James “Jim” Hitt has built a reputation as a competitor, educator, and official within the Arabian community.  

Hitt has owned and operated Gambel Oaks Equestrian Center in Elizabeth, Colo., for three decades, specializing in Arabian and Half-Arabian horses in Western and English pleasure, reining, trail, and cow horse competitions. Hitt emphasizes horsemanship and care to empower his amateur and junior students to be active partners with their horses.  

As a competitor, Hitt enjoyed success in 2025 with Legacy Black Sabbath +++/, National Champion Arabian Trail Horse (Open) and M Gettin Er Dun++++//, National Champion Half Arabian Ranch Trail (Open). 

Hitt is also an experienced competition organizer. He is the former manager of the AHA Region 8 Championships, and current manager of multiple Colorado Arabian Horse Club events. He is an “R” Arabian judge, and a NRHA licensed judge and brings his expertise to local clinics and 4-H shows. 

Hitt has served on numerous committees, he is the past director of Region 8 for AHA and received the President’s Award in 2013 and 2020. Hitt was instrumental in creating the Level Program, which evens the playing field for amateur riders, and drafting the Working Western Rules. He won the Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy at US Equestrian's Pegasus Awards in 2025.