Wordley Martin Breaks Ground on New HITS-on-the-Hudson Renovations for 2024
March 13, 2024 - Saugerties, NY
Photo by ESI Photography
Photo by ESI Photography
Wordley Martin, a leading developer of equestrian properties and premier riding surfaces, is breaking ground on a new extensive renovation project at the HITS-on-the-Hudson showgrounds in Saugerties, New York, ahead of the facility’s busy 2024 show season. Wordley Martin co-founders Sharn Wordley and Craig Martin are highly respected in the private arena construction industry and work with riders in the Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
Overall, Wordley Martin’s work in 2024 at HITS-on-the-Hudson encompasses more than 250,000 square feet of riding arenas at the world-class venue, reaffirming HITS’ dedication to providing the best riding conditions for both horses and athletes. Utilizing Wordley Martin’s premium footing blend, the Hunter Stadium and the adjacent schooling ring will be completely renovated, providing an enhanced experience for hunter competitors whose classes typically feature in the traditional stone-lined arena. Jumper 1, also known as the Hudson Ring, and Hunter 2, along with the corresponding schooling arena, will also be transformed, catering to a broader range of exhibitors competing at varying levels.
The new project marks the second collaboration for the Wordley Martin and HITS teams at the HITS-on-the-Hudson location, following the successful undertaking in 2023, which included the redesigned Grand Prix Arena and warmup ring, as well as the development of THE Ring, totaling more than 205,000 square feet. Wordley Martin also spearheaded the well-received 2023 improvements at the HITS Post Time Farm venue in Ocala, Florida.
Sharn Wordley stated, “We are excited to partner with the HITS team again after the incredible success of the 2023 projects in Ocala and Saugerties. We look forward to seeing even more horses and riders enjoying the upgraded surfaces, which allow for increased competition performance and ensure the support of every horse’s step.”
Craig Martin added, "We are extremely happy to be back at HITS in Saugerties for the second phase of improvements. The reconstruction of these arenas really demonstrates the commitment of the HITS team, so all competitors can have a great experience showing their horses."
HITS COO Joe Norick said, “With the great customer response we received from the 2023 renovations, it was an obvious choice to continue our relationship with Wordley Martin. These rings will be ready for competition for our May shows and our new June events, and we are eager to welcome exhibitors for a great season.”
Competition at HITS-on-the-Hudson begins May 17 and runs through September 15, 2024.
About HITS
For more than 40 years, HITS has established itself as an industry leader and the largest producer of hunter/jumper horse shows in the United States. HITS revolutionized the industry when it produced three of the then-richest grands prix in the world. By the numbers, HITS operates six venues; 60 weeks of sanctioned hunter/jumper competitions; six weeks of dressage events; and 65,000 horses are expected to compete in 2023. Based in the Village of Saugerties, New York, HITS is a national company producing horse shows in Ocala, Florida; Culpeper, Virginia; Wayne, Illinois; East Dorset, Vermont; Saugerties, New York; and Del Mar, California. Find out more at www.HitsShows.com.
About Wordley Martin
Wordley Martin provides equestrian arena architecture, construction, installation, and footing products to create a personalized, ideal riding environment. Founded by international grand prix riders Sharn Wordley and Craig Martin, Wordley Martin has installed more than 450 arenas throughout the United States and has become the choice of top athletes and owners from the Olympic disciplines of show jumping, eventing, and dressage who value Wordley Martin’s exceptionally high standard of execution. Whether it be for a traditional outdoor arena, covered arena, indoor arena, or gallop track, Wordley Martin’s unique sand mixture, incorporating textiles and fibers, results in a dust-free surface to ideally support every impact. Learn more at www.WordleyMartin.com.
