Welcome Home to HITS!
We are excited to kick off another year of horse shows!
With more than 40 years of horse showing under the HITS name, we are now building on its legacy, continuing to evolve in parallel with our clients’ needs, and will remain at the forefront of equestrian competition. We are listening to our clients and continue to implement improvements to our facilities.
In addition to elite competition, we prioritize the client experience, horse and rider safety, and a culture of community amongst our riders, trainers, sponsors, staff, and spectators. This is more than a horse show. This is HITS.
HITS
MORE THAN A HORSE SHOW
BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS
FRIENDS & FAMILY
COMMUNITY
HITS IS THE PREMIER PRODUCER OF HUNTER, JUMPER, & DRESSAGE SHOWS IN THE UNITED STATES.
OCALA, FL
DEL MAR, CA
CHICAGO, IL
JANUARY 1 – MARCH 23 HITS Del Mar Show Series
CULPEPER, VA HITS Culpeper Show Series
APRIL 12 – SEPTEMBER 28 HITS Hudson Valley Show Series MAY 16 – OCTOBER 12
APRIL 29 – AUGUST 31 HITS Chicago Show Series MAY 7 – SEPTEMBER 14
HUDSON VALLEY, NY HITS Ocala Winter Circuit
MANCHESTER, VT HITS Vermont Summer Festival JULY 2 – AUGUST 10
HUDSON VALLEY, NY
OCALA, MARCH 28-30
CULPEPER, AUGUST 8-10 CULPEPER, VA
HUDSON VALLEY, JUNE 26-29
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
HITS understands that there is more to horse showing than the course. The HITS Insider is a resource for our clients to personalize their horse show experience. The Insider provides access to helpful information on events, facilities, and partners as our horse shows evolve over time to meet clients’ needs. Be sure to watch for the live links throughout this guide for access to more information and bonus content.
VISIT HITS
& our partners!
There is nothing like an in-person catchup. Check out our U.S. map of venues to learn more about all the HITS shows, and visit our sponsors and vendors onsite for their most current offerings and merchandise!
FOLLOW HITS & our partners everywhere!
HITS is on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and in the media. Click the links to connect directly with our partners.
SHARE with your friends & family!
Help keep your community in the loop by sharing the HITS Insider with friends, family, and fellow competitors.
Visit online, connect on social, share with your family & friends!
Our sponsors, riders, trainers, families, staff, and surrounding communities are partners in the HITS experience. HITS is more than a horse show. We’re creating a family environment here. This is a place where we are welcoming everyone.
— Peter Englehart HITS President and CEO
Horse Show Series
| May 7September 14
About HITS Chicago Series
As one of the country’s most beautiful equestrian facilities, the incredibly charming HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center is the premier horse show facility of the Midwest. Located on 55 acres, the showgrounds are landscaped with thousands of trees, perennial gardens, and flower-lined walkways. Dedicated sand and rubber walking paths for horses lead the way to barns and arenas. The main arenas feature individual pavilions offering excellent viewing for spectators. The Ringside Café and Hitching Post Bar, with indoor and outdoor seating, offer food service and catering and are perfect for hosting any event.
THE TANGIBLE
• Beautiful horse show grounds
• Thoughtful ring layout to showcase hunters, jumpers, & equitation
• Ample schooling areas for each ring
• Quality footing
HORSE & RIDER
• Wide range of stabling & cost options
• New partnerships & sponsorships to improve the experience in & out of the ring
• Exciting class offerings including WCHR, USHJA International & National Derbies, weekly jumper specials, & The League presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance
• Walking paths
EAT | DRINK | RELAX | ENJOY
• Lovely hospitality facilities
• Complimentary food & beverage events
• Community areas & events
WHAT’S NEW AT HITS CHICAGO
CHICAGO SCHEDULE
HITS Chicago is once again the most action-packed summer venue with 13 hunter/jumper weeks and five dressage weeks of competition. Amidst the exciting schedule of hunter, jumper, equitation, and dressage divisions, HITS Chicago is thrilled to continue to offer some of HITS’s fan-favorite classes for the 2025 season. With such an array of opportunities, 2025 promises to be the best year yet at Lamplight Equestrian Center.
