping a Million Dollar Grand Prix at just sixteen.”

Charlie Jayne was third aboard his mare TOU LA MOON with a fault-free jump off time of 47.092. Jayne, who also competed in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix the week before at HITS Coachella, is familiar with the Ocala Horse Properties stadium and used that to his advantage. “I thought the course was excellent today. There were a lot of options,” Jayne said in thanks to course designer Alan Wade. Jayne has competed in all five Great American Millions at HITS Ocala. “I want to thank HITS, Great American, and the City of Ocala. I’ve come to this Million every year and the crowd keeps getting bigger and bigger. This is the biggest crowd I’ve jumped for this year so far and the energy was really great.”

Jamie Barge took the fourth place finish with LEUBBO, the thirteen year old gelding owned by Kylie Co., after a clear first round and a fault-free jump-off time of 48.461. Daniel Bluman rounded out the top five aboard his mare SANCHA LS with a twelve-fault jump-off time of 49.954.

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Week VIII Wraps Up at HITS Ocala

Aaron Vale and Exclusive. ESI Photography.

Feature classes during Week VIII of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit included several repeat winners and introduced some new riders to the victory circle as well. With two more weeks to finish the season, competition is heating up for riders qualifying for the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix and riders vying for the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Champion and Tack Shack of Ocala Second-Half Circuit Champion award.

Well-known Grand Prix rider Aaron Vale started off Week VIII with a bang, winning the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Welcome for the second week in a row, aboard EXCLUSIVE with a jump-off time of 28.572. Vale also took the fourth place title aboard STAKKO with a jump-off time of 30.720. Second place was earned by Brian Feigus and CARLA with a jump-off time of 28.959 while Dorothy Douglas took the third place spot aboard CHACCO LAIT with a jump-off time of 29.755. Rounding out the top five was Bryn Sadler aboard BULL RUN’S LIVING with a jump-off time of 30.956.

On Thursday, the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix took place once again. For the second week in a row, Venezuelan rider Emanuel Andrade took the first place award aboard U with a jump-off time of 37.268. He also took both the second and fourth place awards aboard ANASTASIA DU PARK and GRAN MAMUT and jump-off times of 37.459 and 37.741, respectively. Lisa Goldman earned both the third and fifth place awards aboard HINDSIGHT and SOVEREIGN and jump-off times of 37.636 and 38.628.

Friday brought even more success to Andrade, as he was both first and second place in the $10,000 Open Prix aboard BOY IV and JENNI’S CHANCE and jump-off times of 27.748 and 29.601, respectively. German rider Andre Thieme took the third place spot aboard FORAMI with a jump-off time of 30.691. Goldman continued to be successful, placing fourth aboard CENTURION B and a jump-off time of 30.881. Fifth place was earned by Mark Jungherr and CONTE COULEUR with a jump-off time of 32.461.

The $10,000 1.35m Classic took place on Saturday, with a very competitive round-two. Andrade continued his winning streak, taking first, third, and fifth places aboard QUILINA VD LAARSEHEIDE Z, CORTINA 168, and TUPAC VAN DE VROMBAUTSHOEVE Z and jump-off times of 36.715, 37.026, and 37.314. Goldman and CENTURION B were the second place finishers with a jump-off time of 36.908 while Dorothy Douglas came in fourth place aboard MTM QUESTRO with a jump-off time of 37.280.

Sunday afternoon, international riders gathered in the Grand Prix ring at HITS Post Time Farm for the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix. The crowd gathered for what would end up being one of the most exciting Grand Prix so far this winter. Riders signified that they would donate 10% of their prize money to Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association, by riding with a blue ribbon tied around their arm, making their rides even more special.  It was a tricky round one, with eleven riders returning for the jump-off.

Taking the win, after an incredible jump-off ride, was Canadian rider Francois Lamontagne aboard his mare CHANEL DU CALVAIRE in a jump-off time of 36.983. Francois skillfully rode through the course, leaving out two strides before the final fence, securing the fastest fault-free time. Second place was earned by Kirk Webby and BRANDO DU ROUET with a jump-off time of 37.078. Following him, Vale was the third place rider aboard MAJOR with a jump-off time of 37.989. Candice King and CALISTO 26 took the fourth place spot with a jump-off time of 38.742. Last, but certainly not least, Andre Thieme rounded out the top five aboard CUPERTINO with a jump-off time of 39.101.

Week VIII was an important one for the Hunters as it was World Championship Hunter Rider week. Riders had the opportunity to show in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium for many classes this week.

On Saturday, the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix, the Devoucoux Hunter Prix, and the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby took place. In the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix, Jacquelyn Maggiore and CONTINA were awarded first place with a two-round total of 169. Only half of a point behind her, in second place was Emma Nichols and MOST OF ALL with a two-round total of 168.5. Karen Kogon and GALLANT MAJI T came in third place with a two-round total of 168 while fourth place was awarded to Lila Ouellette and KING OF HEARTS with a two-round total of 163. Allison Palmisciano came in fifth place aboard QUIBAJO and a two-round total of 161.

Morgan Ward and HUEHUETENANGO were the winners of the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix with a two-round total of 174. Close behind her, second place was awarded to Caroline Willard and BARON DE LEY with a two-round total of 169.5. Molly McAdow came in third place aboard CASTON with a two-round total of 165 while fourth place was Abigail Lefkowitz and CONTINENTAL with a two-round total of 163.5. Rounding out the top five was Harold Chopping and GOLD RUSH with a two-round total of 163.

In the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, Emilia Richard and FAIRYTALES came out on top with a two-round total of 162. Second place was awarded to Sophia Ayers and PRIMA BALLERINA with a two-round total of 156.5. Anneliese De Rosaire and GAP SPRINGS HEART’S DESIRE came in third with a two-round total of 156. In fourth place was Mae Mannis and DAYS OF OUR LIVES with a two-round total of 152. Fifth was awarded to Katherine Ellis and BLUE MOON with a two-round total of 151.

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