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
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
MAR, CA HUDSON VALLEY, NY
CULPEPER, AUGUST 8-10 CULPEPER, VA
OCALA, MARCH 28-30
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
Valley Show Series
May 16October 12
About HITS Hudson Valley Summer Series
HITS Hudson Valley is located just two hours north of New York City in the heart of the famed Hudson Valley. The site is easily accessible from New England, New York, and beyond. With the scenic Catskill Mountains as its backdrop and the lovely town of Saugerties as its community, the recently renovated showgrounds provide an ideal venue for both equestrian events and trade shows of all sizes.
Situated on more than 200 acres, the showgrounds consist of 10 outdoor competition rings, including two featured rings surrounded by beautifully designed grass berms and stonewalls with seating for competitors and spectators alike. The show rings are accompanied by ample schooling and lungeing areas that are thoughtfully laid out for the safety and convenience of horses and riders.
THE TANGIBLE
• Expanded schedule with competition from mid-May through mid-October
• World-class footing
• New layout to improve venue flow
• New, centrally located premier rings to showcase hunters, jumpers & equitation
• Improved schooling areas
• Upgraded stabling and lighting
HORSE & RIDER
• Wider range of stabling & cost options
• New partnerships & sponsorships to improve the experience in / out of the ring
• Exciting offerings including WCHR, ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic series, USHJA International & National Derbies, & The League presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance
EAT | DRINK | RELAX | ENJOY
• Food & beverage improvements
• Community areas & events
• Facility improvements
WHAT’S NEW AT HITS HUDSON VALLEY
HUDSON VALLEY VENUE
With so many venue highlights, HITS Hudson Valley has become one of the best and widely attended horse show facilities in the country. Now, horses and riders of all levels can enjoy the unparalleled HITS experience with an expanded schedule featuring competition from mid-May through mid-October. New arenas and numerous property upgrades, coupled with a broad lineup of class offerings, makes each week at HITS Hudson Valley one to remember.
From the Grand Prix Ring to The Ring, Hunter Stadium, and the Pond Ring and Jumper 1 complex, hunter, jumper, equitation, and dressage competitors all can appreciate the premier design of the Wordley Martin arenas. With thoughtful layout, pristine footing, and expertly crafted drainage systems, these rings and their warm-up areas provide top-notch conditions for every ride.
Of course, the horse show experience goes beyond the competition, and with floral arrangements by Equestrian Gardens, every corner of the facility has an elevated appearance. As you walk from Hunter 6 all the way to the many vendors and shops, the environment flows with elegant native plant designs.
In addition, complimentary hospitality events have become a cornerstone of the HITS Hudson Valley experience, bringing together the horse show community. The Exhibitor Tents offer an oasis to relax and congregate with barnmates and friends all while taking in elite competition from the best seats at the show.
HITS continues to add to the unique atmosphere of this special property, which has become a pivotal piece of the horse show calendar. Upgrades such as matted permanent barns, the addition of fans in the FEI barns, improved tent stabling, and new fencing have all contributed to the overall improvement. Now in 2025, expanded horse show schedules means there are even more opportunities for hunter/jumper and dressage exhibitors alike. After more than 25 years, HITS continues to build on all of the success and excitement from previous seasons to achieve the best circuit yet.
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
Annarella Ristorante
Annarella is a local favorite! Perfect for dinner after a long day at the show or for special events in their private room.
276 Malden Turnpike, Saugerties
845.247.7289
Cucina Woodstock
Check out Woodstock at night for modern Italian fare in a restored farmhouse with seasonally inspired fare.
109 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock
845.679.9800
Mirabella’s
Every bite here feels like a victory lap for your taste buds. Get ready for a sports night like no other!
123 Partition St, Saugerties
845.246.7417
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen Vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten free options. breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch.
90 Partition St, Saugerties
845.246.9240
Restaurant Kinsley
Venture down 9W to Kingston and enjoy a community-focused restaurant where a taste of NYC mingles with the Hudson Valley.
301 Wall St, Kingston
845.768.3621
The Avenue Steakhouse
Here at The Avenue Steakhouse, we don’t just serve food, we serve food that tells a story. Come join us and experience great food and great company!
147 Ulster Ave, Saugerties
845.247.7770
The Partition
Open air bar right in the middle of town! Great to stop by with friends, listen to live music, or have a quick drink before dinner at one of the neighboring restaurants.
124 Partition St, Saugerties
845.382.9954
The Red Onion
The Red Onion is a classic staple in the area – with a bustling bar and ample indoor and outdoor wraparound porch seating. Locally sourced dishes and fun cocktails!