The already exciting lineup of hunter offerings at HITS Chicago includes a World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) designation during Lamplight Summertime III on July 16-20, as well as two USHJA International Hunter Derbies, 13 USHJA Open National Hunter Derbies, four USHJA Junior/Amateur National Hunter Derbies, and the USHJA Hunter Team Challenge. In addition, USHJA Green Hunter Incentive 3’/3’3” and 3’6”/3’9” classes shine the spotlight on developing equine superstars, while The League, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Hunter Derbies showcase progressing riders. The multiple top-level derby events, special hunter ring atmosphere, and quality of competition across all HITS venues, including HITS Chicago, continues to elevate the overall experience for hunter riders.
For jumper athletes, the popular $10,000 STX Open Speed Series, which will be run at 1.25-1.30m, continues as a cornerstone of the weekly HITS Chicago schedule. Along with exciting prize money, STX sponsors a leading rider award, with the leading circuit rider winning an exclusive STX Tack Box, while the overall leader from all HITS venues will be given a six-month lease on an STX 2-Horse truck. The STX Open Speed Series complements an already impressive roster of jumper classes, such as jumper classics at various heights sanctioned by The League, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, the Alliant Private Client Cup, the Horseflight Jumper Classic, and of course, the weekly American Standard HITS Grand Prix.
HITS is also proud to welcome a broader audience to Lamplight Equestrian Center in 2025.
• Dressage at HITS Chicago: HITS Chicago’s popular dressage series features five weekends of competition, including the always highly anticipated U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, where the best of the best go head-to-head for national championship honors.
• The League Mid-West Finals, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance: HITS Chicago is also proud to once again host The League Mid-West 2025 Finals, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance. With a fun and unique atmosphere, riders of all levels can enjoy the premier championship experience they have worked all year to achieve.
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
La Za’ Za’ Trattoria
A Taste of Northern Italy, the name “ZaZa’s” is a “dream-come-true” of Founder and President, Dino Sisto, who transformed his dream into a reality back in 1995!
5 S 1st Street, St. Charles
630.443.9304
Flyin’ Hawaiian
The tastes of Hawaii without the long plane, car, or truck ride at Flyin’ Hawaiian Food Truck! Huli Huli Chicken anyone?
28 W 468 High Lake Rd Unit 3, W Chicago
630.708.8224
Mio Modo
Ciao, “Mio Modo” means “My Way.” Well, Chef Scott’s way, to be specific.
200 S 2nd St, St. Charles 630.587.8221
Preservation
Indoor & Outdoor seating, creative cuisine in a shared food experience, live music, and trivia nights. What could be better?
513 S 3rd St, Geneva 630.208.1588
The Graceful Ordinary
Refined, yet familiar, it’s a tavern with a fresh twist—new, yet incredibly comfortable.
3 E Main St, St. Charles 331.235.5803
Taco Madre Food Trucks
Taco Madre Food Truck is a family owned business with humble beginnings inspired by the raw ingredients found in Mexican cuisine mixed with world flavors.
902 Randall Rd, St. Charles 630.549.6161
For other cuisine and food experience options, be sure to go beyond Yelp and Google, visit DiscoverDupage.com/Restaurants
Hotel Baker
Luxury all the way, and what a beautiful riverside setting. “Second to none!” Even Donny Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy celebrated their wedding there.
25 minutes from the showgrounds!
100 W Main St, St. Charles
630.584.2100
Herrington Inn & Spa
Overlooks the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois. Quaint and intimate, elegant yet comfortable.
Only 20 minutes from the showgrounds!
15 S River Ln, Geneva
630.208.7433
Inn at Water’s Edge
Wow, what views and total relaxation! Sit down by the lake and sink into bliss. Adjacent to the McAninch Arts Center, home of terrific shows & performances.
30 mins away from the showgrounds!
