| Thermal, California (May 22, 2007) – HITS is pleased to announce that Fred Bauer has been named Vice President West Coast Operations. This newly created position is one of many moves HITS is making in the off-season to build upon the momentum from the inaugural season at its newest equestrian facility in Thermal, California.
"Fred is a highly accomplished professional, both in the equestrian world and the business world. We are proud to have him join the team in such an important capacity," said HITS President and CEO, Tom Struzzieri. "He's the perfect candidate for this role and we have every reason to believe that his contributions will not only benefit HITS, but our customers and the sport."
As head of West Coast operations, Bauer will become the face of HITS, connecting with trainers, owners and riders throughout the year as well as at the Thermal shows. "It's the ultimate Client Relations position and Fred is not only well known throughout the industry, but also very well respected," said Struzzieri.
This position is a new addition to Bauer's already impressive professional resume. He has a long history of working at the executive and Senior Management level for companies like VISA USA, Inc., Inovant, and most recently Edmunds.com, a rapidly growing, family-owned internet company delivering automotive information to consumers. Bauer started his career practicing law with Coudert Brothers, an international law firm, which brought him to California for the first time. He even made a recent appearance on JEOPARDY! back in April, thanks to his daughter's persistence. Bauer received an A.B. degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Harvard College, a J.D. degree, Cum Laude, from Harvard Law School and attended the Human Resources Executive Program at the University of Michigan.
Bauer also has an impressive equestrian resume to his credit, including winning both the AHSA Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay finals as a Junior and more recently aboard Marble Arch, two back-to-back wins in the USGPL $25,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic in 1999 and 2000, just to name a few. He continues to ride and for the past nine years has been showing in the High Amateur Jumpers.
"I'm excited about this new venture," said Bauer. "It's a great opportunity for me to combine my business talents and experience with my passion for riding." Eager to get started, Bauer will be making a cross-country trip next week for the start of the Saugerties shows to meet the HITS team and set his course for the balance of the year, as planning for Thermal 2008 is well underway.
"The biggest strength I think I bring to this role is the horseman's point of view," said Bauer. According to Bauer, his first order of business will be exhibitor outreach.
As Vice President West Coast Operations, Bauer will take a seat on the HITS Senior Management Committee, reporting directly to the President and CEO.
The 2008 HITS Desert Circuit is set to get underway January 22. HITS is awaiting word from USEF on its application for adding a seventh week to the six-week circuit. Other plans include the addition of two new rings, one of which will be covered and designated for the FEI World Cup Qualifiers which take place during Weeks II, III, IV and VI.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter-jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.
Fred Bauer cruises over a high oxer aboard Marble Arch. 
Fred Bauer, HITS' Vice President West Coast Operations.
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