Saugerties, NY (January 20, 2006)--HITS is proud to announce IDEXX Laboratories' sponsorship of the 2006 Indio Desert Circuit. IDEXX Laboratories, makers of SURPASS® (1% diclofenac sodium), a topical anti-inflammatory cream for use in horses for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, will be the title sponsors of the $75,000 Surpass Grand Prix on March 6th.

Unlike most systemic products for joint-related lameness and pain, SURPASS is a unique formula that contains the WISDOM™ liposomal formulation. SURPASS is applied directly to the site of pain and puts the pain reliever in the right place, allowing maximal effect with minimal toxicity. Each tube of SURPASS will treat one horse for ten days and is sold exclusively by prescription from your veterinarian.

SURPASS continues to deliver proven results across the country and the product is getting a lot of attention from top riders, trainers, and veterinarians. Trainer Archie Cox, who is a frequent attendee of the Indio Desert Circuit, has been a satisfied SURPASS user for several months. When his client, Amy Brubaker, expressed her concerns about her horse, Rodeyo, who was starting to show symptoms that Brubaker feared would affect Rodeyo’s performance in Indio, Archie asked their veterinarian about SURPASS. Dr. Chris Smith agreed that SURPASS would be an effective treatment. "We chose SURPASS because it targets the pain, reduces inflammation, and it's easily applied specifically to the problem area," said Cox. "There are definite advantages to a topical medication as far as reducing the risk of unwanted side effects," he continued, "and the results have been great! We think he’ll be back at the top of his game in time for the winter circuit, so we're extremely pleased."

"We're happy that Archie and Amy, with the help of their vet, have discovered a solution to the pain and symptoms of lameness that were starting to develop in Rodeyo, and we're very pleased that they'll be able to compete again this year," says John Eickman, HITS National Marketing Director, "SURPASS is a highly effective product, and we're glad that it has helped one of our own horsemen."

Those seeking more information about SURPASS and other IDEXX products should look for the IDEXX material in the Rider's Welcome Kits and on the tables in the VIP areas at the Indio Desert Circuit. There's also a link to IDEXX's website on the sponsorship page at www.HitsShows.com, or you can go directly to www.idexx.com. HITS is grateful for the support of IDEXX Laboratories, and looks forward to working with them to introduce their products to other HITS equestrians.