Ashley Foster and Charismatic Chime Collect Green 3’6” Hunter Championship at HITS Ocala

Ocala, Fla – March 2, 2023 – It was a promising start to Week VI of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit for Ashley Foster and her mount Chime, who garnered the Green 3’6” Hunter division championship. Following a day of consistent rounds on Wednesday where Chime won four over fences class at the under saddle, Foster effortlessly guided the beautiful grey mare around the Main Hunter ring once more on Thursday morning to earn two more blues for owner Dorli Burke.

Ashley Foster and Chime. Photo by: ESI Photography

“She was awesome,” smiled Foster. “My four rounds this week were super consistent, which was great because we always look for that in a green hunter. Chime has all the talent in the world and jumps like a million bucks.”

Based at Rolling Acres Show Stables, Foster has worked with her mother and trainer, Patty Foster, during the show season to get as much practice in with Chime as possible. Their goal is to keep her going as often as they can, with Chime’s owner showing her in the Amateur Hunters as well. So far, the regular work has paid off with consistent results throughout the season. This week, the pair scored an impressive 88 during both of Thursday’s classes for the championship title. The division’s reserve championship honors went to Matthew Jenkins and Safari, who won the first over fences class of the division on Wednesday.

Matthew Jenkins and Safari. Photo by: ESI Photography

“I just try to put her in the best possible position and let her do her job,” explained Ashley. “The first jump was a nice, decent-sized oxer all the way down at the end of the ring during the handy. For a 3’6 Green Hunter, that can be a little tricky, but I think she picked up a gallop and went right to it and went right back to the trot jump really nicely. I think we're pretty lucky to have her in the barn.”

Ashley concluded, “I've been coming to [HITS] my entire life. I showed lead line here, I showed ponies, junior hunters. I was an amateur for a bit and now I get to do the professional hunters here and I love it. I think the footing this year is great and we will definitely be coming back. I can't remember a winter that we did not come here.”

Hunter action at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will continue this week with the $10,000 USHJA Nationa Hunter Derby and the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix. Horses and riders hoping to make their derby debuts will have the opportunity to showcase their skills during the Post Time 2'6" and 2’ Hunter Derbies. Top horses and riders should mark their calendars today for the second $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies, which will be held during Weeks IX at Post Time Farm. For more information visit the horse show office or www.hitsshows.com.