130 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Mindy Coretz
Sidelines Intern
Editor’s Note: Sidelines intern Mindy Coretz is a regular on
the HITS Ocala circuit, so we asked her to share her thoughts
on showing in beautiful Ocala, Florida during the winter. Mindy
caught up with three other riders who spend the winter in Ocala
and asked them for their views on the Ocala winter circuit. The
consensus: showing at HITS Ocala is a Hit!
HITS in Ocala – part of the “Horse Shows In The Sun” show
series, tops my list of favorite shows. I’m from Oklahoma – home
to very fckle weather, which can make for exciting winter riding.
For that reason, I look forward to attending the Ocala winter circuit
each year since I know I can count on some beautiful Florida
sunshine.
Upon arriving, I’m immediately overwhelmed by everything
the show has to offer. As I make my way across the grounds
to fnd where my horses are stabled, I make a detour to marvel
at the vendors – each selling something that my horses (and I)
absolutely need. After nearly being run over by a couple giggling
pony kids galloping their ponies on the track that ties together the
facility, I walk by the schooling ring for Hunter 1 where I pause
for a minute to listen to Don Stewart teaching one of his famous
morning lessons, hoping to absorb just a little bit of information.
While I love HITS Ocala and it is my winter destination each
year, I thought I would check in with a few other competitors to
see what they think about showing in beautiful Ocala, Florida.
When asked her favorite part of HITS Ocala, 2011 ASPCA Maclay
Finals Winner, Sarah Milliren, responded, “The food!” Sarah is
right on track with this! Picture this: as you walk in for lunch, you
are greeted by a large fat screen TV replaying footage from the
HITS $1,000,000 Grand Prix. To your left is a trainer having a
serious conversation with a rider and her mother. Their somber
gazes soon vanish as the smell of fresh cookies rises from the
kitchen. Walking into the main kitchen area, you’re faced with a
big decision. Pizza, pasta, salad, burrito, smoothie, burger and
fries, quesadilla? They have it all and it’s good enough to keep
Sarah, a talented, winning and sought-after rider satiated and
content for the three months she spends competing in Ocala.
For eight years, Jacquelyn Maggiore, a superstar adult
hunter rider, has planned her winter months around showing at
HITS Ocala. In 2012, HITS introduced the 3’ Hunter Prix. Each
Showing
At HITS
is a HIT
week, HITS Ocala offers a qualifer class. Those who satisfy all
requirements and accumulate enough points with their equine
partner qualify for a $250,000 Final at HITS Saugerties in the
summer.
“The hunter prix qualifers satisfy my thirst for adventure with
diffcult courses, including jumping in and out of the ring and
providing me with the only chance I have to take home some
prize money. Obviously, the best part about competing in the
qualifers is knowing that I am on my way to the $250,000 Hunter
Prix Final. It is pretty cool that average riders, like myself, are
given the opportunity to compete in a fnal of that magnitude. As
a competitor in the inaugural $250,000 Hunter Prix Final, I can
personally attest to the fact that this is an experience no 3’ hunter
rider should miss,” Jacquelyn said.
Though she’ll be competing as a 14-year-old for the 2013
show season, Hunter Holloway has more bragging rights than
some seasoned professionals. Among those are a grand prix
win at age 12 and winning the Maclay Regional Finals. Though
an undoubtedly naturally gifted rider, Hunter has worked hard in
pursuit of her goals. She, too, spends her winters at HITS Ocala.
Unlike Sarah and Jacquelyn, however, Hunter was unable to come
up with just one reason she loves Ocala. “I love the atmosphere
at the horse show. The main hunter ring is so much fun to ride in,
the people are so nice, I love it all!”
All photos by Mindy Coretz
Talented junior rider Hunter Holloway loves the atmosphere at
the HITS Ocala shows
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