PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 18, 2007

THERMAL, CA (October 18, 2007) – When the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit begins in early January, Grand Prix riders from all over the world will have a chance to duel it out for the most prize money offered west of the Mississippi.

With the addition of the two new weeks, the 2008 Desert Circuit features 18 Grand Prix events with $925,000 in Grand Prix prize money. The season concludes with the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix on Sunday, March 16. During the eight-week circuit, HITS will offer nearly $2 Million in total prize money.

"The Desert Circuit continues to be the preeminent winter show circuit, this year in particular, with the guarantee of the show dates and such fantastic prize money, " said Dale Harvey, Technical Coordinator and High Performance Liaison. "With the addition of the final $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix Thermal will be THE place to show this winter.” 

One Grand Prix rider that has HITS Thermal circled on her calendar is Canadian Jill Henselwood, who won the individual Gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.

"Offering that kind of prize money is unprecedented," said Henselwood. "With my sights set on the 2008 Olympics, its the best place to start my year. The venue and the climate make it an easy choice for me."

Henselwood will come to the desert loaded for bear with her three Grand Prix mounts; Callisto, who was Henselwood's most consistent winner in 2007 at HITS Thermal; Special Ed, Henselwood's Gold Medal winning mount and Black Ice, who captured the blue ribbon in the $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert in 2006.

In addition to a new Grand Prix Schedule, the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit will also feature additional riding areas, enhanced jumps and ring decoration, arena lighting for the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Schooling and Main Hunter rings, and improved ring-side shade areas for horses and shaded seating for spectators, just to name a few.

HITS has also finalized plans with Bart Poels, footing specialist for the 2008 Olympics Games, to oversee footing in all rings, with a special focus on the Grand Prix footing.

Other well-known experts joining forces with HITS include Olaf Petersen for jump designs, Anthony D'Ambrosio as jumper liaison and Ric Orlando of New World Home Cooking Co. as the new VIP Oasis Club Chef.

The 2008 HITS Desert Circuit kicks off on January 9 with the Desert Circuit Premiere.

A special pre-season Open House is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11, from 10 am to 4 pm. To RSVP for the Open House e-mail Rsvp@HitsShows.com or call 845.246.8833.

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
Canadian John Pearce won the 2007 $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert, presented by Cessna Aircraft Corporation aboard Urioso

* New for 2008

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