HITS-on-the-Hudson will host the 2011 National PHA Medal Finals at the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals

SAUGERTIES, NY (January 26, 2011)—HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce it will host the 2011 National PHA Medal Final on Saturday, September 17 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York as part of the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals. The joining of HITS and the National PHA Medal Finals is a perfect match since the HITS-on-the-Hudson venue is a show-jumping hub for the entire North East.

The Professional Horsemen's Association of America, Inc., otherwise known as the PHA, is a self-contained benevolent organization and consists of 16 Chapters throughout the United States with over 900 Professional members. The PHA gives aid and sustenance to needy horsemen, and has a scholarship fund which provides financial assistance to further educate the children of professional members. The PHA also continues to promote and foster the care and protection of horses through education at the local, state and federal levels.

Originally, the National PHA Medal Class Champion was decided annually based on the number of points equitation riders accumulated throughout the year with awards going to the six highest scoring junior riders. Presentations were made at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. Back in 1984, HITS’ own Francesca Mazella was the PHA Medal Champion, based on points won in PHA Medal classes throughout the year. Starting in 1995 the format was changed to a Medal Final, where the top 30 junior riders who accumulate the most points during the season compete in the National PHA Medal Final. The Final features a course of eight or more fences at 3’6” in height, with at least one combination including an oxer and two changes of lead after the first fence. The judge will insert two tests into the original course (USEF Tests 1-18). Further testing of the top riders is optional. The top eight placed finalists receive scholarship awards, in addition to their ribbons and trophies. In 2010, Emma Schauder of Greenwich, Connecticut was the winner of the National PHA Medal Final held at Old Salem Farm.

“We are thrilled to bring this beloved event to HITS-on-the-Hudson,” said Mary Jane Mitchell, President of the PHA. “It’s a fantastic venue that draws a lot of exhibitors and trainers from all over the United States. It was important for our growth and expansion to hold the class in a venue that would enable us to have more exposure and help to broaden our reach beyond the Fairfield/Westchester area.”

This year’s National PHA Medal Finals will be open to the top 40 riders in the PHA Medal Class Standings. In addition, and new for 2011, in an effort to ensure that each Chapter of the PHA is represented at the Finals, the top-ranked rider from each Chapter not already represented in the Top 40 Medal Class Standings will be extended an opportunity to compete at this year’s Finals in Saugerties, New York.

“Our focus this year is to really broaden the awareness of what the PHA is all about,” said Mitchell. “We realize that many people in the North East are familiar with us, but there is still a large population of equestrians who may not realize we are here for them. That’s why, in addition to moving the location of our Finals, we are also opening up the opportunity for each of our Chapters to have representation at the Finals.”

For additional information on the PHA, including the complete qualifying specifications for this year’s National PHA Medal Finals, a list of Chapters, or to become a member, please visit NationalPHA.com.

The Marshall & Sterling League is show jumping’s most popular grassroots program and, as always, this year’s 2011 Marshall & Sterling National Finals will be held September 14 through the 18 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. With 16 different divisions to choose from and more than 1,300 member shows, the Marshall & Sterling League offers Children, Junior, and Adult riders countless opportunities to compete and qualify for the prestigious year-end National Finals. New to the League this year is the Low/Modified Junior/Amateur Jumper division. The 2011 qualifying period for the Marshall & Sterling National League Finals is September 6, 2010 through August 28, 2011. For more information on the Marshall & Sterling League or to become a member, please visit: HitsShows.com/MarshallSterling.