Ocala, Fla. – March 23, 2023 – The final week of the HITS Ocala circuit has kicked off with Melanie Wright and Game Day taking the Green 3’3” Hunter championship. After a few weeks off from competition, Game Day returned in top form to earn top ribbons in Green 3’3” Hunters.

“He's had a couple weeks off, so this was his first week back,” noted Wright. Yesterday he was a little aware, but I thought he was a really good boy and we were second and third. Today, he was even better.”

Melanie Wright and Game Day. Photo by: ESI Photography

Wright started Wynmore Farm LLC’s Game Day’s show career in the Baby Greens and has been the sole rider in the show ring since then. She remarked that since he is such a talented horse with endless scope, she just needs to keep him in his box and not interfere too much with him to get his best jump.

“He’s a feisty horse,” explained Wright. “He thinks he's a stallion even though he is not. I just love him. You can't get after him, so I kind of have to nicely tell him what to do. That's kind of his personality.”

The pair's consistency over the two days culminated in the division championship over David Wilbur and Layka, who earned the reserve championship.

David Wilbur and Layka. Photo by: ESI Photography 

Wright has appreciated the changes to the HITS Ocala showgrounds, stating, “I think the new improvements to HITS are great. My favorite upgrade would have to be the footing. The footing's been good and thankfully we haven't had a lot of rain this year, which has been great.”

Hunter action at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will conclude this week with the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Saturday. 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. For more information visit the horse show office or www.hitsshows.com.