425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn
630.942.6888
For more traditional hotel options, be sure to go beyond Yelp and Google, visit DiscoverDupage.com/Hotels
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
Arcada Theatre
The Arcada Theatre is a historic theatre dedicated to showcasing the Arts. Offering nightly live music, dining, & entertainment in the Fox Valley Region.
105 E Main St, St. Charles 630.962.7000
Dunham Castle
An 1842-built chateau built by Mark Dunham on 300 acres. He became the leading importer and breeder of Percheron workhorses, changing agriculture dramatically. How Wayne, IL, became an equestrian town.
5N648 Dunham Rd, Wayne
Fabyan Japanese Gardens
Fall in love with the incredible beauty and peace of perfectly managed Japanese Gardens. A quick 20 minutes from the showgrounds.
1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva 630.377.6424
St. Andrews Golf & Country Club
Public club with two 18-hole courses, plus a TopTracer practice facility. Book tee times online!
2241
River View Mini Golf
Want to compete out of the ring? Putt-putt, it is! Bring your barn friends! Part of the Park Amenities at Pottawatomie Park.*
8 North Ave, St. Charles
630.584.1028
Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery
Where motorcycle history meets art. Imagine a location where gleaming, restored motorcycles stand side by side with thought-provoking artworks.
Experience the past, present, and future of motorcycling at this unique museum.
1317 E Main St, St. Charles
630.526.4800
St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats
Finishing up at the show early on a Sunday? Check out a historic Sunday Cruise with live commentary by docents from the History Museum. Part of the Park Amenities at Pottawatomie Park.*
8 North Ave, St. Charles
630.584.2334
West Branch Forest Preserve & Pratt’s Wayne Woods
Craving out-of-the-saddle fun for the family? Visit the West Branch Forest
Preserve or Pratt’s Wayne Woods: hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Both areas allow dogs. Sunrise to sunset.
West Chicago
630.933.7248
*Pottawatomie Park’s 47 acres on the east bank of the Fox River in the heart of downtown St. Charles truly offers something for everyone, from tennis buffs and golfing duffers to people who fish and those who swim like a fish!
MAP LAMPLIGHT EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, the Stephex Horsetrucks are poised to redefine equine travel in the USA. Should an STX Van take you home to HITS?
Stephex is more than a name in the global equestrian community. The STX family demonstrates excellence and innovation in its endeavors ranging from breeding, development, and sales of top-tier sport horses to mobile homes and horse trucks.
STX’s pursuit for excellence now includes a strategic partnership with HITS, and we are proud to work with STX as their unrivaled European legacy unfolds in the USA.
In addition to providing a state-of-the-art STX van as the HITS horse ambulance, STX sponsors the exciting weekly STX Open Speed Series. Along with generous weekly prize money, STX sponsors a leading rider award at all HITS venues. At the end of each circuit, the leading rider wins an exclusive STX Tack Box, a stylish piece of equestrian equipment that is in high demand.
New in 2025, STX is offering a National Leading Rider Award based on cumulative points collected in the STX Open Speed during the 2025 season at any HITS show. The 2025 STX National Leading Rider will be awarded a six-month lease on an STX 2-Horse truck! LEARN MORE b
DRESSAGE HIGHLIGHTS AT HITS CHICAGO
Beyond offering some of the most elite hunter/jumper horse shows in the country, HITS also manages dressage horse shows at several of its facilities including HITS Hudson Valley, HITS Del Mar, HITS Chicago, and new this year, HITS Culpeper, which garner similar prestige and attention.
The popular dressage series at HITS Chicago’s Lamplight Equestrian Center runs from the end of May through September and welcomes top riders in the sport. The 2025 season features five weekends of competition, highlighted by the prestigious U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in August.
After leading the lap of honor during the 2024 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions for the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle test with Sonnenberg’s Jersey, U.S. Olympic team silver medalist and Pan American team gold medalist Sabine Schut-Kery shared: “The facilities are just fantastic. It’s always such a pleasure and an honor to ride at HITS Chicago and in the HITS series. The footing is so amazing, as is the stabling, which are the two most key elements, so it’s a really nice show series.”