1654 NY-212, Saugerties
845.679.1223
For other cuisine and food experience options, be sure to go beyond Yelp and Google, visit SaugertiesTourism.com/Dine
Hutton Brickyards
Historic 100-acre riverfront hotel and event venue offering luxury cabins, beautifully restored rooms and suites at Edgewood Mansion, seasonal dining, spa treatments, and outdoor guest experiences, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River.
132 Lindsley Ave Kingston 845.514.4853
Hotel Kinsley
In nearby Kingston, check out this unique hotel located in a collection of four architecturally distinct and restored 17th-19th century buildings reimagined for the modern traveler.
301 Wall St, Kingston 845.768.3620
The Woodstock Inn on the Millstream
Noted as the best hotel in Woodstock amongst lush gardens and the cascading millstream. Think bed and breakfast friendliness with boutique hotel amenities.
48 Tannery Brook Rd, Woodstock 845.679.8211
The Villa at Saugerties
A proper bed and breakfast (and dinner!) close to the show, the Villa only has a few rooms but is worth planning ahead. Beautiful rooms, landscaping, pool and run by a lovely couple that understand their guests’ needs.
159 Fawn Rd, Saugerties 845.246.5440
For other lodging experience options, be sure to go beyond Yelp and Google, visit SaugertiesTourism.com/Lodging
courtesy of Hotel Kinsley
courtesy of Hutton Brickyards
courtesy of The Woodstock Inn
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
Falling Waters Preserve & more!
Up for a hike? Check out one of the many reserves and trail heads in the area. Falling Waters Preserve, for example, is riverfront with trails, waterfall, grassy fields.
1 Dominican Ln, Glasco
Orpheum Theatre
Looking for something to do on a rainy day? The Orpheum is a unique local theater run by a non-profit arts organization that shows a variety of films ranging from blockbusters to indies!
Bearsville Theater
Visit the hallowed ground of the Bearsville Theater. It is the exact spot where Americana was born and where folk went electric. Check out the theater for to experience musical history through live music and private events.
291 Tinker St, Woodstock 845.684.7133
Opus 40
Opus 40 is a large environmental sculpture in Saugerties, New York, created by sculptor Harvey Fite. It comprises a sprawling series of dry-stone ramps, pedestals and platforms covering 6.5 acres of a bluestone quarry.
356 George Sickle Rd, Saugerties 845.246.3400
courtesy of Opus 40
courtesy of Bearsville Theater
Saugerties Lighthouse
A landmark beacon on the Hudson River, the Saugerties Lighthouse is a venerable aid to navigation, constructed in 1869 at the mouth of the Esopus Creek.
168 Lighthouse Dr, Saugerties
845.247.0656
Puttin’ Plus Family Fun Center
You can literally cross the street from the horse show, next to the RV lot, for mini golf and go carts. Not fancy but full of fun and beyond convenient!
455 Washington Ave Ext, Saugerties
845.246.4501
The Swan Country Club
Have time for a round of golf? Check out the Lazy Swan Golf and Country Club Village for 18 holes of public golf and tee times online.
1754 Old Kings Hwy, Saugerties
The Saugerties Farmers Market
The Saugerties Farmers Market showcases the best of Hudson Valley products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to pasture-raised meat, artisanal cheeses, eggs, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, lunch offerings, local wine and spirits, and much more.
115 Main St, Saugerties
845.246.4501
845.247.0075 For other lodging experience options, be sure to go beyond Yelp and Google, visit SaugertiesTourism.com/Great-Outdoors
HITS Hudson Valley is thrilled to once again offer numerous elite hunter classes throughout the 2025 season, including the exciting ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic series.
There are six $5,000 ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic Qualifiers this season across several HITS venues, from which the top three finishers of each automatically advance to the $200,000 ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic Final. They will join 2024 Finals winner Brian Feigus, who is pre-qualified for 2025, to contest for the top prize during HITS Championship week at HITS Hudson Valley later in September. Qualifying opportunities during 2025 include three classes at HITS Ocala, one chance at HITS Del Mar, and two more here at HITS Hudson Valley. HITS Chief Customer Officer Joe Norick described the new class as the “future of the 3’6” division” and “a new way to showcase hunters.”
The addition of this innovative one round, one height series, unique to HITS, completes an already exciting lineup of hunter of ferings at HITS Hudson Valley, including two WCHR weeks, three USHJA International Hunter Derbies, 12 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, and three USHJA Pony Hunter Derbies.
The multiple top-level derby events, special hunter ring atmosphere, and quality of competition across all HITS venues, including HITS Hudson Valley, continues to elevate the overall experience for hunter riders.
EXCITING HUNTER HIGHLIGHTS AT HITS HUDSON VALLEY
In 2024, Brian Feigus and Marita Zuraitis’s Four Aces, were repeat winners during the action-packed 2024 hunter season at HITS Chicago and won the inaugural $100,000 ClipMyHorse.tv Hunter Classic Final at HITS Hudson Valley in September.
