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SAUGERTIES, NY (August 30, 2007)--The Marshall & Sterling League Finals are right around the corner with four exciting days of competition returning to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, September 13-16.
With more than $30,000 in prize money, perpetual trophies and awards, this is not an event to miss. The Finals, sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance and Great American Insurance Group will feature the following divisions and classes:
- $2,000 Adequan Open Hunter Division (20 competitors)
- $4,000 Children's Hunter Pony Division (30 competitors)
- $4,000 Children's Hunter Horse Division (30 competitors)
- $4,000 Farnam Adult Hunter Division (60 competitors)
- $10,000 Children's Jumper Division (40 competitors)
- $10,000 Adult Jumper Division (40 competitors)
- M&S Children's Horse Medal Final (60 competitors)
- M&S Children's Pony Medal Final (30 competitors)
- M&S Adult Medal Final (50 competitors)
- M&S Junior Medal Final (75 competitors)
Highlighting the extended weekend is the Marshall & Sterling League Finals Party and Awards Dinner on Friday, September 14. All Marshall & Sterling League Finals competitors and their guests are invited to enjoy a night of great food, great music and great fun at HITS-on-the-Hudson. Festivities will begin at 6 pm with a fabulous dinner courtesy of Tavern on the Green Catering followed by the Essex Classics Year-End High Point Awards. The awards will be presented to the top-10 riders in each division based on the Marshall & Sterling National Point Standings.
Once all the awards are handed out, guests will have a chance to kick back and enjoy a special performance by Suzanne Vega. The Eighties alternative rocker, whose career spans three decades, won international fame in 1987 when "Luka," a song from her second album, rose to number three on the charts and was nominated for three GRAMMYS®. Vega is known for her highly literate lyrics and eclectic, folk-inspired music. Beauty and Crime, Vega's seventh studio album, was released in July 2007.
"It's a long, hard road to the Finals," said HITS' Senior Vice President Tony Hitchcock. "The Friday night party is the exclamation point on a job well done."
Other Special Events at the Marshall & Sterling League Finals include:
• Ice Skating Party-Thursday, September 13 from 6:15pm-7: 45pm across the street from the show grounds at the Kiwanis Ice Rink.
• Ice Cream Social-Saturday, September 15 from 1 pm-2 pm in the Starbucks Coffee Shop located on Vendor Row.
• Live Music-Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16 from 11 am-2pm adjacent to the patio of the HITS Restaurant.
During the year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 700 Marshall & Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at the Finals. Since its inception in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling League Finals have provided the goal that has fueled the competitive spirit of child and adult riders at all levels of competition.
"This is the most exciting time of the year," said Patti Guerriero, League Coordinator. "These riders work so hard, they are so committed and this is our chance to celebrate all they have accomplished. They deserve a great show and great weekend, and that is just what they'll get!"
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.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.
Media should contact Chris Mayone at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com
© Lili Weik Photography
Guests at The Marshall & Sterling League Finals Party danced the night away at last year's event. Look for the same type of atmosphere this year when Suzanne Vega takes the stage.
© Leslie Phillips for HITS
Some happy competitors enjoyed the Ice Cream Social last year at The Marshall & Sterling League Finals.
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