THERMAL, CA (January 26, 2012) The grounds are stunning, the barns are busy and the riders have arrived at HITS Desert Horse Park for the highly anticipated 2012 HITS Desert Circuit .
All of the show rings will be action-packed for the next six weeks as junior, amateur and professional riders start off a new year of competition. Regardless of the goal, HITS Thermal will attract some of the country's top horses and riders during the 2012 Winter Circuit.
We have a record number of horses coming to Thermal this year, said trainer Morley Abbey. The show grounds keep getting better and better each year and our customers just love showing in the desert.
Exhibitors showing at HITS Thermal will not only experience six action-packed weeks of show jumping competition, but will also be treated to special events, awards and loads of prize money! In addition, exhibitors are in the right place to get a lead on qualifying for the historic offerings at HITS' 2012 Championship Weekend, scheduled for September 7-9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
Each week will feature critical qualifiers for both hunter and jumper riders as they take aim at show jumping's richest weekend. High Performance Riders will have 16 chances to qualify for the third annual Pfizer $ 1 Million Grand Prix , which has taken the show jumping world by storm. In 2011, Duncan McFarlane represented the West Coast well when he finished second aboard Simone Coxe's Mr. Whoopy and scored a cool $200,000 in prize money.
Hunter riders will have their fair share of the spotlight with two monumental year-end classes to shoot for. The Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and the all-new $250,000 HITS 3' Hunter Prix will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson this fall and are sure to attract some of the top hunter riders in the country. Nick Haness of Coto de Caza, California, a regular competitor at HITS Thermal, took home second place honors and $90,000 in prize money from last year's Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final aboard Jessica Singer's Cruise .
Six Devoucoux Hunter Prix qualifiers will be held in the desert, including the $25,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix Sunday, March 11. Riders looking to earn a berth in the $250,000 HITS 3' Hunter Prix also will have six chances with prize money ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 each week.
We will be spending the entire circuit at HITS Thermal this year, said trainer Kate Considine. With what the schedule offers, it's a can't miss for our customers.
©Flying Horse Photography
Shelly Campf competing during the first day of horse showing at HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA.
©Flying Horse Photography
Joie Gatlin sails over a colorful fence in the Grand Prix ring at HITS Desert Horse Park during the first day of competition in Thermal, CA.
After hours
When the lights go out at the show grounds, the party starts for exhibitors as HITS has lined up some enticing entertainment for the 2012 season. During Desert Circuit II, Charles Owen will present Helmet Awareness Week and representatives from Charles Owen Helmets will be on-hand to educate riders on the importance of properly fitted, approved riding helmets. Also during the second week of shows, Arenus brings the party to the show grounds when they host the Arenus Rising Star Karaoke Challenge Friday, February 10. Arenus will also award the Arenus All-Around Athlete award during week three. Nomination forms for the award are available in the show office.
Other special events during the circuit include the Purina Mills After Party, The Equestrian Lifestyle Weekend and the HITS Horsepower Weekend all will guarantee that there is not a dull moment at HITS Desert Horse Park this winter.
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. In 2010, HITS took the industry to new heights when it hosted the first-ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. In 2011, HITS hosted the richest weekend in show jumping with the return of the Pfizer Million and the introduction of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. In 2012, the historic weekend will get even sweeter with the addition of the $250,000 HITS 3' Hunter Prix Final September 8-9.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com . Stay connected with HITS, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter !
Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com .
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