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
HITS Hudson Valley will continue to host exciting jumper classes in its multiple premier arenas in 2025.
In addition to five weeks of FEI international show jumping competition (pending USEF approval) and the variety of class offerings for juniors, amateurs, and professionals, some of HITS’s fan-favorite, weekly special jumper classes are also available at HITS Hudson Valley.
○ The weekly Adequan Open Welcome returns to HITS Hudson Valley in 2025, starting off each week with high-level jumper action.
○ The prestigious Alliant Private Client Cup follows to kick off each weekend with a competitive field of athletes.
○ The popular STX Open Speed Series keeps its spot on the weekly schedule. Along with generous prize money, STX sponsors a leading rider award. At the end of each circuit, the leading rider wins an exclusive STX Tack Box, while the overall leader from all circuits is awarded a six-month lease on an STX 2-Horse truck.
○ The Horseflight Jumper Classic has become a Sunday morning staple at HITS venues, including HITS Hudson Valley.
During the 2024 season, Daniel Bluman (ISR) took top honors in several classes, using the HITS Hudson Valley facility to prepare Ladriano Z for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“HITS has made a great investment in this facility,” he noted. “The competition rings and warm-ups are excellent, and the jumps are beautiful. I wanted to simulate championship conditions over smaller fences as our last training before heading to Paris.”
The season culminated with the $250,000 Core Specialty Insurance FEI Grand Prix during HITS Championship week, which put an ex clamation mark on an incredible week of show jumping action. Athletes from across the globe ventured to Saugerties for the finale of a top-tier summer. Returning to HITS Hudson Valley for the first time in many years, renowned course designer Olaf Peterson Jr. affirmed that he was thrilled with the venue. He shared: “The improvements HITS has made and what they have done with the venue is simply shocking!”
HITS Hudson Valley’s improved facility for horses, riders, trainers, and families appeals to competitors of all levels, from the Itty Bitty Jumper division through the international grands prix. Combined with world-class course design, as well as numer ous top-notch arenas and premium footing, HITS Hudson Valley will continue to be a standout venue for jumpers.
EXCITING JUMPER HIGHLIGHTS AT HITS HUDSON VALLEY
2024
DANIEL BLUMAN AND LADRIANO Z
DURING THE HITS HUDSON VALLEY HORSE SHOW IN
GO RENTALS
Servicing 180+ locations nationwide, including your favorite HITS horse shows, and expanding to new destinations every month.
EQUITATION HIGHLIGHTS AT HITS HUDSON VALLEY
A fundamental part of the American riding system, the equitation discipline has grown in its competitive nature for both junior and amateur riders. To honor and challenge these athletes, HITS has more equitation offerings than ever before. Weekly medal classes and age divisions are staples across all HITS venues. In addition, the action-packed schedule of highlights at HITS Hudson Valley includes championship-caliber opportunities, including the Arion Sellier Equitation Championship for juniors and the HITS Adult Equitation Championship for amateurs.
The HITS Hudson Valley Arion Sellier Equitation Championship, which first took place during the 2025 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit and will also feature at HITS Del Mar, is an exciting class for junior athletes. Set over a track of 3’6” obstacles, riders turn in their phones and must walk the course, warm up, and compete without the aid of their trainers, only assisted by one groom. Riders are judged over a first-round course with the top 12 returning for a second round. Judges are then at their discretion to request further testing before crowning a winner. The victorious rider is presented with a custom Arion Sellier saddle, while the top three receive Veltri Sport x Arion backpacks.
The HITS Adult Equitation Championship is a brandnew 3’ class exclusive to HITS Hudson Valley, shining the spotlight on amateur riders. After presenting for a jog at the start of the competition, riders are then tested over four phases to determine an overall winner. The first day includes an equitation round over classic hunter-style fences as well as a flat phase evaluated in groups of 10-12 horses. On the second day, riders return for phase three in reverse order of their combined scores from phases one and two to contest an equitation round over a handy course. Finally, the top four athletes based on their cumulative scores go head-tohead in phase four’s final testing to determine the winner. The top 12 finishers will be presented with ribbons & prizes.
Because these special classes take place later in the summer season, they serve as the perfect barometer of progress and as excellent preparation for the busy finals and indoors circuit ahead. HITS understands the important role equitation plays in the development of riders and continues to create innovative opportunities for the betterment of the sport as a whole.
Top trainer Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm in Katonah, New York, expressed: “We feel so fortunate at Heritage to have such a top facility so close to home. The whole experience at HITS is first-rate, which is why the show has come to play a key role in our schedule.”
