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THERMAL, CA (May 7, 2009)—HITS
is pleased to announce that it will once again offer a covered
competition arena for the four World Cup Qualifiers at the 2010 HITS
Desert Circuit in Thermal, California. The World Cup events will take
place at DC II, III, IV and VI during the 2010 season.
HITS has successfully run the World Cup Qualifiers at its West Coast
Circuit since 1993, giving riders on the West Coast an opportunity to
qualify for the prestigious World Cup Finals year after year right in
their own backyard.
The covered arena was originally erected at the HITS Desert Horse Park in
Thermal, California for the 2008 season at the request of the West
Coast Active Riders, in order to have a competition setting similar to what
riders would be challenged with at the FEI World Cup Finals. In its
inaugural year, the covered arena at Thermal enjoyed wide-spread praise
from the top high-performance riders in the sport.
Rich Fellers reaped the benefits of the new indoor arena right off the bat. Riding Harry and Mollie Chapman's Flexible,
he dominated the Qualifiers during the 2008 season, winning three out
of four, and went on to finish higher than any other American pair at
the 2008 FEI World Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden. In fact, their
second-place finish was the best American finish in more than 20 years.
"There is no question in my mind that riding in the indoor arena really
helped me, as a rider, be as prepared as I could be for the World
Cup,” said Fellers, after the 2008 Finals. “To the horses,
the covered arena in Thermal is very similar to the one at the
Finals.”
When it came to success in the indoor arena at HITS Thermal in 2009, no
rider surpassed up-and-coming Grand Prix rider Ashlee Bond. Bond, who
is just 23 years old, shot up the U.S. West Coast League Standings with
victories in two of the four FEI World Cup Qualifiers held during the
eight-week circuit. The California native also won the $25,000 HITS
Grand Prix during Desert Circuit II inside the indoor arena to give
her three victories for the 2009 season.
"I love the indoor ring at HITS Thermal," said Bond. "For some reason,
I've always enjoyed riding in very small arenas. I like how you have to
be on your toes and that everything happens so fast. HITS did a great
job on the indoor arena, bringing in a lot of greenery and making it
very spectator friendly, which I love. It's great when you get a lot of
fans and other riders, owners and trainers coming out to support you!"
Although veteran Grand Prix rider Joie Gatlin will not be looking to
earn points to qualify for the 2010 FEI World Cup Finals that will be
held in Geneva, Switzerland, she is thrilled about the return of the
indoor arena to the HITS Desert Horse Park.
“I am very excited HITS has decided to keep the indoor arena for
the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit. I believe the improved American placings
at the World Cup Finals over the past two years is a direct reflection
of having our qualifiers indoors,” said Gatlin.
The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit schedule making process is currently underway and,
according to HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri, HITS plans to mix
up the competition a bit by incorporating more classes outdoors in the
majestic Grand Prix arena to complement the indoor schedule and offer
exhibitors some diversity at the high-performance level.
"We are excited to host four World Cup Qualifiers in our indoor arena
especially after the recent success of West Coast Riders at the
Finals,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri.
“However, not all of the Grand Prix Riders that attend HITS
Thermal are looking to qualify for the World Cup and we will take that
into consideration when planning our 2010 class schedule. We want it to
work for everyone."
The HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California is on track to become
one of the preeminent facilities in the world and as always, the 2010
HITS Desert Circuit will feature a full schedule of classes for riders
from the beginner level to high performance classes. Announcements will
be made regularly leading up to the start of the 2010 season. To keep
on track with the updates, please visit www.HitsShows.com.
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
Ashlee Bond and Cadett 7 on course.
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