A Winter Show Circuit in the Heart of Horse Country

by Danette Kadlic

HITS, Inc. is the largest hunter/jumper horse show management company in the world, and one of their finest horse show facilities is right in the heart of Horse Country…in beautiful Ocala, Florida.

The company has special ties to Florida, as it was in Gainesville that HITS produced its first multi-week circuit in 1982 under the company’s first inception, Horse Shows In The Sun. In 1987, after outgrowing the Gainesville facility, HITS moved its East Coast Winter Circuit to Golden Hills, which was a property owned by the Castro family in Ocala. The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit enjoyed continuous growth until, once again increasing popularity caused HITS to seek yet another facility to accommodate the growing circuit.

In 2002, HITS purchased the Post Time Training Facility in Ocala, originally home to thoroughbred racehorses. HITS resurrected this spacious property and it is now known as HITS Post Time Farm. The facility is professionally landscaped and features gated entrances, 52 miles of four-board fencing, 27 permanent barns that house 560 stalls, acres of paddocks, bridle paths, and additional buildings housing horse show offices, permanent rest rooms and eateries.

Each winter, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit attracts national and international participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Europe. In 2007, more than 3,500 horses, 7,500 horseman and 10,000 spectators attended HITS Ocala and more than $1 million in prize money was awarded. As HITS embarks on its seventh season at Post Time Farm, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is more popular than ever.

Since purchasing the Post Time Farm property nearly six years ago, HITS has invested annually in improving the show grounds. In 2007, HITS completed a renovation project that added two new rings to the facility—a new Grand Prix ring and a new Main Hunter ring—increasing the total competition ring count to 12. Classes offered range from the Grand Prix show jumping classes to a variety of divisions for both the novice and experienced rider.

Plans for 2008 at Post Time Farm include new footing by Bart Poels, Footing Specialist for the 2008 Olympic Games; remodeling of the infield area, including new fencing and landscaping; application of Virkon®S to disinfect all stalls; enlarging Jumper rings 2 and 3; upgrading jump styles and course decorations; the addition of the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Style Challenge Derby Classic to the schedule; increased prize money for the Junior/A-O Low and High Jumper Classics and much more.

HITS Ocala also offers customers an on-site school—The Education Station. Guided by a professional teacher with over 25 years of experience, this program has grown in popularity as it enables students to keep current with their educational curriculum while they compete on the road.

The 2008 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit kicks off with two unrated weeks January 23 – February 3, followed by five weeks of AA-rated shows that begin on Tuesday, February 12 and ends with the popular $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix of Ocala, presented by Great American Insurance Group. on Sunday, March 16.

For more information on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit please visit www.HitsShows.com. To request a prize list please call 845.246.8833 or email
info@HitsShows.com.

Photos © 2007 Lili Weik Photography

HITS Ocala After-Ring Activities Who says all the fun needs to take place inside the ring? Take a look at some of the special events planned for this year’s Ocala Winter Circuit. Week 1 – Feb. 12-17 Fri. & Sat. 2/15-16: “Spa Daze” at Post Time Farm – Chair massages and spa services compliments of The Ranch. Fri. Evening 2/15:HITS Ocala Season Opening Exhibitor Party at Post Time Condos presented by Homes to Ranches. Live music and cook out. Fri. Evening 2/15: HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Sponsor Reception at Sky restaurant. Invitation Only. Week 2 – Feb. 19-24 Fri. & Sat. 2/22-23: “Spa Daze” returns to Post Time Farm – Chair massages and spa services compliments of The Ranch. Sat. Evening 2/23: The Sanctuary Equine Sport Therapy & Rehabilitation Center Open House Event 6:30-11pm. Live music, complimentary drinks and food for all HITS Ocala Exhibitors! Week 3 – Feb. 26 – Mar. 2 Thurs. Evening 2/28: Equine Art Reception presented by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. Invitation Only.< Fri. Evening 2/29: HITS Ocala Leap Year Exhibitor Party. Sun. 3/2: Kids Day! Week 4 – Mar. 4-9 Mon. 3/3: HITS Ocala Exhibitor Golf Tournament Fri. 3/7 (12-2pm): Golf Swing Clinic & Spa Experience at Post Time Farm, sponsored by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. Fri. Evening 3/7: HITS Ocala Star Search Exhibitor Party. Sing your heart out at HITS restaurant! Sun. 3/9: World of the Horse Event with WTRS 102.3 Thunder Country Radio remote broadcast. Week 5 – Mar. 11-16 Fri. Evening 3/14: Team Barber Exhibitor Party & Pig Roast. Good old-fashioned country fun! Open to all HITS Ocala Exhibitors!