Horses and riders from eight nations began to arrive in Ocala on Monday afternoon in advance of the $200,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Friday. FEI Horses Arrive at HITS The show jumping competition, which is a qualifier for the Nations Cup finals in Barcelona, Spain, in October, is part of the 10-week Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Ocala Winter Circuit at Post Time Farm at 13710 W. U.S. 27. This is the first year for the qualifier in Ocala and organizers as well as local officials want to make a lasting impression. “We want to do well and show off our absolute best side. That makes it a little challenging. For some of these riders, this is their first time in Ocala. We are poised and ready,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS president and CEO. The Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership is hosting a private reception for the teams and riders who will compete, Struzzieri said. “There will be other events during the week as well,” he added. Teams from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, the United States and Venezuela will compete, as well as invited riders from Germany and Great Britain. “We encourage folks to come out. The entire week is an FEI week and it’s an opportunity to see some of the best riders,” said Emily Glass, HITS spokeswoman. There will be preliminary competitions on Wednesday at 3 p.m. and Thursday at 2 p.m., where the horses and riders will compete in preparation for the main event on Friday, which begins at 1 p.m. at the stadium arena at HITS Post Time Farm. At least 10,000 spectators are expected. Tickets to the event are available in the HITS office at the farm; by phone at 867-0508; or online at Ocalatix.com. Tickets are $10 at the office or by phone; they are $12 online. The week ends with the $150,000 Ocala Grand Prix FEI, on Sunday afternoon, in which the top 20 horse and rider combinations from the Nations Cup are eligible to compete. source: Ocala/ Equnews
