| |
SAUGERTIES,
NEW YORK (September 11, 2008) – A magnificent fall day in the historic Hudson Valley welcomed all of the exhibitors who qualified for The
Marshall & Sterling League National Finals to HITS-on-the-Hudson for an exciting four days of equestrian competition that is set to begin on Thursday, September 11.
"The Finals really have an old-fashioned feel to them," said trainer Robert Beck. "It's a very friendly event and a good staring point for some of the kids who are attending their first Finals. Riding in the Grand Prix ring is a great opportunity for some of my kids to really learn how to gallop and jump."
"The kids are really excited to be here," said trainer Leah Epstein. "It's a wonderful chance for them to come and compete in a Finals atmosphere."
The Finals officially kick off on Thursday, September 11 and are highlighted by the $1,500 Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic and the Local Working Hunter Classic before the action really heats up over the weekend. However, the equestrian facility was filled with anxious exhibitors on Wednesday who took advantage of using the Grand Prix ring for a warm-up before the prestigious Finals take the stage with all of the action taking place in the majestic Grand Prix arena.
"The facility is drop-dead gorgeous," said Beck. "With all of the beautiful jumps and the berms that surround the ring I think it's one of the nicest horse show facilities around."
The four-day competition
will offer $35,000 in prize money, as well as numerous perpetual
trophies and awards. New to the schedule this year are the popular
$1,500 Pony Jumper Classic, $1,500 Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic and the
Local Hunter Classic. Other classes and divisions on tap include
favorites such as the $2,000 Adequan Hunter Division, $4,000 Children's
Hunter Pony Division, $4,000 Children's Hunter Horse Division, $4,000
Adult Hunter Division, $10,000 Children's Jumper Division, $10,000
Adult Jumper Division, M&S Children's Horse Medal Final, M&S
Children's Pony Medal Final, M&S Adult Medal Final, and the Central
Equine Junior Medal Final.
Coverage from the Finals is also available through the Productions East Video website on a pay-per-view basis for a fee of $25 per day or $49.95 for the entire week.
The Marshall &
Sterling League Finals
will once again feature a festive League Awards Dinner and Party on
Friday, September 12. This year's bash will have a Mardi Gras theme highlighted by a Cajun and Creole dinner
and live music.
The Essex Classics Year-End High-Point Awards will be presented following the fabulous
dinner. The awards will be presented to the top 10 riders in each
division based on the Marshall & Sterling National Point Standings.
The top rider in each division will receive a certificate for a free pair of Tretorn riding boots courtesy of EquiFit. In addition, the other riders in the top 10 of each division will receive a valuable coupon towards the Tretorn riding boots. Completely unlike any other riding boot, EquiFit's new Tretorn boot combines
the superior technological functionality of modern sports shoes with
the styling required for optimum riding performance.
Once all of the awards are handed out, it will be time to boogie during
a special musical performance by Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers that will be sure to delight the crowd.
The
fun doesn't stop on Friday. After Saturday’s action in the
ring, exhibitors are invited to a special Ice Skating Party from
6:30-9:30 PM at the Kiwanis Ice Rink across the street from the show grounds. There will also be an Ice Cream Social on Saturday afternoon on the show grounds.
During the
year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 980 Marshall
& Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at
the Finals. Since its inception in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling
League Finals have provided the goal that has fueled the competitive
spirit of child and adult riders at all levels of competition. Click here for the current standings.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc.,
founded in 1864, is among the largest privately-owned insurance
agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century,
Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with
unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a
champion race horse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned
company, Marshall & Sterling has been recognized by IIABA as one of
the nation's top “Best Practice Agencies”. The company
maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the
U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Mary Moeller at
800-836-3046, extension 224.
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.
Danette Kadlic for HITS
A group of enthusiastic exhibitors show off all of their awards at the 2007 Marshall & Sterling League Finals Awards Dinner and Party
|
|