Amy Bradley, who won the action-packed week’s FEI Grand Prix Special aboard her homebred Quileute CC, added: “It’s funny because I actually grew up outside of Chicago, so when I first started riding dressage, I used to show here all those years ago. It’s really amazing all the improvements HITS has made over the years from when I first started showing here. It’s such a beautiful showgrounds. The flowers, the footing, all just makes it feel very special here.”
In addition to a new dressage offering at HITS Culpeper in June, HITS dressage shows also run from May through September at HITS Hudson Valley, concluding with the prestigious Great American Insurance Group/ United States Dressage Federation Region 8 Dressage Championships in September. The 2025 Dressage at HITS Del Mar series also includes six weeks of competition, which spans from February through October, and features three weeks of international CDI action, drawing some of the best horse-and-rider combinations. The premier HITS experience is for dressage and hunter/jumper exhibitors alike, illustrating the versatility of HITS venues and depth of HITS operations.
GO RENTALS
Servicing 180+ locations nationwide, including your favorite HITS horse shows, and expanding to new destinations every month.
10680 FOREST HILL BLVD., SUITE 220, WELLINGTON, FL 33414 • 561.653.6195 © 2024 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
Their commitment to excellence is matched by their support for equestrian sport and aligns with HITS’s
THE LEAGUE
The League, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, provides a competitive experience at premier venues for riders of all levels with diverse class offerings. In addition to accumulating points throughout the season toward year-end prizes, The League culminates with the Mid-West Finals at HITS Chicago, as well as a national Finals at HITS Hudson Valley, that both deliver the unique experience of competing at a prestigious championship event with all the excitement and hospitality to celebrate these talented athletes.
The League includes approximately 25 divisions with fence heights ranging from 2’ to 3’3” across hunters, jumpers, and equitation. Feature classes include various hunter derbies, such as the Tiny Bit O’ 2’ Hunter Derby and the Bit O’ Straw 2’6” Hunter Derby, as well as the all-new Low Child/Adult Hunter Classic— and two additional Junior/Amateur Jumper Classics - the 1.05m and the .90m.
NEW IN 2025
○ More Special Competitions: In addition to The League Finals at HITS Hudson Valley in September, get ready for a Florida Festival in April at HITS Ocala, as well as an all-new Spring Kickoff in May at HITS Hudson Valley.
○ More Recognition: Earn recognition for your yearlong accomplishments with Zone awards for all sanctioned divisions. Plus, Trainer and Barn Awards will celebrate the top professionals at The League Finals in 2025.
INCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
CORE SPECIALTY
Core Specialty Equine knows horses. With over 100 years of combined experience as fellow horse owners, treatment.
owners, breeders, and competitors, Core Specialty appreciates an individualized approach to care and
MARSHALL & STERLING
HITS’s is proud of its long-term partnership with Marshall & Sterling, which understands the unique needs of HITS’ equestrian clients. For 2025, HITS is proud to revitalize The League, which is sponsored by Marshall and Sterling.
CWD
A national HITS sponsor, CWD provides tack for all your horse and rider needs. At CWD, sport and performance are an obsession. The team at HITS can relate!
HITS UNIVERSITY
In 2024, HITS proudly launched “HITS University,” a program that seeks to provide ongoing educational resources to the equestrian community.
Educational Programming: HITS University endeavors to bolster existing educational programs by hosting riding and judging clinics, as well as through in-person educational forums featuring several esteemed officials.
Aspiring Officials: High quality, qualified licensed officials, including judges and stewards, are the backbone of each day of horse show competition. In recognition of this, HITS University supports aspiring officials as they work toward their USEF licensing requirements, primarily by helping to coordinate apprenticeship hours for selected applicants.
Financial Support: HITS University offers an annual grant to help individuals in their pursuit of USEF licensing.
Video Content: Keep an eye out for more short educational videos on a variety of helpful and relatable topics coming soon!
Follow HITS University on Instagram: @HITS_University and visit HITS University online for more information, including the HITS University application and details pertaining to the licensing grant: HITSShows.com/HITS-University.
A PROGRAM SEEKING TO PROVIDE ONGOING EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP
Long-term HITS partner and generous sponsor of Grand Prix events over the years. Great American understands risk and understands horses.
