OCALA, FL (December 8, 2009)—HITS is pleased to welcome Charles Owen as a new sponsor for the 2010 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit set to begin on Wednesday, January 20 with the Ocala January Classic at HITS Post Time Farm, in Ocala, Florida.

Charles Owen will be the title sponsor of the $50,000 Charles Owen Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health on Sunday, February 21 to cap off an exciting week of show jumping during the Ocala Winter Festival. The new Charles Owen Grand Prix is one of the 14 qualifying events for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will be held at HITS-on-the-Hudson, in Saugerties, New York on Sunday, September 12.

Some of the top Grand Prix Riders on the east coast are expected to compete in the Grand Prix, including Aaron Vale, Mary Lisa Leffler and Daniel Geitner, all of whom are Charles Owen Sponsored Riders.

Charles Owen helmets are known for their classic style. The comfort and look of Charles Owen helmets, specifically the AYR8, continues to grow in popularity not only in the jumper market but also within the Grand Prix sector, as high-performance riders consistently turn to Charles Owen for its stylish comfort and safety features. “We are happy the $50,000 Charles Owen Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, is an official stop on the road to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix,” said Lisa Engel, Account Executive Corporate Sponsorship. “Charles Owen's sponsorship of HITS Ocala is a testament to its commitment to the Grand Prix competition and the equestrian community. We look forward to welcoming Charles Owen riders and all competitors to HITS Ocala for another exciting season.”

Charles Owen will have its helmets on display during Week II of HITS Ocala, but all varieties of Charles Owen Helmets will be available at select tack stores in the vendor courtyard at HITS Post Time Farm this winter, including The Tack Shelter and Judy's Tack Shop. For more information on Charles Owen Helmets, click here.

Show jumping returns to HITS Post Time Farm for two back-to-back weeks of competition on Wednesday, January 20 with the Ocala January Classic. After a week off, competition returns with six consecutive weeks of AA-rated horse shows on Tuesday, February 9 with the Ocala Winter Classic.

During the 2010 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit there will be 14 Grand Prix classes and each is a qualifier for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will be held at HITS-on-the-Hudson on Sunday, September 12, 2010.

In addition to the 14 qualifying Grand Prix events, HITS Ocala will also be home to the all-new 3'3” Marshall & Sterling Hunter Derby, a unique two-round classic which will be offered each week of the circuit. This popular new division was a huge success at HITS Saugerties this past summer and is the Marshall & Sterling League's 13th hunter division that riders can earn points towards qualifying for the Finals.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com

Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.

©Lili Weik Photography
Charles Owen Sponsored Rider Aaron Vale on course at HITS Ocala in 2009.