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SAUGERTIES, NY (December 8, 2008)
— In recognition of the current economic climate, promoters of
all the major winter circuits are examining ways to help exhibitors
minimize ancillary expenses in an effort to maximize their
opportunities to show and enjoy their winter circuit experiences. While
USEF rules do not mandate braiding, the winter circuit managers from
Gulfport, HITS, Jacksonville and the Winter Equestrian Festival have
decided to go on record advising all judges that exhibitors who opt not
to braid for un-rated classes should not be penalized.
All the promoters agreed that, while a small step, this action may be
something that makes it a little bit easier for exhibitors to continue
their participation in the shows.
Don Stewart, trainer and owner of Don Stewart Stables in Ocala, Florida
and Chairman of the National Junior Hunter Committee, expressed his
support for the action. “I think especially in today’s
market, it’s imperative that we cut back somewhere and perhaps
this is a place to start.”
Lori DeRosa of Newmarket, a prominent trainer on the West Coast, was
also positive in response to the steps being taken on behalf of the
exhibitors. “I think that’s a great idea. I’ve
been trying to move in that direction, and anything you can do to
lessen the cost of showing and allow people to continue showing is very
helpful.”
As a result of these initial discussions, this group of winter show
managers has entered into a dialogue to search for other opportunities
to be sensitive to costs in these uneasy economic times.
“Bob Bell, Mark Bellissimo, Joe Dotoli and I felt that we had a
responsibility to look for opportunities to help exhibitors reduce some
of their expenses, which is why we are coming together for this action
and why we’ll continue to identify areas where we can alleviate
other show-related expenses,” said Tom Struzzieri, President and
CEO of HITS, Inc.
“In talking to many, many trainers and competitors who compete
annually in Jacksonville, Gulfport and Atlanta about the idea of
somehow reducing the costs of showing horses, braiding seemed to be a
common denominator,” said Bob Bell, Show Manager and President of
Classic Company, Ltd. “These are unprecedented times and we must
consider all aspects of the sport so that all of our exhibitors can
continue showing this winter. Some of our exhibitors may have budget
restraints this year, and we hope that reducing braiding costs will
help them continue to compete.”
Mark Bellissimo, CEO Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, (ESP) added,
"We will be asking all of our hunter officials (Judges) not to penalize
any entry in the un-rated divisions of the Winter Equestrian Festival
for not being braided. We consulted with a number of top trainers
and judges and they all endorsed this action. It is a great
opportunity to defray expenses for our exhibitors in these difficult
economic times."
For more information on Classic Company, Ltd visit www.classiccompany.com. For more information about the circuit in Jacksonville visit www.nfhja.com or email Alexis at agamel@comcast.net. For more information about the six weeks in Gulfport visit www.classiccompany.com or call 843.768.5503.
Equestrian
Sport Productions, LLC is a Wellington, FL based company that produces
and promotes equestrian sport, most notably the Winter Equestrian
Festival, now in its 30th year. www.equestriansport.com. Media should contact Ken Braddick at 561.793.5867.
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.
2009 WINTER CIRCUIT DATES
HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida
January 14 - March 15
HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California
January 20 - March 22
HITS Arizona Winter Circuit in Tucson, Arizona
January 28 - March 8
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