Wordley Martin Completes HITS-on-the-Hudson Arena Renovation Project

May 18, 2023 - Saugerties, NY

The HITS-on-the-Hudson Grand Prix Ring has been resurfaced with Wordley Martin's premium footing blend.
Photo by Wordley Martin
The former Diamond Mills Ring was transformed into the new grand prix schooling ring.
Photo by Wordley Martin

Wordley Martin, a leading developer of equestrian properties and premier riding surfaces, wrapped up an extensive renovation project at the HITS-on-the-Hudson showgrounds in Saugerties, New York, ahead of the facility’s busy 2023 show season under its new management team.

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. This is the second collaboration for the Wordley Martin and HITS teams, following the successful undertaking at the HITS Post Time Farm property in Ocala, Florida.

Overall, Wordley Martin’s work at HITS-on-the-Hudson encompassed more than 205,000 square feet of riding arenas at the world-class venue, reaffirming HITS’ dedication to providing the best experience for both horses and riders. Changes included utilizing Wordley Martin’s premium footing blend to resurface the Grand Prix Ring and the former Diamond Mills Ring, which was transformed into the new grand prix schooling ring. The picturesque stone-lined Main Hunter ring also received refreshed footing. In addition, the remodeled Ringside Cafe, located next to the former grand prix schooling area, now flanks a redesigned premier competition arena, which will showcase top equitation, hunter, and jumper classes.

“We were thrilled to partner with Wordley Martin once again to create state-of-the-art arenas at our world-class facility in the Hudson Valley,” said HITS COO Joe Norick. “Their team brings a unique angle to these projects as competitors themselves, allowing us to ensure a top-quality product for our customers and horses. We are excited to kick off the season with these new rings and welcome back horses and riders for an incredible experience at HITS-on-the-Hudson.”

Sharn Wordley will help launch the 2023 HITS Saugerties Series by competing at Saugerties Spring Premiere May 19-21, and HITS-on-the-Hudson I May 24-28. His first-hand knowledge as an international grand prix rider will help ensure the arenas perform to the highest standard right from the start.

He stated, “We are thrilled with the result of our HITS-on-the-Hudson renovations and look forward to seeing exhibitors and horses enjoy the ride on the upgraded surfaces. I also am personally excited to compete at this fantastic venue with my horses.”

Competition at HITS-on-the-Hudson begins May 19 and runs through September 10, 2023.

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.