HITS LLC is thrilled to be returning to the West Coast to take over the management of the famed Del Mar Showpark. Located just 25 minutes north of San Diego, this premier facility will once again host competitions year-round for all equestrian disciplines through HITS Horse Shows. Horse shows will resume in 2023, with a mix of hunter/jumper events, as well as dressage and multi-breed competitions in the heart of California, allowing equestrians of all levels and disciplines to pursue their passion.
Known for its world-class hunter/jumper competitions, HITS will host seven USEF-recognized competitions including:
● Del Mar Stars & Stripes: July 5-9
● Del Mar Sunshine Classic: July 12-16
● Del Mar Summer Festival I: Aug 2-6
● Del Mar Summer Festival II: Aug 8-13
● Del Mar Classic I: Aug 23-27
● Del Mar Classic II: Aug 30-Sept 3
● Del Mar Fall Classic: Sept 28-Oct 1
HITS and Tom Struzzieri have organized hunter jumper events in California since 1984, including competitions at the Del Mar Showpark. HITS has run everything from the Onandarka Finals to the Thermal AIG Million Dollar Grand Prix, and is excited to be once again offering competitions for West Coast hunter/jumper riders at this beautiful facility.
“We’ve really missed this facility the last few years,” said professional rider Keri Potter of Tres Palomas. “It’s such a beautiful location, super horse-friendly and really is the center of Del Mar. Tom has such a strong background in the sport, and he knows what it takes to put on a nice horse show, and he knows what it takes to create a beautiful facility. He sees the vision that we see as professionals, and the potential this place has to be one of the best horse show venues in California. His experience and knowledge are key to making this successful.”
The team is prepared to begin immediately addressing the environmental requirements so that the Del Mar Horse Showpark can reopen in 2023. “The Californian Horsemen have an incredible jewel at the Del Mar Horse Showpark, right in the heart of such a vibrant successful community,” noted Struzzieri. “Because of the great interest and concern of local citizens, Showpark has been allowed to reopen and deliver an extraordinary product to California. It goes without saying that no expense will be spared when it comes to improving the facility so that it not only conforms but exceeds the environmental requirements”.
Struzzieri continued, “HITS has more experience than any other company when it comes to developing horse facilities. One needs to look no further than Horse Park in Thermal to see an example of this point. It is my belief that the bones of the Del Mar Showpark will set the stage for a new HITS flagship on the West Coast after improvements to riding areas, stabling areas, and the food and beverage experiences.”
In addition to hunter/jumper competitions, HITS also plans to run three dressage events at the beginning of the year. These will include:
● Del Mar Dressage Classic I: Jan 20-22
● Del Mar Dressage Classic II: Feb 3-5
● Del Mar Dressage Classic III: March 3-5
The newest addition to the Del Mar Horse Showpark will be the expansion of facility rentals. One of the underutilized improvements at the Showpark is the covered ring. HITS plans to reinvent that building, creating an event hall that can be used to highlight and host not only hunter and jumper competitions, but many different breed events and finals.
HITS’ return to the West Coast is well underway, and the team looks forward to welcoming exhibitors back to the storied Del Mar Horse Showpark in 2023. The revitalization of this treasured facility by HITS will allow the West Coast to continue its long tradition of top equestrian competitions. For more information visit www.hitsshows.com.