Amateur Equestrian Life: HITS Hudson Valley
things to know
HITS Hudson Valley will always be one of my all-time favorite shows. Management has made enormous improvements to the infrastructure and even in terrible weather, the main rings remain safe for competition. The hospitality is great, there are tons of great restaurants, fun shopping and classes for everyone.
Parking passes are required for an added fee in Gold stabling. It’s a weekly cost but truly makes the area a lot safer.
Golf carts sell out quickly, so make sure to book in advance online. Consider bringing a bike as the rings are spread out.
If your barn has walkie-talkies, bring ‘em. Wi-Fi is not very strong.
Don’t fret if you are stabled in the back tents. The air flow is great and there is a walkway & bridge that takes you directly to the hunter rings. It feels like a little trail ride.
If you win a class, bring your ribbon to claim your prize in the award office (now located by Hunter Stadium).
ESI Photography is onsite, and the resident option, however you are now allowed to use private photographers like Shot By Sam, among others! ESI also now has a Web site so if you forget to check out your photos while you are there, you can do it at home.
Rings can run late. Be patient. Check in often on your rings and communicate with your gate people.
at the show
Like all HITS Shows, there is a large food concession building on site that offers the usual horse show food options from make-your-own salads, to chicken fingers and grilled cheese, to quesadillas and cheese sandwiches. There is also a Mediterranean bowl that is delicious. Across the way, the Manestay Cafe serves coffee, tea, smoothies, ice cream and breakfast options like avocado toast and bagels. Next door to the cafeteria is the HITS bar, a popular hang out spot once the Grand Prix is done for the day. Sometimes the wi-fi is stronger in there so give it a try!
HITS always has a nice array of vendors, including Wild Horses, The Collection, Alorian, FarmVet, and Kocher Tack for the best bit assortment. You can also stop by ShowMD for any ailments or proactively get an IV to stay hydrated. There are some new trailers on site but I didn’t get to preview them during HITS II.
The VIP Tent in between The Ring and the Grand Prix is absolutely gorgeous! The floral arrangements and plants from Jess Jones of Equestrian Gardens are simply unreal and you can commission her to design your own show set-up for a week or the entire circuit! Such an amazing concept!
My favorite food truck is back down by Hunter Stadium, The Santorini. Enjoy salads, falafel, gyro, chicken schwarma, fresh fruit and more.
aprés ride
There is coffee at the horse show but I always need one before I get there, so here are three choices: Starbucks is now in Saugerties and has a drive-through (order ahead to 334 NY-212) , old faithful Dunkin Donuts drive through (if you dare IYKYK) in the Pricechopper Lot, or independent coffee shop Bluestone Roasting Co. on Partition St in town.
If you aren’t exhausted after the show and want to eat out, here are some recommendations:
Miss Lucy’s - My all time favorite restaurant. It has a seasonal farm-to-table menu with rotating items based on what’s local and available. There is also an excellent craft cocktail menu that changes by the season (don’t skip the watermelon one in summer!). Make a reservation by calling or on Resy (new!) or try your luck getting a seat at the bar. You’ll be sure to bump into someone you know.
The Dutch - Cozy “pub” atmosphere, great burgers, local beer, seasonal menu, handmade sausage, wings, and trivia night. Sometimes they have schnitzel on the menu and it’s amazing. You can also place an order for pick-up!
Slices of Saugerties - Pizza and more with gluten free options. You can order ahead online, or get it delivered. Great salads, and many choices by the slice.
Stella’s Station - Fun, casual restaurant with a huge menu! Affordable and always has something for everyone. Stella’s can accommodate a large party just call ahead to ask if there is a wait. Lots of seating at the bar if you want to meet a friend for a drink. We love their sweet potato fries!
Cucina - A new Italian restaurant in Woodstock with outdoor seating. Think gourmet flatbread pizzas, fresh pasta, grilled fish, and a classic chicken parm.
Brine Barrell - A fun little pickle store off the main drag down toward Diamond Mills Hotel.
Mickey’s Igloo - Tastes like my childhood. They used to only take cash but recently added Apple Pay for orders $15 plus. Mickey’s has at least 30 flavors of hard ice cream, in addition to soft serve, and tons of toppings and dipped cones.
If you’re staying long enough to shop for groceries, the local Pricechopper and Adams market are your best options. Adams is a bit further out of town, but the produce and meat is fresh they stock great prepared foods, too.
stay
There are plenty of options in Saugerties and surrounding areas for lodging. You can’t go wrong at the Holiday Inn Express, a clean newer hotel minutes from the show grounds and close to town. Across the street, the Comfort Inn is another option.
In town is Diamond Mills, a “luxury” hotel with a brand new spa and walk-to-town location. The hotel offers a full spa with massage, fitness classes and a plunge pool.
The Hampton Inn in Kingstown is a little further to the show grounds, so not ideal if you’re on night check, but a solid choice with a Dunkin Donuts in the same parking lot and a Target across the street.
If you need more space, there are tons of Air BnB options. You can find great homes right in town with dedicated parking. People book in advance so make sure you look early. Sometimes you can also luck out with cancellations. Use the map tool when searching and look for properties near Partition Street, which in my opinion, is the best place to be!
Saugerties at dawn.
The viewing area by The Ring, a new premier arena at HITS Hudson Valley. Through the doors at the far end is the cafeteria.