HITS Ocala Fast Facts - 2005

EVENT: HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Show
WHAT: Seven-week hunter/jumper horse show circuit produced by Horse Shows In The Sun.
WHERE: Post Time Farm, Ocala, Florida

WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday, 2005 show dates are:
HITS Ocala January 19-23
HITS Ocala January 26-30
Off week no show February 2-6
Ocala Winter Classic February 9-13
Ocala Winter Festival February 16-20
Ocala Masters February 23-27
Ocala Tournament March 2-6
Ocala Winter Finals March 9-13

HOURS: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00am to approximately 4:00pm.

DIRECTIONS: I-75 to Exit 354 (old #70) for Hwy 27 North. Travel eight miles, show grounds on the left.

PARKING: Parking is free Wednesday through Sunday.

ADMISSION: No admission charge Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday admission is $5 per person, children under 12 free. Admission proceeds benefit local charities.

SHOW GROUNDS: 10 show rings and multiple schooling rings for hunter, jumper, and equitation classes.

CLASSES: Approximately 250 classes take place per week including two Grand Prix classes per week.

ATTENDANCE: An average of approximately 2,000 horses and 4,500 horsemen are on the grounds each week. More than 3,500 horses, 7,000 horsemen and 10,000 spectators attend over the seven-week event.

Photo: © Lili Weik
DEREK PETERSEN and PROMISED LAND WIN
2004 $100,000 KING SHAVINGS GRAND PRIX FINALE AT HITS OCALA

PRIZE MONEY: Over $1,000,000

FEATURED EVENTS
* $25,000 Grand Prix Sunday, January 23 1:00pm
* $25,000 Grand Prix Sunday, January 30 1:00pm
* $25,000 Grand Prix Thurs., February 10 1:00pm
* $50,000 EMO Grand Prix Sunday, February 13 1:00pm
* $25,000 Grand Prix Thurs., February 17 1:00pm
* $50,000 HITS Grand Prix Sunday, February 20 1:00pm
* $25,000 Peterson & Smith Grand Prix Thurs., February 24 1:00pm
* $50,000 HITS Grand Prix Sunday, February 27 1:00pm
* $25,000 Grand Prix Thurs., March 3 1:00pm
* $50,000 HITS Grand Prix Sunday, March 6 1:00pm
* $25,000 Grand Prix Thurs., March 10 1:00pm
* $25,000 Junior / Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Sunday, March 13 10:00am
* $100,000 HITS Grand Prix of Ocala Sunday, March 13 2:00pm
presented by Great American Insurance

SPECIAL EVENTS:
         Family Day, presented by Cox Communications Sunday, February 27 11:00am 1:00pm
         Grand Finale Sunday, March 13
         Champions of the Week Presentations are held on Sundays prior to the 1:00pm Grand Prix.

FOOD: Prepared and served by HITS food service personnel, a complete and diverse menu of food and beverages is available every show day at the restaurant on the show grounds.

SHOPPING: The vendor courtyard features more than a dozen shops offering quality equestrian gear, apparel, jewelry and souvenirs.

IN BRIEF: 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 novice and experienced rider. Located in Ocala/Marion County, the heart of Floridas 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 circuits new home, the 300+ acre Post Time Farm in 2002. 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.

ECONOMIC IMPACT: The economic impact of HITS Ocala on the surrounding community is estimated at $50 million, which reflects exhibitor spending during the circuit on food, lodging, living expenses, and entertainment in the area during the seven-week event.

CHARITIES: Local charities are the ticket-takers on Sundays. Horse Shows In The Sun donates 100% of the gate receipts to these charities.

POST TIME TRAINING FARM 13710 U.S. Hwy 27; Ocala, Florida 34482; Tel: 352-620-2275; Fax: 352-620-2059; Website: www.HitsShows.com

HORSE SHOWS IN THE SUN HITS Corporate; 319 Main Street, Saugerties, New York 12477; 845-246-8833; Fax: 845-246-6371; website: www.HitsShows.com.