HORSES IN THE SUN
One really can’t go to Ocala without at least spending an afternoon at HITS Ocala. That’s exactly what we did. But what is HITS? HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. It stands for Horses In The Sun! Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since then, HITS Ocala has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York, Virginia, and Illinois. The key to HITS’ success is its strategy of producing a series of horse shows over continuous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first-class competition facilities and unmatched professional operations. Ocala is one of those desirable locations….who wouldn’t want to be in Florida in the winter time?
Additionally, the company offers competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels. And there is LOTS of prize money! The 2020 Season promises to be the best yet, with over $5 million in prize money awarded throughout the Series. The Ocala season will finish with the seventh annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, the Crown Jewel of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, on Sunday, March 22. The winner will take home $350,000! WOW! We saw hunters and jumpers spanning all ages….from seasoned pro’s to these cute little girls with pig tails riding their hearts out…
SHOPPING AT HITS
In my opinion, no horse show is complete with out shopping at all of the wonderful vendors that you can find at horse shows. One of my favorite at HITS was Exceptional Equestrian. I talked to owner Cindy Lay all about her wonderful products. My FAVORITE was her line of beaded belts, dog collars and so much more from The Kenyan Collection. The Kenyan Collection markets and sells a collection of fine handmade dog collars and dog leashes straight from Kenya, Africa. Currently, The Kenyan Collection is working with just one group and two families who produce these products.
Their goal is to demonstrate that products made in Africa can compete in the global marketplace, while at the same time creating employment for the artisans, in the hope that they will have an investment in, and an opportunity to change, their own future and the future of their children. It truly is an amazing story and the products are gorgeous! Of course I had to buy one of these turquoise and black collars for Jester…
