HITS to Host the 2017 and 2018 US Junior Hunter National Championship at HITS Saugerties

Saugerties, NY (September 23, 2016): HITS is pleased to announce that its HITS-on-the-Hudson location in Saugerties, New York, will play host to the 2017 and 2018 US Junior Hunter National Championship, July 31-August 1, 2017, and July 30-31, 2018, as part of the three-week HITS Saugerties Summer Series.

The HITS Saugerties Summer Series includes HITS-on-the Hudson IV, V and VI, and runs from July 19 to August 6 in 2017.  In addition to the US Junior Hunter National Championship, the Summer Series will feature two $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies, one week IV, on Saturday July 22, and again Week VI, on August 5. HITS plans to feature additional special classes for hunters during the summer series, with the spotlight on the Junior Hunter Championship.

The two USHJA International Hunter Derbies held during the Saugerties Summer Series are part of theHITS Hunter Derby Tour, offering seven Hunter Derbies and $325,000 in prize money throughout 2017.

“We have had the honor of hosting the Junior Hunter National Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson seven times, and we look forward to the return of this great event in 2017 and 2018,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “During the Summer Series, the two USHJA International Hunter Derbies take place just before and after the Championship, offering riders a fantastic opportunity to earn outstanding prize money by competing in prestigious finals and special classes.”

HITS will provide a total of $60,000 in prize money for the Championship. A prize purse of $10,000 is up for grabs in each section of classes: Small Junior 15 & Under; Small Junior 16-17; Large Junior 15 & Under; Large Junior 16-17; Small Junior 3’3” and Large Junior 3’3”.

The qualifications for the Championship are to be either Champion or Reserve in “A” or “AA” rated 3’3” or 3’6” section between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2017. Horses may also qualify by being in the top 10 in their zone based on the competition results received on May 31, 2017. For more information and complete specifications, please click here 

The Championship was established in 2001 and showcases more than 700 eligible hunters qualified to compete in the Championship held over two days. Each horse competes in three different phases: Handy Hunter, Classic and Under Saddle, with scores counting 40 percent, 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Awards are presented for each phase and for each section overall, as well as special awards including the Overall Grand Hunter Champion.

The US Junior Hunter National Championship isn’t the only exciting thing taking place in Saugerties; indulge in the essence of all that the town has to offer. Saugerties offers accommodations that prove to be in a league of their own. Topping the list is the beautiful Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern located just minutes from the Horse Show grounds. Just around the corner is the Saugerties Steamboat Co., the town’s newest waterfront attraction which offers kayaking and paddle boarding on the river.

After the horse show has wound down for the day, dine, play and stay in the Village of Saugerties and explore all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. The area boasts a variety of restaurants and events nestled in the heart of Saugerties and surrounding areas bound to meet the needs of everyone in the group. 

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About HITS, Inc.
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.

While hosting the richest weekend in show jumping at HITS-on-the-Hudson, HITS also formed the Triple Crown of Show Jumping. This includes the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix in Thermal, California, the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala, Florida, and the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI-5* in Saugerties, New York.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS! Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail media_info@HitsShows.com.