The Indio Desert Circuit - What's Hot in 2003

WHEN:             Tuesday through Sunday, 2006 show dates are:
Circuit I             January 24 - 29
Circuit II            January 31 - February 5
Circuit III           February 7 - 12
Off Week-No Show       February 13-20
Circuit IV           February 21 - 26
Circuit V            February 28 - March 5
Circuit VI           March 7 - 12

DIRECTIONS: Take I-10 to the Monroe Street exit in Indio. Go south approximately five miles to Avenue 52, and then turn right onto Avenue 52. Horse Show entrance is 0.3 miles on right.

ADMISSION: No admission charge Tuesday through Friday. Saturday or Sunday admission is $5 per person, children under 12 free. Admission proceeds benefit local charities.

SHOW GROUNDS: 10 all-weather Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation rings located on 80 acres.

CLASSES: Approximately 250 classes take place per week including two Grand Prix classes each week.

ATTENDANCE: Each week, approximately 2,000 horses and 6,000 horsemen are on the grounds. More than 25,000 spectators attend during the six-week event.

IN BRIEF: HITS held the first Desert Circuit in 1992, and purchased the former polo grounds in 1996. This year marks the fifteenth consecutive presentation of the Indio Desert Circuit. Produced by HITS, Inc. (Horse Shows In The Sun), under the direction of HITS President Tom Struzzieri, the six shows at Indio attract top international horses and riders as well as beginning riders seeking to gain experience in the show ring. Some of the country’s foremost Hunter, Jumper and Equitation judges preside at the show. This year, four of the Grand Prix competitions are qualifiers for the World Cup Finals that will be held later in the year.

ECONOMIC IMPACT: Based on an independent study commissioned by HITS from Sport Management Research Institute of Weston, Florida, the total economic impact produced by the Indio Desert Circuit equates to $121,734,061 per year.

CHARITIES: Local charities pre-sell tickets and are the ticket-takers on Saturdays and Sundays. The organizations keep 100% of the proceeds from pre-sold tickets and 50% of the gate fees. This year at Indio, HITS is working with Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, Boy Scouts of America, Indio Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society-East Valley Relay for Life, Indio Senior Center, and the Indio Police Cadets.

In addition, The College of the Desert Foundation and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens will each hold a fund-raising event in the Oasis Club VIP tent.

TUTORING: The School Station on the show grounds allows students at all levels, from elementary school to college, to keep up with their studies without missing out on the competition. Contact Mary Cunning via email: (schoolstation@msn.com) or phone (802.372.8990 or 505.235.6793) or the HITS Corporate Office at 845.246.8833 for more information.

HITS DESERT HORSE PARK: 81-500 Avenue 52, Indio, California 92201. Tel: 760.775.7731; Fax: 760.775.7752. Website: www.HitsShows.com. Media Contact On-Site: Courtney D. Williams.