The Hunt is on-HITS Ocala shines the spotlight on the new Main Hunter ring and the riders and horses that shine through
OCALA, FL (February 27, 2026) —It seems that the new Main Hunter ring at HITS Post Time Farm is making quite an impression during its first season. The newly designed ring is being touted as one of the most beautiful show rings in the country by all who have seen it, including some of the most seasoned veterans.
“The new Main Hunter ring is an amazingly nice addition to this facility,” said Betty Oare, Amateur-Owner Hunter rider and long-time HITS Ocala exhibitor. “It lends itself to a very glamorous Hunter trip. Everyone has been saying that they love it; people are dying to ride in it.”
Oare is getting plenty of time in the new ring. She continues to dominate the Amateur-Owner Hunter 36+ division, winning more than her share of classes over the past two weeks. And it doesn’t seem to matter which horse she rides, as both Madison and L’Alezon have been crowned champions. This past weekend, she won three of the four classes for the Modified Amateur Hunter division and, once again, L’Alezon was Champion of the division for the second week in a row.
What is it that makes it so special? Well, it could be the spectacular centerpiece of two matched, live oaks draped in Spanish moss or it could be the permanent, three-board fence and bright green grass that border the ring, giving it a classic countryside feel. Set up on a hill, overlooking the rest of the grounds, the atmosphere is unlike any other ring at Post Time Farm, or anywhere else for that matter.
At 200 x 300 feet, the ring is wider than most, offering the course designers lots of options when it comes to setting the ride. “If I had to sum it up in just one word, I would say ‘majestic’,” said Hunter Judge Jimmy Lee. He went on to predict that great “Hunter Things” will happen here. “You can build for very special classes in this ring, reflecting the great Hunter tradition. It adds a great deal to the competition here in Ocala.”
Oare is not the only rider making a name for herself in the new ring. In the Junior Hunter divisions, Taylor Ann Adams and Lyle; Ashley Ann McGehee and Jay Z; Samantha Schaefer aboard Jackson and Sunfest; and Kacey McCann aboard Mustique and Eastwood have all placed in the top ranks, and their horses have all been named Champion in the past two weeks.
The ring offers a soft ride on EuroFelt®-enhanced footing, provided by Footing Authority, a division of International Surfaces Group, Inc. Also of note is the proximity to the new VIP Tent which has been strategically placed between the new Main Hunter ring and the new Grand Prix ring. “The hope is that now Hunters will get more attention here at Post Time Farm,” said Sr. Vice President, Tony Hitchcock.
“With the addition of the new Grand Prix and Main Hunter rings we’ve substantially increased our offering in Ocala,” said Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO of HITS, Inc. “The popularity of the new Hunter ring has exceeded even our own expectations. I’m quite pleased with the warm reception it’s getting.”
The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit continues on Wednesday, February 28, with the Ocala Masters and what’s sure to be more excitement in the new ring. On Sunday, all eyes will be on $1,000 Amateur-Owner and the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classics.
Since its introduction in 1982, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit has become a fixture on the East Coast show jumping circuit. Each winter, the Ocala Circuit attracts national and international participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Classes offered range from the Grand Prix show jumping classes to a selection of divisions for both the beginning and experienced rider. Located in Ocala/Marion County, the heart of Florida’s horse country, the area is home to over 600 horse farms and hundreds of supporting facilities and businesses. HITS moved the Ocala horse shows from the 100-acre Golden Hills International Show Grounds to the circuit’s new home, the 300+ acre Post Time Farm in 2002. HITS Post Time Farm is located just a few miles west of the Golden Hills International Show Grounds on Highway 27. The Post Time Training Center was originally built for thoroughbred racehorses. The facility is professionally landscaped and features gated entrances, 52 miles of four-board fencing, 26 permanent barns that house 500 stalls, numerous paddocks, bridle paths, and additional buildings for the horse show office, restaurant and on-site school.
In January 2006, HITS entered into a private equity arrangement with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in Los Angeles. As a result, HITS, Inc. is able to develop and execute exciting operational and strategic initiatives that both solidify its well-established position as the leader in horse show management and allows for new growth opportunities including the construction of the new HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. HITS generates significant economic impact in each of its five venues in California, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and New York.
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