Edited Press Release
Published via The Plaid Horse
Photo by Starship Farms Media courtesy of The Plaid Horse
Wordley Martin, a leading developer of equestrian properties and premier riding surfaces, has completed a significant renovation project at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, ahead of the 2023 edition of the popular HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, which features 10 weeks of US Equestrian (USEF) rated hunter/jumper competition beginning on January 17.
Known for overseeing private arena construction for Olympic athletes in show jumping, dressage, and eventing, Wordley Martin co-owners Sharn Wordley and Craig Martin have leveraged their personal grand prix riding experience to produce equestrian surfaces that the best of the best can ride on with confidence.
“Working with the team at Wordley Martin has been nothing short of amazing,” said HITS Chief Customer Officer, Joe Norick. “Their incredible expertise and experience have been invaluable during the project as we all work toward our goal of giving HITS clients the best surface possible for their horses. Sharn and Craig have worked closely with our team to help reimagine these rings and bring our dream to fruition. We look forward to working closely with them over the next three years to manage these arenas and deliver a world-class experience for everyone at HITS.”
“We are really excited with the results of the arena reconstructions,” said Sharn Wordley, co-founder of Wordley Martin. “We treat every project as if we are designing for ourselves with the highest standard of execution possible, but in this case, that’s even more of a reality because we will be regularly riding and competing at HITS. Being closely connected with the new arenas will allow us to monitor and maintain them to continuously deliver a top-quality surface for every round.”
Wordley Martin’s updates centered around the Grand Prix Arena and Main Hunter Arena as well as the corresponding warm-up rings, where Wordley Martin’s premium equestrian surface footing was installed and several structural improvements were made. Both competition arenas were given a complete design overhaul, creating the proper elevations to accommodate the best drainage systems possible in order to consistently produce the most ideal riding conditions. The completed Grand Prix Arena measures 270‘ by 360’, totaling 97,200 square feet, while the Main Hunter Arena measures 300’ by 200’ for a 60,000 square-foot total.
Two iconic granddaddy oak trees, both more than 100 years old, are standout features in the Grand Prix Arena and the Main Hunter Arena at HITS Ocala and were therefore an important consideration in the renovation process. Wordley Martin brought in an arborist to balance and trim those trees, as well as plant additional ones lining the outside of the arenas. The Wordley Martin team then poured a concrete curb around each of the trees in the arenas and grassed these areas to showcase the significance of this natural element.
The warm-up rings were also completely rebuilt. The resulting 150’ by 250’ grand prix schooling arena offers better proximity to the competition, allowing riders to see what is happening in the main arena while warming up. Additionally, there are two interconnected entrance chutes for easy access into the main arena, all featuring the same Wordley Martin footing throughout. The new 220’ by-145’ hunter warm-up arena emulates these design highlights, providing riders with an enhanced competition experience.
While the Grand Prix Arena, Main Hunter Arena, and corresponding warm-up rings underwent the most significant changes, Wordley Martin assisted in several additional property updates. Other competition arenas had their bases regraded and freshened top material added, and all arenas received new fencing.
The world-class Wordley Martin updates are a pivotal component in creating a premier exhibitor and equine experience at Post Time Farm as HITS enters a new era. Wordley Martin has also signed on to be part of the HITS arena management team for the next three years to help ensure the new arenas continue to perform at an elite level.
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