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
HITS is the premier producer of hunter, jumper, and dressage shows in the United States.
The spirit of HITS is the pursuit of passion, achievement, and connection. We are rooted in an exceptional dedication to service, committed to building a culture of community, and passionate about curating meaningful encounters with excellence.
With 40+ years of storied history in building and hosting the show jumping community, we are inviting not only other disciplines but also enthusiasts outside of the equestrian world who are seeking unique and elevated experiences.
In all that we do, in every venue we host, and in every employee at your service, our hope is that you will see and feel the soul of HITS hospitality, horses, and haute culture.
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
Vermont Show Series
Farm | July 2August 10
About HITS Vermont Summer Festival
Located just outside of the town of Manchester in picturesque Southwestern Vermont, HITS Vermont is tucked between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Mountains, which provide the perfect backdrop for events for all types. The facility offers a relaxing and welcoming environment to families, competitors, spectators, and their horses.
The six-week USEF National/ 4*-Rated Vermont Summer Festival offers an all-inclusive horse show in July and August. The entire family will enjoy this boutique-style competition, which features divisions for every level of equestrian, from the Short Stirrup Classic to the weekly Grand Prix
THE TANGIBLE
• Beautiful horse show grounds
• Thoughtful ring layout to showcase hunters, jumpers & equitation
• Ample schooling areas for each ring
HORSE & RIDER
• Improved experience in & out of the ring
• Exciting class offerings including USHJA National Derbies, weekly Jumper specials, & The League presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance
• Trail riding
EAT | DRINK | RELAX | ENJOY
• Improved hospitality facilities
• Complimentary food & beverage events
• Community areas & events
WHAT’S NEW AT HITS VERMONT
VERMONT VENUE
The HITS Vermont Summer Festival is the circuit for everyone to enjoy! With six action-packed weeks of competition, the exciting schedule features highlight classes for horses and riders of all levels from the Short Stirrup Classic to the USHJA National Hunter Derby and Grand Prix. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Green and Taconic Mountains, each show day is one to remember.
Equitation Tuesdays kick off the week with opportunities for junior riders to earn valuable points toward finals qualification. Additional equitation classes, including age divisions and junior and adult medals, take place throughout the week, providing options for every athlete to strut into the spotlight.
For hunter riders, top contenders take to Hunter Ring 1 and 2 for the weekly USHJA National Hunter Derby every Friday, while rising superstars shine in The League, presented by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, hunter classics and derbies. The multiple top-level derby events, special hunter ring atmosphere, and quality of competition across all HITS venues, including HITS Vermont, continues to elevate the overall experience for hunter riders.
For jumper athletes, the popular $7,500 STX Open Speed Series, which will be run at 1.20m, continues as a cornerstone of the weekly HITS Vermont 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 Horseflight Jumper Classic, and of course, the weekly American Standard HITS Grand Prix.
Amidst the exciting schedule of equitation, hunter, and jumper divisions, additional special classes bring a unique flair to each week of competition. Get your barn squad ready for the Team Equitation Class, Accumulator, Relay, and Professional-Junior/Amateur Nations Cup. Whether you are bringing home the blue ribbon or just reveling in the one-of-a-kind experience, the HITS Vermont Summer Festival is the place to be this season.
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
Chop House
At Chop House, we pride ourselves on refined service that complements our traditional steakhouse favorites, ensuring a fabulous dining experience for locals and travelers alike.
3567 Main St. Manchester Village
802.733.6666
Gringo Jack’s Southwestern Bar & Grill
For a classic Mexican meal or a killer margarita, check out a Manchester classic, Gringo Jack’s.
5103 Main St, Manchester Center
802.362.0836
J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery
Serving up Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Fun, Wednesday through Sunday
305 Main Street, Peru
802.824.4800
Mystico Restaurant
For a fine dining experience with New York quality but Vermont ambiance, try lunch or dinner at Mystico
4928 Main St, Manchester Center 802.768.8086
Up for Breakfast
Check out Up for Breakfast in the heart of Manchester.
4935 Main St, Manchester Center 802.362.4204
The Works
Healthy and delicious casual food all day –sit-down or takeout. Open early enough for horse show people 7 days per week.
3 Riverside Heights, Manchester 802.362.5082
Aerie Inn of Vermont
Closest Lodgings to Summer Festival Grounds & Pet Friendly!
158 Bowen Hill Rd, East Dorset
802.362.1208
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
The Equinox is not only a great place to stay, but it also has a public golf course so you can get a round in while your kid is in the ring! Also check out their award-win ning spa.
3567 Main St, Manchester Village
Palmer House
Manchester Center’s Hidden Gem Resort
Reluctant Panther
A small luxury hotel with only 20 rooms, all featuring elegant design with antique furnishings, fireplaces, marble baths and original, museum quality artwork.
