HITS Announces 2019 Class, Circuit and Event Sponsors

Company continues to partner with industry-leading brands, products and services 

Saugerties, NY – HITS, a nationally recognized and leading producer of hunter/jumper horse shows, has kicked off their 2019 season with the same commitment to excellence that has accompanied each and every show they’ve produced since the company’s inception in 1982. Entering their 38th consecutive show season, HITS has developed a reputation of producing shows with unmatched operations and first-class competition. This level of expertise has continually attracted leading sponsors who want to be associated with HITS and the clientele they service.

The company is thrilled to be able to deliver value to these sponsors year-after-year as evidenced by the number of returning partnerships for 2019, as well as introduce a number of new brands and associations for 2019.

“We work hard year-round to deliver a show that exceeds everyone’s expectations, from participants and trainers, to spectators and sponsors,” says Tom Struzzieri, president and chief executive offer of HITS. “We value the exceptional partnerships we’ve built over the years and are thrilled to see increasing interest in new sponsorships annually.”

With annual circuits in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Virginia, the company is pleased to announce the following sponsorships for 2019:

Diamond Sponsors –

American International Group, Inc. known as (AIG) is a multi-national insurance company operating in over 130 countries, employing 65,000 people.  From insuring gentleman farmers to world class training facilities, AIG understands the risks horse farm owners face every day.  With over 30 years in the equine insurance business, AIG’s products are specifically designed to protect farm building(s) and personal property against loss. As title sponsor of the “AIG $1 Million Grand Prix” in Thermal California, the first leg of the HITS “Triple Crown of Show Jumping”, AIG has committed to supporting one of the richest prizes in American show jumping. 

Back on Track manufactures joint and muscle protection for horses. Products are manufactured from a “ceramic textile” made up of polyester, polypropylene and cotton fibers with a ceramic powder used to fuse the fibers together. They create products that help horses achieve a more active and comfortable life. Their horse exercise boots, blankets, neck/head covers, saddle pads, leg wraps, and knee/hock/bell boots are leaders in the industry. Back on Track sponsors the “Grand Circuit Champion Awards” in Culpeper, Virginia, & “Level 4 Jumpers” on a nationwide basis.

BLACKBARN, located directly on Madison Square Park in New York City, offers a seasonal, modern approach to American classics, sourcing directly from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, and capable of hosting special events and banquets, BLACKBARN pairs their menu with a robust and powerful wine program in the 88-seat dining room.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), is the U.S. animal health division of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation. Over the past 25 years, BIVI has supported its growth through research and development of innovative products for the livestock, equine and companion animal markets. Innovation and research are the keys to BIVI success. Dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of animals, BIVI continues to seek ways to further research and develop optimum solutions for the animal health industry.

Diamond Mills is a luxury boutique hotel and contemporary tavern located in the historic Village of Saugerties, New York. Nestled between the mighty Hudson River and the resplendent Catskill Mountains, Diamond Mills offers a hotel and culinary experience like no other in the region. Located just 100 miles north of New York City, the region and the hotel property provides an ideal setting for a romantic weekend, family vacation or culinary affair. Diamond Mills is the title sponsor of the “Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix,” a world class event in Saugerties, New York.

Great American Insurance Group is committed to helping individuals and businesses secure a healthy financial future. With horse industry experts on staff throughout its Equine Division, it is hard to tell Great American employees from policyholders. Their “We live it” motto reflects Great American’s understanding that horse ownership isn’t just a business, it’s a way of life. With unprecedented prize money and prestige, the “Great American $1 Million Grand Prix” in Ocala, Florida is the premier show jumping event of the “HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.”

Marshall & Sterling Insurance is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the nation. The “Equisport Division” of the company specializes in equine, farm/ranch, and concierge personal insurance for clients who own horses. Marshall & Sterling has unparalleled industry experience, offering personalized risk management services for distinguished clientele. In conjunction with HITS, the “Marshall & Sterling Insurance League” was created as a grassroots competition program for children and adult riders looking for the opportunity to participate in a prestigious National Final.  The program has grown to 1,300 horse shows and more than 2,500 riders today.

Purina is the most innovative manufacturer of equine nutrition in America with more than 100-years’ experience. The feed Purina produces afford horse owners dependable, solid and consistent product. Their premium feed can accommodate any and all of a horse’s needs.  Today, horses are living substantially longer lives and Purina and its products are proud of the role they have played in this positive development. The “$100,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix” is the premier show jumping event at the “HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series” in Saugerties, New York.

