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.
©AlisonHartwell
Photography
HITS
MORE THAN A HORSE SHOW
BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS
FRIENDS & FAMILY
COMMUNITY
©Alison
HITS IS THE PREMIER PRODUCER OF HUNTER, JUMPER, & DRESSAGE SHOW IN THE UNITED STATES
Hartwell Photography
OCALA, FL
DEL MAR, CA
CHICAGO, IL
HUDSON VALLEY, NY HITS Ocala Winter Circuit
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
MANCHESTER, VT HITS Vermont Summer Festival
JULY 2 – AUGUST 10
HUDSON VALLEY, NY
HUDSON VALLEY, JUNE 26-29 CULPEPER, VA
OCALA, MARCH 28-30
CULPEPER, AUGUST 8-10
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
Commonwealth Park | April 12September 28
HITS Culpeper Show Series HITS
Enjoy Virginian Hospitality at HITS Culpeper!
HITS Culpeper is located at Commonwealth Park, which is situated on 92 acres in beautiful Central Virginia, where old-school charm meets the modern horse show experience. HITS Culpeper hosts 6 USEF-Rated hunter/ jumper competitions annually and, is proud to offer VHSA-affiliated shows, confirming its reputation as a home for riders & horses of all levels.
HITS Culpeper boasts a storied legacy of equestrian competition, fitting the area’s deep equestrian roots; the facility has hosted numerous USEF and USHJA Championships over the years.
Located just one hour from Washington, D.C. in the charming town of Culpeper, HITS has 500 spacious 12’ x 12’ permanent stalls in five new barns, five all-weather competition rings, additional schooling rings, and ample longeing areas.
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
THE TANGIBLE
• Facility Upgrades
• Thoughtful 5 Ring Layout to Showcase Hunters, Jumpers & Equitation
• 500 Permanent Stalls
HORSE & RIDER
• Improved Experience in / out of the Ring
• Expanded schedule including more VHSA shows, Festival of the Horse, and Dressage
• Exciting offerings including USHJA National Derbies & The League presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance
EAT
| DRINK | RELAX | ENJOY
• Community Areas & Events
©Alison Hartwell Photography
WHAT’S NEW AT HITS CULPEPER
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
CULPEPER HISTORY
Nestled in what many refer to as the “Heart of Virginia’s Horse Country,” HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper stands as a testament to the rich heritage of equestrian sport in Virginia. This storied venue has served as a showgrounds for top riders, a place where tradition remains paramount, and a cornerstone of the East Coast hunter/jumper circuit.
History of horse showing in Culpeper dates to 1897 with the first Culpeper Horse & Colt Show at Monte Vista Park, which took place for the next 54 years. In the 1980s, show jumping returned to Culpeper in a grand fashion with the opening of Commonwealth Park, one of the finest horse sport facilities in the country.
HITS purchased Commonwealth Park nearly 25 years ago, restored the grounds at that time to its former glory, and has continued to improve the facility since. HITS has always been proud to manage horse shows on such hallowed ground, blending history with modern competition to create an unparalleled show experience.
Competing at HITS Culpeper isn’t just about the ribbons — it’s about stepping into a piece of equestrian history. The showgrounds serve as a place where tradition meets excellence, and every round carries the honor of those who came before. More than just a show, HITS Culpeper is a chance to be part of a lasting legacy.
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
4C’s Restaurant
Authentic Peruvian Cuisine. Exquisite flavors across different choices. Fantastic reviews. Family operated.
302 S. Main Street | 540.727.0739
Albana’s Tavern Mediterranean, Greek. Comfy, cozy and family run.
614 Sperryville Pike | 540.445.5459
It’s About Thyme
Offbeat, tasty appetizers, sandwiches & entrées.
Cedar
Picturesque
Courtesy of Suites at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery
Courtesy of Hazel River Inn
Courtesy of Thyme Inn
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
Far Gohn Brewing Company
Handcrafted beer and phenomenal pizza treats!
301 S E Street, Culpeper
540.321.4578
Puzzle Room Live
Your team will be immersed in a mysterious scenario, with only one hour to find clues, and solve the puzzle.
509 S Main Street, Culpeper 540.717.7159
Culpeper Battlefield Tours
A full experience including History and Stories from the Civil War past, re-told.
19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station 540.632.4500
Meadows Farm Golf Course
20 miles from Culpeper, public, 27 holes. “One of the best golf courses in Virginia”. Book tee-times online.
4300 Flat Run Rd, Locust Grove 540.854.9890
The Flying Circus Air Show
Watch the stunts, or hold on for a private ride.
5114 Ritchie Road, Bealetown 540.439.8661
Culpeper Skate Park
Bring your skates or walking gear:this is a park that will stay in your memory!
Corner of Blue Ridge Ave. & Rt 552 N 540.829.8260
Collage Spa
Post-riding massages and escapes! A downtown favorite, loved by locals as “sanctuaries for self-care”.
254 E Davis Street, Culpeper 540.317.0424
The Ole Country Store
We pride ourselves on serving quality products with exceptional customer service. Our staff enjoys interacting with all our customers - from beloved regulars to curious first-timers.
18019 Country Store Dr, Culpeper 540.812.2781
Out-Bache Ice Cream
Out-Bache Ice Cream serves quality ice cream at reasonable price. Flavors are on a rotational basis so check out our Facebook page for daily specials. The whole family will enjoy! CASH ONLY
22577 Zachary Taylor Highway, Culpeper 540.717.3625
For other attractions and experiences, be sure to go beyond Yelp and Google, visit CulpeperDowntown.com/See-Do
FARRIER / VET
MAP
COMMONWEALTH PARK
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
CULPEPER SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
©Alison Hartwell Photography
In addition to the usual action-packed schedule of hunter and jumper divisions, HITS Culpeper is thrilled to add some of HITS’s fan-favorite classes and exciting new offerings for the 2025 season. With new classes, freshly renovated arenas, several property upgrades, shows across multiple disciplines, and increased prize money opportunities, 2025 promises to be the best year yet at Commonwealth Park.
