HITS 1994

Every February I write a post about my life twenty years ago when I spent my winters working for a mobile tack shop on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.  

Judy's Tack Shop

This year, however, I won't be able to limit myself to just one entry. HITS 1994 wasn't just my third and best Florida circuit--it was also my most photographed. In fact, I have an entire photo album filled with pictures taken during those seven wonderful weeks.

Rodney Jenkins on Equador

As in previous years, I didn't make the trek to Florida alone. Much the opposite, in fact. In 1994 our party consisted of six adults and two children, 

Laura and Chris

two big dogs, 

Mardi and Holiday

one little dog, 

Oreo

two very nice...

Jennifer and  Getaway (CC)

Amateur Owner hunters,

Jennifer and  Asbury Way (Woody)

and one ancient pony.

Wendy, Laura and Little C

The second hunter was Asbury Way, a tall, bay Thoroughbred who'd been purchased at the tail end of the 1993 winter circuit. 

Judy and Woody

Although CC remained my favorite, Woody was a much fancier horse. The mobile shop was set up by the main jumper ring, but whenever I had a chance, I'd sneak over to the main hunter ring and watch him go.

Judy and Woody

While I was making my rounds, I'd check in with some of my other friends.

Leigh on Crown Jewel

In particular, I spent a lot of time with my new best pal, Shelly, who'd come from New Jersey to groom jumpers in the Florida sunshine.

Shelly

Of course, one of the best things about Ocala was that it was the home of my good friend, Cathy.

Jennifer and Cathy

Most of my free time was spent with her, riding her horses... 

Jennifer on Tsouri (Grouchy)

and visiting some of Ocala's top barns. 

Jennifer and Rugged Lark

I enjoyed all my Florida circuits, but truly, 1994 was the best of them all. When I get nostalgic for the "good old days," these are the days I'm thinking of!