A Look Back: HITS Thermal in Review
 

 

The Static display of the Cessnas at HITS Thermal.

 

The inaugural season of the HITS Desert Circuit at its new home in Thermal, California was a smashing success. The circuit experienced record numbers of participants and a sold-out Week V and continues to be the leading HITS event in the country.

For six weeks, HITS operated 12 all-weather competition rings packed to the fences with competitors from all over the world. In addition to an action-packed schedule filled with a diverse offering of classes and divisions for riders of all ages and skill levels, HITS offered customers and visitors a wide variety of special events this year. The season kicked off with a fabulous Grand Opening Party and ended with a Kids Day and grand finale event that included a special ceremony honoring Navy SEALs, an onsite display of Cessna Aircraft and, of course, the $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert, presented by Cessna Aircraft Corporation.

 
John Pearce grabs the top prize.

John Pearce and Urioso captured the top prize in the $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert, presented by Cessna Aircraft Corporation. Pearce, the leading money winner in 2006, won the final two Sunday Grand Prix classses at HITS Thermal, including the $75,000 Footing Authority Grand Prix.

The Canadian Olympian is off to the world cup next month to represent his country.

 
Young Gun: Jill Humphrey heats up the desert.
 

Jill Humphrey, who is only 24, has qualified for the FEI World Cup next month in Las Vegas. She was second and third in the $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert, presented by Cessna Aircraft Corporation. What's more, Humphrey did not drop a single rail in the first round of any of the Sunday Grand Prix classes this year during the HITS Desert Circuit, including a double clear effort in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix to secure the blue ribbon.

Thanks for the memories: Spooner says goodbye to Robinson .

All good things have to come to an end. And that old statement is true of Richard Spooner and Robinson's run at HITS Desert Circuit. A fifth place finish in the sixth and final $30,000 Ariat Grand Prix kept them out of the winner's circle in their last hurrah in the desert. But there wasn't a dry eye in the stands when he took his 18 year old horse around the Grand Prix ring for the victory gallop to show his appreciation.

Robinson has won over one million dollars in prize money, and has been the PCHA horse of the year three times. Robinson is famous for hanging his tongue out of his mouth during competition, usually to the right, a quirk which many find endearing.

The week's Featured Sponsors.

EquestriSol is proud to be a HITS sponsor once again.  EquestriSol continues to create innovative marketing and management solutions for equestrian clients.  A few examples include web and ad campaigns for John French and Waldenbrook Farm, ad design for Cheval Couture and complete marketing and management solutions for West Coast Active Riders.  EquestriSol strives for excellence by developing each project to meet the client's goals.

Remember it's never too early to think about the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit. For information on your luxury vacation rental for next year, contact Dyson & Dyson at 877-88-Dyson.

HITS, Inc. Voice: 845.246.8833 Email: info@HitsShows.com