HITS, LLC announced today the release of an economic impact study that was commissioned for the 2022-2023 series
Saugerties, NY (August 21,2023) – HITS, LLC, the largest producer of hunter/jumper equestrian competitions in North America, announced today the release of an economic impact study that was commissioned for the 2022-2023 series for horse shows at HITS Post Time Farms location in Ocala. The 12 weeks of competition from this past season produced a total economic impact of more than $123 million in the City of Ocala and Marion County, Florida, according to a study performed by Scott Minto, president of Netop Insights and Director of the Sports MBA Program at San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business. The $123 million figure includes indirect and induced spending by existing Ocala/Marion County businesses as a result of direct spending by HITS and HITS customers in the amount of more than $92 million.
The report notes that over 9,500 out-of-market visitors enjoyed the season-long festivities with an average of over 81% of event attendees, participants and staff visiting the area from outside of Marion County. The report also states that 94.6% of visitors said they would not have visited the Ocala area during the season were it not for the HITS series of horse shows.
Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N. Photo by: ESI Photography
“HITS has been actively involved in greater Ocala for over 20 years”, said Peter Englehart, President and CEO of HITS. “The sizeable scope of the economic impact generated over the past year demonstrate how deeply our brand and experience resonate with equestrian enthusiasts in central Florida.”
A large component of the direct spending is for lodging. Local hotel establishments benefitted from a total of 21,452 room-nights producing nearly $4.5 million in revenue. An additional $4.1 million was spent on “other lodging,” which includes Airbnbs/VRBOs, RV parks, campgrounds, etc.
Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N. Photo by: ESI Photography
HITS has special ties to the state of Florida, having produced its first multi-week circuit in Gainesville in 1982 under the company’s first incarnation as Horse Shows In The Sun. In 2002, HITS purchased Post Time Farm in Ocala and has been an important show jumping destination ever since. In 2022, HITS completed major improvements to Post Time Farm, including new footing in many of its riding rings, new VIP tent, upgrades to its restaurant and restroom facilities and substantial additional landscaping. Those improvements, coupled with the tranquil natural setting of Post Time Farm and the superior customer service by HITS staff, ensure that Ocala and the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will continue to attract thousands of horse owners, riders, trainers and their families and friends for many years to come.