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THERMAL, CA (December 13, 2007) – On Thursday, December 13, HITS, Inc. along with members from the West Coast Active Riders Association and representatives from USEF conducted a pre-season footing test at the new HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California.
Representing HITS was President and CEO Tom Struzzieri and Dale Harvey of the West Coast Management Team. Bart Poels, footing specialist for the 2008 Olympic Games, who has been hired to oversee the footing at all HITS-owned properties throughout the United States, was at the property earlier in the week to ensure preparations were on track for the test. The new footing is comprised of a special blend of sand, geo-textile and fibers, similar to what Poels helped to install for the 2008 Olympic Games
The West Coast Active Riders were represented by Board Chairman Bernie Traurig, as well as WCAR President, Will Simpson of El Campeon Farms. Sally Ike, Managing Director of Show Jumping represented USEF for the test.
Allen Rheinheimer was selected by USEF to participate in the test. Several West Coast riders also participated, including Simpson, Amanda Porter and Joie Gatlin to name a few.
"The test went great," said Rheinheimer. "We saw great results and found out just what we needed to know. With a little tweaking, HITS is moving forward in perfect condition. They've done a masterful job."
"I was confident that this test would demonstrate that any footing concerns are now behind us, and today we did just that," said Struzzieri. "Working together with the West Coast Riding Community has been an important part of our preparations for the 2008 season. We met in early spring to highlight our plans and goals, and agreed to reconnect prior to the start of the circuit for this purpose. I feel the collaboration worked and I look forward to continuing the momentum we've started."
Traurig, who was part of the core group that met with HITS earlier in the year to outline some of the priorities for the 2008 season, had positive remarks about the footing and the process that brought riders to the facility in advance of the circuit. "After extensive testing, the footing at Thermal looks like its going to be great, said Traurig. “Riders and Management both agree that with some tweaking, by adding fibers between now and the start of the circuit, the footing will get even better."
USEF's Managing Director of Show Jumping Sally Ike, who had visited the facility in November for a preview , was also impressed with what's been accomplished not only with the footing but with other areas of the property as well. "One month later there has been incredible progress, and there is still more planned. Thermal is not just going to be good; it's going to be great!"
As High-Performance Liaison for the 2008 Desert Circuit, Dale Harvey will be dedicated to ensuring the satisfaction of the Grand Prix rider at Thermal this coming season. "This certainly makes my job a lot easier as satisfaction begins and ends with good footing. Once we have the same product on top of the EquiBase™ mats in the covered FEI ring, I'm confident that the World Cup riders will find that the conditions in Thermal will be superb for competition." Harvey went on to say that the footing in all the jumper rings will be similar to what was tested today in the Grand Prix ring.
Both the EquiBase matting and the EquiBase geo-textiles and fibers will be used in the covered FEI ring where the four World Cup Qualifiers will be held during the 2008 Desert Circuit. The FEI ring in Thermal will mark the second indoor installation in the United States, as EquiBase recently put the finishing touches on both indoor competition arenas at the DevonWood Equestrian Centre in Portland, Oregon.
HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri looks forward to welcoming exhibitors back to Thermal for the 2008 season. "I continue to feel proud of what we've accomplished here in Thermal," said Struzzieri. "Much effort has gone into preparing for the new season and we've made significant investments both financially and creatively to ensure that Thermal will exceed expectations."
The 2008 HITS Desert Circuit is set to get underway on Wednesday, January 9 with the Desert Circuit Premiere, the first of two new weeks added to the circuit. Tuesday, January 22 begins three consecutive weeks of shows, followed by an off week, February 11-17. Then HITS Thermal returns for four consecutive weeks of shows on Tuesday, February 19 and runs until Sunday, March 16 when the first-ever Desert Circuit Championship will close out the season with 17 different championship classes, including the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix of the Desert.
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
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