39 West Rd, Manchester Village
802.362.4700 800.548.4141
WHERE TO EAT, STAY & PLAY
Northshire Bookstore
There is nothing like an unfranchised bookstore with curated staff picks and lots of gifts beyond a good read.
4869 Main St, Manchester Center
802.362.2200
Dorset Marble Quarry
Some of us remember the quarry before it had ladders and a website. Stop by for a swim or a jump, if you dare!
1848 Vermont Rt 30, Dorset
Bromley Mountain Summer Attractions
Bromley is not just a ski mountain – they have tons of summer family fun including a climbing wall, alpine slide, mini golf, water slide, bumper boats, treetop adventure course and more.
There is something for everyone!
3984 Vermont Rt. 11, Peru
802.824.5522
Dorset Theater Festival
The Dorset Theatre Festival has produced professional summer theater since 1977, creating an environment where audiences can experience thought‐provoking, inspiring, and entertaining live theatre.
104 Cheney Rd / PO Box 510, Dorset
802.867.2223
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
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
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
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
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.
J.J. HAPGOOD GENERAL STORE & EATERY
J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery is a nod to the past with a refreshed interior carefully designed and provisioned to serve our local community for generations to come.
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.
The HITS Vermont Summer Festival is the six-week long celebration you do not want to miss, epitomizing a true destination horse show experience for the whole family. While HITS showcases elite competition across all venues, the HITS Vermont circuit stands out with extra fun and unique activities, ranging from onsite offerings to community adventures in the neighboring towns of Dorset and Manchester.
Exhibitors, trainers, barnmates, friends, and family can all enjoy a variety of vendors at the show, spotlighting local businesses with numerous shopportunities. Plus, exhibitor parties and weekly events bring even more excitement to the showgrounds for full days of activity in the show rings and beyond.
Between the competition, the fun continues with offsite highlights such as golf, spa days, mountain biking and other outdoor-loving activities at Bromley, local theater and art in Dorset, offroad driving lessons, fishing, and more! Of course, no visit to Manchester is complete without a stop at the swimming quarry, a purchase at the local bookshop, and breakfast in town.
The HITS Vermont Summer Festival has always delivered a special atmosphere unlike any other venue, and 2025 is poised to be the best year yet. It has FESTIVAL in the name for a reason!
EXCITING ACTIVITIES AT HITS VERMONT
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.
By using natural ingredients, TÖST’s alcohol-free beverages are crafted to be as meaningful and sophisticated as alcoholic beverages, but without the alcohol. Lower calorie, refreshingly dry and not too sweet, TÖST is the sparkling beverage for every occasion.
Saddle up with 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
More than tack, it’s a lifestyle. Your go-to mobile tack shop and the exclusive provider of HITS apparel.
ALORIAN SADDLERY
VOLTAIRE
Long-term partner with HITS, Voltaire Design crafts high-end riding saddles, recognizable by their striped gullets, and are fully customizable to the rider & the horse.
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.
EQXPERT
Like HITS, EqXpert helps the horses become better friends, companions, pets, and best of all, great athletes.
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!
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
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.
PALMER HOUSE RESORT
Stay in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest with Palmer House. The hotel is located close to local restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities. Explore what makes Vermont special!
199 Guest Rooms & Suites
Town Homes & Vacation Rental
Homes with Full Resort Access
Lawn Games & Family Activities
On-Site Bar & 3 Restaurants
Fire Pits, Perfect for S'mores
18 Hole Golf Course, Putting Green
Tennis Courts & Disc Golf Course
Hiking Trails & Resort Bikes
Full Service Spa
Fitness Center & Indoor Pool
Orvis Outdoor Adventures
Land Rover Driving Experiences
Resort Kayaks for the Pond
The Equinox is perfect as your Vermont Summer Festival Home Base or the Destination for your Vermont Adventure anytime of the year!
Located just a few miles from the Vermont Summer Festival, The Equinox offers a variety of elegant guest rooms & suites as well as vacation homes with a view, including 10 newly renovated 3-bedroom townhomes with full access to resort amenities.
From hiking Mount Equinox, golf, kayaking & tennis to yoga classes & spa treatments to Fly Fishing & Shooting with Orvis or even off-roading with Land Rover Driving Experiences or skiing Bromley or Stratton Mountains, it won't be hard to find activities for everyone. The Equinox is truly a place to connect, share experiences & create new memories.
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
THE MANCHESTER VIEW
Offering the best mountain views in southern Vermont, the Manchester View is a 36-room lodging property combining the warmth of New England with friendly service and delightful amenities.
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
