Hayley Waters Wear and Genuine Garner Green 3’3” Hunter Championship at HITS Ocala

Ocala, Fla – March 16, 2023 – The second-to-last week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit has begun, and Hayley Waters Wear started Week IX with a clean sweep of the Green 3’3” Hunters, eventually garnering the division’s championship title aboard Genuine. The newer pair had a dominating performance in the Main Hunter Ring, also earning the win in Wednesday’s USHJA 3'/3'3" Green Hunter Incentive.

“Yesterday [Genuine] was really good,” smiled Wear. “He won both over fences classes and the incentive, so I was really happy with him.”

Based at Waterworks Farm, Wear rides her noble steed for her proud parents and fellow equestrians, Dana and Charles “Chuck” Waters. Following the purchase of the bay gelding this winter, Wear has enjoyed having the 8-year-old and his “cute” personality as a part of her string. Above all else, Wear has come to appreciate how reliable Genuine is despite not having much experience in the show ring yet.

Hayley Waters Wear and Genuine

“He thinks that everything is just all about him, but in the cutest way!” Wear explained. “He's a super adjustable ride and pretty straightforward. He's easy to kind of move up when you need to move up, or slow down when you need to slow down.”

After winning both over fences classes and the Incentive on Wednesday, Genuine returned to earn three blue ribbons on Thursday, including the under saddle. Their consistent performance earned them the championship title, while Shane Pope and Finch Hill took home the Green 3’3” Hunter Reserve Championship.

Shane Pope and Finch Hill

With the winter circuit coming to a close in just over a week, Wear was thrilled to add another championship title to Genuine’s resume. “I've shown here for pretty much my whole life, and they've made so many lovely improvements this winter,” she concluded. “The footing's been great, and it's just been really nice to show here.”

Hunter action at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will continue this week with the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday. Horses and riders hoping to make their derby debuts will have the opportunity to showcase their skills during the Post Time 2'6" and 2’ Hunter Derbies. For more information visit the horse show office or www.hitsshows.com.