ARION SELLIER
HITS is thrilled to welcome Arion Sellier as a new sponsor in 2024. Arion’s commitment to top-quality products, including completely custom saddles, luxury tack, and key accessories, aligns with HITS’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of the horse show experience.
our
your
Our business is founded and driven by a passionate couple who share an unrelenting fascination with horses, and also happen to be family. With a wealth of horse-related experience at our disposal, we recognize the importance of both quality equipment and excellent service. Our objective is straightforward: t o offer fellow riders and their equine companions nothing but the finest. Whether it's competing in an arena or exploring picturesque trails, we guarantee to deliver the best possible experience.
Proud sponsor of HITS Horse Shows
SADDLERY
More than tack, it’s a lifestyle. Your go-to mobile tack shop and the exclusive provider of HITS apparel.
ALORIAN
DRESSAGE HIGHLIGHTS AT HITS HUDSON VALLEY
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 Hudson Valley runs from May through September and welcomes top riders in the sport. The 2025 season features five weekends of USEF Level 3 competition and concludes with the prestigious Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation Region 8 Dressage Championships in September.
The premier HITS experience is for dressage and hunter/jumper exhibitors alike, illustrating the versatility of HITS venues and depth of HITS operations. Grand Prix winner Meagan Davis, who is based just minutes away from the HITS Hudson Valley venue in Saugerties, New York, was thrilled with the action-packed show in August 2024.
“It’s fantastic,” she expressed of the facility. “We hadn’t seen the footing put to the test of rain yet, and it held up beautifully. The staffing was topnotch, and the volunteers were all very helpful. We had a great time.”
Esteemed judge Alex Steiner noted: “I have really enjoyed the show here in Saugerties. The maintenance and redesign are top-class.”
In addition to a new dressage offering at HITS Culpeper in June, HITS dressage shows also run from May through August at HITS Chicago, culminating with the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in August. 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.
For HITS Chief Executive Officer Peter Englehart, the expanded dressage calendar across HITS venues is part of a dedicated effort to extend the HITS horse show experience to even more horses and riders.
“As an organization, we are focused on producing high quality horse shows across all of our venues, regardless of discipline,” he said. “Our growing dressage offerings are such a key part of that endeavor, and we look forward to seeing the many new and familiar faces join us as part of our HITS community.”
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 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
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 multidiscipline, 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™!
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Saks Fifth Avenue is the epitome of style, fashion, and customer service. By partnering with Saks to initiate the Saks Style of Riding Award, HITS reaffirms its commitment to elevating the customer experience, as well as recognizing and honoring amateur riders.
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.
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
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.
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.
(polysulfated glycosaminoglycan)
All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc. © 2025, American Regent, Inc. PP-AI-US-1011 Scan to see why
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
FPO
THE COV
The Cov creates exceptional, handcrafted wines which bring the historic soul of Rancho Santa Fe to your glass. Their extremely limited production of proprietary red wine was born from vines planted in 2005 and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Only available online and in a few extraordinary restaurants.
• Well-equipped fitness center
• Salt water, heated indoor pool
BEST WESTERN PLUS
BEST WESTERN PLUS Kingston Welcomes HITS!
Located just off I-87 Exit 19, one exit south of Saugerties, in the historic district. Walking distance to many restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Complimentary hot American breakfast
• All rooms offer microwave ovens and refrigerators
• First Capitol Bistro & Bar serving dinner and room service from 5:00pm until 10:00pm
• Complimentary business center
• Pets welcome
• On-site guest laundry facilities
Be sure to ask for HITS Show discount. Call 845.338.0400.
Kingston Hotel & Conference Center
503 Washington Ave., Kingston 845.338.0400 1-800-780-7234 bwpkingston.com
Best Western Plus has it all! Featuring over 200 comfortable rooms, First Capitol Bistro, an indoor saltwater pool and arcade; the hotel is walking distance from uptown boutiques and dining, and 3 miles from the Rondout waterfront. The pet-friendly facility is a short 10-minute ride (one exit) from HITS Hudson Valley.
RESIDENCE INN
The Residence Inn’s all-suite property is a perfect spot for your summer getaway. All of the suites include a full hot buffet breakfast. There also is an indoor salt water pool and spa, a large fitness center, and a patio with a fire pit. The hotel is a pet-friendly property minutes from fine dining and only 9 miles from the HITS Hudson Valley showgrounds.
HOTEL KINSLEY
Looking for a unique, high end hotel while showing? The flagship building of Hotel Kinsley offers playfully designed guest rooms in a restored 19th century bank building. You can also enjoy an excellent dinner at Restaurant Kinsley that has a mezzanine for private dining and a cozy, wood paneled cocktail bar
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
