| OCALA, FL (October 24, 2007)--HITS is preparing for another banner season at its Post Time Farm facility in Ocala, Florida. The 2008 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is set to get underway on Wednesday, January 23 with two consecutive unrated weeks of competition followed by five weeks of AA-rated shows, beginning on Tuesday, February 12 and continuing until Sunday, March 16, when the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix and the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Classic will close out the season.
This marks the seventh season for HITS at Post Time Farm, and the 450-acre property has never looked better. Mature and spacious, the facility is home to 12 all-weather competition rings, including the new Grand Prix and Main Hunter rings, which were added last year. Bart Poels, Footing Specialist for the 2008 Olympic Games, will oversee footing in all rings with a special focus on the Grand Prix footing.
Rolling hills, miles of fencing, and giant oak and Spanish moss trees provide a unique and picturesque backdrop to some of the country's best show jumping. The property also features 22 permanent barns and offers more than 2,000 total stalls during the show season. In addition, there are more than 100 permanent, double-fenced paddocks, 65 RV spaces with water and electricity and numerous bridle paths throughout the property.
"There's no other facility like Post Time Farm," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "Not only is it our largest property in the country, it's also the most beautiful. For those who've never been to Ocala, the first time is usually an eye-opener. The property is spacious and comfortable. The rings and barns are some of the best in the country and the community that surrounds the show is a horse-focused community that supports and welcomes the Horse Shows."
Located in Marion County, the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala, Florida is home to more than 600 horse farms and numerous equine sporting facilities and businesses. In addition, the city boasts plenty of restaurants and hotels, and offers various year-round entertainment nearby, including environmental parks, cultural ballet and symphony performances, numerous golf courses, and plenty of family-oriented amusement and activities.
Exhibitors will be greeted this year with a completely remodeled infield area, including new fencing and landscaping. HITS has also enlarged Jumper 2 and 3 to accommodate the growth in the classes that show in those popular rings. New jump styles and course decorations will also be featured during this year's circuit.
"Our shows in Ocala have been consistently growing since the move to Post Time Farm," said Kristen Vale, Office Manager and Show Secretary. "Not only are more people showing in Ocala, more are staying for the entire circuit. In the past, attendance the last two weeks would tend to be a little slower; however, the last few years it's been increasing significantly, which is exciting and makes for a great crescendo for the final weeks!"
The 2008 Ocala Winter Circuit will also feature the new $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Style Challenge Derby Classic and increased prize money for the Junior/Amateur-Owner Low and High Jumper Classics. As always, HITS Ocala will feature two Grand Prix events during each week of the rated shows. On Thursdays each week, the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix will take center stage. On Sundays, all eyes will be on the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix during Weeks I-IV. On Week V, the stakes are even higher on Sunday, March 16 with the grand finale of the circuit, the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix.
Renowned trainer and long-time Ocala customer Don Stewart is gearing up for the new season. "I'm looking forward to another winter in Ocala with all the many improvements. The new scheduling, new footing and, of course, the added prize money is going to make it a great year in Ocala."
The 2008 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will kick-off with the return of the popular $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Championship during the two unrated shows in January. More commonly known as the "Are You a Champion?" series, the Jumper Championship was first offered in Ocala during the 2007 Winter Circuit and was an immediate success. Offered for one of the fastest growing segments in the sport today, this unique four-phase event also includes bonus prize money of $5,000 awarded to the top-eight finishers overall and points from the second and fourth legs count towards the Marshall & Sterling League.
For more information on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit visit www.HitsShows.com or call 845.246.8833.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter-jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.
For more information on the HITS horse shows and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com
Media should contact Chris Mayone at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com
2008 HITS Ocala Show Schedule
Unrated
Ocala Pre-Circuit 1: January 23-27
Ocala Pre-Circuit 2: January 30 - February 3
AA-Rated
Ocala Winter Classic: February 12-17
Ocala Winter Festival: February 19-24
Ocala Masters: February 26 - March 2
Ocala Tournament: March 4-9
Ocala Winter Finals: March 11-16
Libby McKinney and Gun Du Desfi capture the $50,000 Duggan Equipment Grand Prix at HITS Ocala in 2007
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