6 minute read
HITS New Era
HITS HITS
Enters New Era in 2023
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Change is inevitable and the horse industry is no excep�on. HITS has been the industry leader and the largest producer of hunter/jumper horse shows in the United States for over 40 years. Entering the 2023 show season, HITS will enter a new era thanks to new ownership by Traub Capital Partners (TCP) who will bring a new vision to equestrian sport.
Laura Graves, photo by Annan Hepner
“We are proud
to partner with HITS, a clear leader in the equestrian event world,” said Brian Crosby, Managing Partner of TCP, a�er the purchase. “HITS’ legacy and exper�se align with TCP’s philosophy and approach, and we believe we are uniquely posi�oned to ac�vely support them in their strategic growth plans.”
TCP purchased HITS in March with the plan to leverage its excep�onal history, track record and reputa�on as part of its vision to bolster and further invest in the five show loca�ons currently operated by the company, while looking to expand the na�onal footprint.
The first step was taking over the lease of Del Mar Showpark, allowing HITS to make a return to the West Coast. HITS has already begun work improve the exis�ng facility and create an incredible venue for equestrian athletes of all disciplines to enjoy. Having built two facili�es on the West Coast at the HITS Desert Horse Park at Indio and Thermal, the team at HITS is well-versed in the needs of exhibitors, sponsors and spectators on the West Coast to create successful compe��ons throughout the year.
HITS plans to reopen the doors of the Del Mar Showpark in in July of 2023, operating all seven of the current hunter/jumper dates allocated through US Equestrian (USEF) as part of the newly restructured California show schedule.
“We’ve really missed this facility the last few years,” said professional rider Keri Po�er of Tres Palomas. “It’s such a beau�ful loca�on, super horse-friendly and really is the center of Del Mar. [HITS] has such a strong background in the sport, and knows what it takes to put on a nice horse show, and knows what it takes to create a beau�ful facility. [HITS] sees the vision that we see as professionals, and the poten�al this place has to be one of the best horse show venues in California.”
HITS also has plans to host dressage compe��ons at Del Mar Showpark beginning in 2024, as it con�nues its dedica�on to the discipline. HITS already hosts worldclass dressage events at HITS-on-the-Hudson and Lamplight Equestrian Center, and looks forward to adding Del Mar Showpark to the por�olio.
HITS has already established itself as a premiere producer of Dressage shows, having hosted the U.S. Dressage Fes�val of Champions at Lamplight Equestrian Center since 2020. Next Year’s Championship will be held August 21-2, 2023. Addi�onally, HITS will host the Region 2 and Regions 8 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, presented by SmartPak, at Lamplight Equestrian Center and HITS-onthe-Hudson, respec�vely.
Craig Martin and Sharn Wordley.
The next step for HITS came at the end of October when they welcomed Joseph “Joe” Norick as the new Chief Customer Officer. This new role allows Norick the opportunity to focus on client needs and the overall customer experience at each of HITS’ world-class compe��ons. Norick’s addi�on is reflec�ve of the consumer-oriented philosophy employed by TCP.
As Chief Customer Officer at HITS, Norick will lead its renewed focus on crea�ng posi�ve experiences for both the horses and riders. “Equestrian sports are constantly evolving, and I am looking forward to working with the HITS team to exceed the expecta�ons of all of our exhibitors,” said Norick. “My vision to enhance our facili�es includes improving the drainage and foo�ng in our compe��on areas, as well as upgrading our ameni�es, such as food services, exhibitor hospitality loca�ons, and even restrooms. We will be working to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere at every HITS venue for every HITS customer.”
The biggest and most exci�ng change coming to HITS though? New foo�ng. On November 1, HITS announced that it is partnering with Sharn Wordley and Craig Mar�n of Wordley Mar�n Premium Equine Surfaces to resurface four rings at HITS Ocala. Commi�ed to crea�ng the best experience possible for the exhibitors and horses at Post Time Farm, HITS will be working with these world-class experts to re-create the Grand Prix Ring and Main Hunter Ring, as well as the corresponding schooling rings for the 2023 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.
“HITS is entering a new era, and we understand the importance of providing the best possible surfaces for our customers,” said Show Manager Rian Beals. “We are thrilled to be working with Sharn and Craig, who bring their exper�se as interna�onal riders to their business and have created incredible rings for the best in the business. This is just the beginning of the many changes we plan to implement in the coming years at HITS, and we are thrilled to begin this process at HITS Ocala for the 2023 Winter Circuit.” Wordley Mar�n provides equestrian arena architecture, construc�on, installa�on, and foo�ng products to create a personalized, ideal riding environment. Founded by interna�onal grand prix riders Sharn Wordley and Craig Mar�n, Wordley Mar�n has installed more than 450 arenas throughout the United States and has become the choice of Olympians, top athletes, and owners from show jumping, even�ng, and dressage who value Wordley Mar�n’s excep�onally high standard of execu�on.
“We are very excited about the new team at HITS and the opportunity to create these top-quality rings for HITS Ocala,” said Wordley, an Olympic rider who represents New Zealand. “The team at HITS has an incredible vision that we are thrilled to help execute. This project is especially close to our hearts because we will be here riding and showing each week. This will allow us to monitor and maintain the arenas throughout the compe��on to consistently deliver a quality experience for the exhibitors. We are dedicated to crea�ng an excep�onal surface for all of the HITS customers to enjoy!”
The 2023 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will get underway with 10weeks of hunter/jumper compe��on on January 17. The Grand Prix Ring, Main Hunter Ring and both schooling rings will feature the new Wordley Mar�n Premium Equestrian Surface. All other compe��on rings are also being reworked, with regraded bases and freshened top material. Addi�onal ameni�es will include enhanced exhibitor hospitality, upgraded wifi, the new premium tent stall op�ons, renovated restrooms, an on-site school and new landscaping. To download a copy of the prize list, submit entries or reserve stalls visit www.HITSShows.com.
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