We just officially wrapped the winter circuit in Ocala and we would like to congratulate all of our riders on a fantastic circuit! Our last three show weeks of the circuit included HITS Ocala Winter Celebration and two weeks at the Florida Horse Park for the Ocala Spring Classic II & III. We were excited to welcome some new partnerships over the last several weeks that already have made a fantastic debut in the show ring.
Ocala Winter Celebration & Circuit End
Grier Van Rooyen debuted at the Ocala Winter Celebration with her mom’s, Biarritz, in the Modified Children’s Hunter were they earned top ribbons like a pair of seconds and a class win to earn Reserve Champion together for their first show together.
In the equitation ring, Grier piloted Utrillo de Soleil also to top ribbons in the 12-14 Equitation to earn Champion of the division. This pair has had a super successful circuit together with top ribbons and trim colors every week! Congrats Grier!
Collette Arslanian & Diamond B Casanova continued their successful circuit with a 3rd in the Amateur Jumper 1.0m class & 5th in the 1.05m Classic this week. They also had a great time dressing up for the Sotheby Gambler’s Choice Class on the St Patrick’s Day weekend in classic “Signature” green tribute attire.
At the completion of the HITS circuit, this pair was awarded Circuit Champion in the Younger Amateur Jumper 1.0m Division. Congratulations Collette!
Ocala Spring Classic II & III
Jenn successfully showed some existing and new additions at the Florida Horse Park including barn favorite, Biarritz, to Champion in the USHJA 3′ Hunters. New addition, 007 Golden Eye debuted in the show ring with Jenn in the Baby Greens, receiving top ribbons. Both Evito Sun Z and Serendipity showed successfully with Jenn in the 3’3″ Performance Hunters including a class win for Vito. Lastly, new jumper, Cheiser B, earned a class win the Training Jumper 1M as a nice warm up for the weekend.
Grier debuted in the jumper ring with her new mount, Cheiser B, in the Jr/AO .85m division to earn top ribbons & Reserve Champion. What a great start to this new partnership!
In the Hunter ring, Grier stepped up to the Children’s Hunter with Biarritz to earn top ribbons for Reserve Champion and a 3rd in the Adult/Children’s Hunter Classic the first week and Reserve Champion again week two, including two class wins.
Both weeks, Grier & Utrillo de Soleil dominated to win classes in the 12-14 Equitation & won the THIS Children’s Medal both week as well. Congratulations Grier on a great circuit!
Laura Van Rooyen has a successful debut with Serendipity in the Amateur Owner 3’3″ Hunters including an under saddle win week two.
In the equitation ring, Laura also debuted Evito Sun Z in the Adult Medal classes, joining her daughter to win the Ariat week two. What a fantastic end to the circuit for this dynamic duo!
We head back to our home base at HITS for a few short weeks of R&R for the horses & team before heading north to our Spring/Summer home base in NJ. We would also like to thank our fabulous staff for their hard work during our time in Ocala, especially for their dedication to having our horses look & perform their best.