ShowHorse TV is the premier home for digital content designed for the equestrian enthusiast. The first OTT (Over the Top) video platform with live event and lifestyle content direct to consumers with a passion for horses, ShowHorse TV is available on mobile devices (IOS & Android), connected TV Apps (Apple TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire), online website and social media platforms. 

Platinum Sponsors –

Adequan is the ONLY FDA approved equine polysulfated glycosaminoglycan for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative joint disease of the carpal and hock joints.

Antarès Sellier is among the top saddle makers in the world with over 35 craftsman specializing in bridlery, harness making and saddlery design, producing more than 3000 saddles every year.

AON is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions.

Catskill Distilling Company sources or grows nearly all of the grains, seeds, botanicals, and other ingredients that go into its innovative and award-winning whiskeys and spirits.

CWD provides hand-made solutions so riders can achieve their dreams, selling new and used saddlery that gives equestrians performance and quality.

Dever Inc. has been serving the golf cart rental industry and major events for over 30 years. As an authorized E-Z-GO dealer, they offer the highest quality golf cart rentals and sales nationwide.

Devoucoux is dedicated to the saddle partnership between horse and rider, providing innovative new concepts and materials like D3D panels and vegetal leather combine the latest technology with expert craftsmanship. 

FarmVet is the premier source for animal health products and supplies, offering the highest level of customer service and great value on a vast number of products to meet horse owner’s needs.

Go Rentals is a family-owned niche’ transportation company servicing the luxury hotel and travel industries. Their mission is to create deep, meaningful relationships with their clients.

Horze Equestrian supplies equestrian clothing and equipment for riders and horses. Driven by pride and belief in what they do, Horze provides the best quality products at the industry’s most affordable prices.

Johnson’s Horse Transportation provides top notch, state of the art equipment, and experienced horsemen who take great pride in giving your horse the same love and care they get at home.

Kindred Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on saving and improving the lives of pets by developing first-in-class therapeutics for dogs, cats, and horses.

Parlanti follows the highest work standards, an unquestionable prerogative of meticulous craftsmanship, so it’s no wander their boots have become the most desired in the equestrian world.

Platinum Performance® provides superior nutrition with unmatched personal service.

Pyranha’s automated insect control system dispenses specially formulated insecticides that provide a reliable, effective and economical method of insect control around animal quarters and barns. 

SmartPak administers nutritional supplements and medications to horses, offering a broad line of horse health, products, show apparel, tack, and equine pharmaceuticals through their catalogs and website.

Sullivan Buick GMC in Ocala, Florida carries the latest trucks and cars available and has the regions’ largest inventory to choose from while offering a fun and memorable car buying experience.

Summit Joint Performance® is designed to help horses compete at their best. Summit is the cutting-edge new ingredient in the recipe for success, proven by the results of International and Olympic riders.

ULCERGARD is used during periods of stress to help prevent equine stomach ulcers, containing specially formulated omeprazole that blocks acid production at its source – the acid pump.

Valencia Sport Saddlery serves the equestrian needs of the Santa Clarita horse community and now have a store on the show grounds of the AON HITS Desert Horse Park.

Voltaire’s works with each rider to craft a saddle that helps them improve their riding and consistently improves their saddles with innovative, environmentally-friendly and fashion-forward concepts.

Gold Sponsors –

Adeptus, ALU Jumps, Animo, City of Ocala, Coca-Cola®, Crum & Foster, EQ International Real Estate, Equioxx, Equithrive, Florida Sports Foundation, Legend, Ocala Madison County, Osphus, Shaklee, Standlee, Tack Shack of Ocala, U-Dump

Silver Sponsors –

All-in Removal, Casa Luigi, Dover Saddlery, EquiFit, Griffin Ranch, HayGain, HorseFlight, HyloFit, Kastel Denmark, KING, Milea Truck Sales, Mona’s Embroidery & Engraving, Neve Schule, Perfect Product, Showcase Properties, Stal Hendrix, VDL, VitaFlex

Bronze Sponsors –

Charles White Hay Sales, Chicago Equine, Farm Credit of Ocala, NJK Show Jumpers, Trilogy at Ocala Preserve

For more information on HITS and our nationwide circuits, please visit www.hitsshows.com.

About HITS

HITS is the largest equestrian show jumping event production company in the world with facilities in California, Arizona, Illinois, Florida, Virginia and its flagship HITS on the Hudson and corporate headquarters in Saugerties, New York. HITS Endurance sponsors triathlon series sand running festivals nationwide. HITS also has business interests in restaurants, lodging, sports and entertainment sectors nationwide.