In the hunter ring, the USHJA National Hunter Derby will headline during select weeks with increased prize money of $10,000, while other premier hunter offerings include classes ranging from The League, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Hunter Derbies to USHJA Green Hunter Incentives.
For jumper riders, the popular $5,000 STX Open Speed Series, which will be run at 1.20m, will continue as a cornerstone of the weekly HITS Culpeper 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 Van. 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 Open Prix, and the American Standard HITS Open Prix.
HITS is also proud to welcome a broader audience to Commonwealth Park in 2025.
· THE FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE™: HITS has recently introduced the Festival of the Horse™, a unique celebration of equestrian enthusiasts through a multi-discipline, unrated competition format. This brand-new event fits perfectly into the diverse equestrian culture of Virginia, uniting the equestrian community around our shared passion for horse sport.
· DRESSAGE AT HITS CULPEPER: HITS Culpeper will feature one week of Level 2 Dressage competition in June 2025.
· VHSA & THE LEAGUE SHOWS: HITS Culpeper is also proud to partner with the Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) again in 2025. With six exciting weekends of competition, HITS’s special Commonwealth Park facility will be accessible for even more riders to experience and enjoy.
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
HITS WELCOMES DRESSAGE TO COMMONWEALTH PARK IN 2025!
In addition to producing 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 Del Mar, HITS Hudson Valley, HITS Chicago, and new this year, HITS Culpeper, which garner similar prestige and attention.
HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper is located in the “Heart of Virginia’s Horse Country,” so it is especially exciting to open the storied venue to its first dressage event. The new addition affirms Commonwealth Park’s reputation as a home for riders and horses of all levels and disciplines. Dressage at HITS Culpeper features one week of USEF Level 2 competition, offering new opportunities for exhibitors to enjoy national classes at the beautiful Commonwealth Park facility.
LEARN MORE b
Beyond the new dressage offering in Culpeper in June, the popular 2025 Dressage at HITS Del Mar series includes six weeks of competition, which spans from February through October. Featuring three weeks of international CDI action, the venue draws some of the sport’s top riders.
On the East Coast, HITS dressage shows also run from May through August at HITS Chicago, culminating with the esteemed U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in August, and 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.
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
FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE
HITS is proud to introduce the Festival of the Horse™, a unique celebration of equestrian enthusiasts through a multi-discipline, unrated competition format. Held at HITS venues throughout the season, the Festival aims to unite the multifaceted equestrian community around a shared passion for horse sport.
This exciting show series is designed to truly epitomize a fun, affordable, and customer-focused experience. In addition to a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, exhibitors, trainers, barn staff, families, and friends can look forward to Educational clinics and demonstrations across different disciplines, complimentary food and beverage events, activities for kids and adults, and more!
The first Festival at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, kicked off this new initiative on March 27-30, 2025. Now the series continues to HITS Culpeper on August 8-10, and HITS Hudson Valley over the summer, hosting riders from across the nation. At the Festival, the spotlight shines on a variety of disciplines, including hunters, jumpers, equitation, hunter breeding, dressage, western dressage, arena eventing, and pony club games, offering classes for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you and your equestrian friends at these amazing new events! All are welcome at The Festival of the Horse™!
VIRGINIA
Unbridled Potential
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Virginia offers world-class events and top-tier facilities for riders who seek to challenge their limits. In Virginia, the possibilities are endless.
UnbridledVirginia.com
VIRGINIA HORSE INDUSTRY BOARD
The Virginia Horse Industry Board (VHIB) promotes and develops economic opportunities for the betterment of the horse industry in Virginia. The Virginia horse industry is an important, broad-based, multifaceted segment of state agriculture.
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.
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 a national Finals at HITS Hudson Valley that delivers the unique experience of competing at a prestigious championship event with all the excitement and hospitality to celebrate these talented athletes.
The League includes [26] divisions with fence heights ranging from 2’ to 3’6” 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 Divisions: Itty Bitty Jumpers .65m, Intermediate Child/Adult Jumpers .80m, Pony Jumpers .70m/.80m/.90m, and Pre Child/Adult Hunters 2’ join the roster of sanctioned divisions in 2025.
○ 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
MARSHALL & STERLING
HITS is proud of its long-term partnership with Marshall & Sterling, which understands the unique needs of HITS’s equestrian clients. For 2025, HITS is excited 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
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.
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.
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.
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
JohnDeere.com/Equine
JOHN DEERE
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.
VIRGINIA MARYLAND TRACTOR
Virginia Maryland Tractor is your neighborhood John Deere and Stihl dealer offering sales, parts, merchandise, and full service on all brands.
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.
Matthew Jenkins
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!
EQXPERT
Like HITS, EqXpert helps the horses become better friends, companions, pets, and best of all, great athletes.
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
Bask in the rolling hills and majestic mountains of north-central Virginia at Baymont by Wyndham Culpeper, off US-29, 35 miles from Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO), and 59 miles from Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Our non-smoking Hotel is a short drive to Culpeper Historic District, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation.
Sip wines at Old House Vineyards, hike Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, or tour Civil War sites like Brandy Station Battlefield Park.
Bask in the rolling hills and majestic mountains of north-central Virginia at Baymont and Days Inn by Wyndham Culpeper
HOLIDAY INN
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Culpeper, in the quaint horse country of Virginia, is an ideal destination for history buffs, wine connoisseurs and nature lovers.
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
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
©Alison Hartwell Photography
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