FINISH LINE HORSE PRODUCTS
With an equine history of more than 100 years, Finish Line strives for the best so their customers can reap the benefits the horse supplements and products offered.
PURINA
A HITS sponsor for years, Purina’s team of Ph.D. nutritionists develop innovative equine nutrition solutions through a combination of science and their love of horses.
Like HITS, EqXpert helps the horses become better friends, companions, pets, and best of all, great athletes.
HORSEFLIGHT
Owned and managed by equine professionals, Horseflight has been getting horses safely to their owners and to HITS shows across the country for years.
ADEQUAN
Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is unlike any other equine joint product. For over 30 years, it’s been used by veterinarians to help horses of every discipline and level enjoy greater mobility over their lifetimes.
VOLTAIRE
Long-term partner with HITS, Voltaire Design offers innovative, high-end custom-made saddles to equestrians with many famed international riders in their tack.
DOVER SADDLERY
HITS is proud to offer Dover-sponsored classes and to partner with this industry expert. Dover has everything a horse and rider may need!
VITAFLEX
To gain the winning edge, you do your part in feeding, training, and fine-tuning your horse. When it comes to nutritional supplements and health products, you trust VitaFlex® Pro.
For more than 50 years as a family-owned and -operated animal health business, Pyranha is a pioneer in insect control and the Official Fly Spray of HITS Horse Shows.
PYRANHA
Omega Alpha understands trust is everything for HITS customers, so keep your horse healthy and strong with Omega Alpha’s trusted line of equine supplements.
OMEGA ALPHA
Mowing the yard. Spreading the manure. Cutting the fields. Moving the bedding. Stacking the hay. Grading the driveway. Dragging the arena. Feeding the horses. Clearing the trails. Digging the post-holes. Transporting the tack.
You do it all, so we do too.
John Deere offers the tools and equipment you need to make your life easy and stressfree. From your backyard to your horse farm, we offer all equine members Exclusive Equine Discounts on mowers, Gator™ utility vehicles, tractors, implements, and more! The best part? Every time you use your equine discount at John Deere, a percentage of that sale goes back to the equine industry! Your horses might eat your money, but we here at John Deere like to keep it in your wallet and give some back to your passion—horses.
To learn more on how you can save up to 28% on a wide array of John Deere equipment, visit www.JohnDeere.com/Equine or call the John Deere Equine Support Center at 877-576-6872
JOHN DEERE
JohnDeere.com/Equine
John Deere has been the official equipment supplier to the equine industry since 2001, but John Deere, the legendary blacksmith, fit his first horseshoe over 184 years ago. These exclusive equipment discounts are the company’s way of letting you know horsepower continues to be a passion too.
HILTON GARDEN INN
The Hilton Garden Inn St. Charles welcomes you to the Lamplight Equestrian Center. The Hilton Garden Inn St. Charles offers blue-ribbon service and accommodations. Make sure to mention that you will be showing at HITS Lamplight.
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT
The Fairfield by Marriott Chicago St. Charles offers a discounted rate to all Lamplight competitors when booking through the designated link. Countless restaurants are no more than 2 miles away. Make sure you mention you will be showing at HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center.
COURTYARD
BY MARRIOTT
Regardless of your travel needs, the Courtyard Chicago St. Charles has everything you need to move forward.
www.wyndhamhotels.com/
SUPER 8 BY WYNDHAM
Start each day with free 8-item SuperStart breakfast before heading out on your adventures. Connect with family, friends, and colleagues on free high-speed Internet. Relax in your room and watch your favorite HBO shows and movies on cable TV.
Equestrian sports are constantly evolving. The HITS team is working to exceed the expectations of all of our exhibitors.
— Joe Norick HITS Chief Customer Officer
Thank you
Thank you to our partners and photographers who contributed to the HITS Insider.
HUNTER/JUMPER
ESI Photography
High Desert Sport Photos
Jess Windhurst Photography
DRESSAGE
Terri Miller Photography
Darien Quinn Photography
Sue Stickle Photography
