PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2008

THERMAL, CA (February 2, 2008)—Rich Fellers and his mount Flexible captured the blue ribbon in Friday evening's $50,000 Tourneau FEI World Cup Qualifier, presented by Adequan before a boisterous crowd at HITS Thermal.

Fellers outlasted a field of 19 combinations in the first round and five pairs that advanced to the jump-off to secure the top prize in the first of four FEI World Cup qualifiers at HITS' state-of-the-art equestrian facility in Thermal, California. All World Cup Qualifiers are being held in the new covered EquiBase™ Arena Systems Ring, which features new footing and a state-of-the-art matting system.

"The footing was as good as it gets," said Fellers. "I can't say enough about it. There was no slipping and everyone was able to make sharp turns. It was the best footing I have ever ridden on."

"It was a great night for HITS," he added. "The arena was packed with an enthusiastic crowd. It was a tremendous atmosphere and I am proud to be the winner of such a great class. It was a top-notch event"

Richard Spooner and his mount Cristallo were first to go in the jump-off. He put the pressure on the other exhibitors in the jump-off when his clear round set the Great American Time to Beat at 33.23. Next to go in order was Mandy Porter and her mount Summer. She had four faults and stopped the clocks at 39.38 to finish in fifth place.

Fellers was third to go in the jump-off on his 12-year-old and stopped the clocks in 32.80 to establish the new pace with just two trips left. Guy Thomas and his mount Carino were fourth to go in the jump-off and they were clear all the way through the course until final oxer when a single rail hit the floor for a total of four faults. The combination's time of 34.64 would be good enough for fourth place.

Finally, sitting in the envious last-to-ride spot was Jill Humphrey and her mount Lou Bega. The combination was clear but their time of 33.58 would earn the pair third place. After the class, Fellers celebrated his win at the back gate with a bottle of champagne given to him by Joy Koch of EquiBase Arena Systems.

The footing in the EquiBase Arena Systems Ring drew rave reviews from every exhibitor that stepped into the ring, including Ireland's Eddie Macken, who shows all over the world. "It was excellent footing," said Macken. "It compares to some of the best footing I have ever seen. HITS has done a tremendous job."

Fellers, who had the ride for Mr. and Mrs. Harry Chapman collected $15,000 in first-place prize money and also earned some valuable points towards the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, March 16 during the all new Championship Week at HITS Thermal. The top-30 pairs based on prize money won on the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit will be invited to compete in the class.

Before the Grand Prix began, a special ceremony was held to celebrate Richard Spooner's 100th win that he achieved last week at HITS Thermal and an entertaining groom's class, sponsored by Augustine Casino added some extra buzz to the room. "The entire night was a hit," said Fellers. "The only thing we could have used was more seating because the arena was so packed. There must have been 2,000 people watching."

Show jumping at HITS Thermal continues all weekend and will feature the $125,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by EMO on Sunday, February 3. After Sunday's feature class, the circuit will continue for one more week, followed by an off week, February 11-17. Then competition at HITS Thermal returns on Tuesday, February 19 for four consecutive weeks of shows and runs until Sunday, March 16 when the new Desert Circuit Championship will close out the season with 17 different championship classes, including the R.W. Mutch Equitation Classic and the first-ever $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix of the Desert.

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

©Flying Horse Photography
Rich Fellers and Flexible win the $50,000 Tourneau FEI World Cup Qualifier, presented by Adequan at HITS Thermal


©Flying Horse Photography
Joy Koch of EquiBase Arena Systems, HITS' Senior Vice President Tony Hitchcock, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals Brenda Bolts and HITS' Awards Coordinator Wendy Metzger with Rich Fellers and Flexible

HITS CORPORATE OFFICE: HITS, Inc., 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
phone 845.246.8833  fax 845.246.6371  www.HitsShows.com