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PRESS RELEASES
 

April 30, 2008:
***MEDIA ADVISORY***


Magnificent Spanish horses (including World-famous Andalusian ambassador Traveler®) will be available for photos and interviews Friday, May 2 to kick off the 10th Annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse Cancer Benefit

WHO: Tuno IV, also known as Traveler®, the famous Andalusian horse widely known as USC’s mascot will be joined by entertainers and many other Spanish horses to kick off the 10th Annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, a 4-day horse show and Saturday evening extravaganza charity benefit. This year’s beneficiaries include USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society.

WHAT: Interested media will have an opportunity to learn more about the scheduled activities for the 4-day event, particularly the Saturday evening show & benefit, and will have photo/interview opportunities with Traveler®, other Spanish horses, and entertainers from the Fiesta program.

WHERE: Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 Riverside Drive
Burbank, California

WHEN: Friday, May 2, 2008. Noon – 5:00 pm. Call by May 1 to arrange exclusive photo and/or interview sessions.

INTERVIEW & PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

- Andalusian Tuno IV (aka Traveler®) in his USC regalia
- Performer Ramon Becerra, the popular Rainbow Riders
& other entertainers and horses from the Fiesta program
- Director Martha Coolidge & producer Tom Milano with their show horses
- For adventurous media representatives, the rare opportunity to ride a magnificent Spanish horse. Assignment editors: Here’s your chance to get your reporters off their feet & onto a beautiful Spanish horse. Great opportunity to file a story from horseback!

MEDIA CONTACT (MOBILE NUMBER):

Barbara Price / 760-715-7803

April 25, 2008:

Nation's top jumpers featured at $100,000 Premier Truck & Trailer Grand Prix of Del Mar, an AGA event

Save $2.00 on admission with coupon

Get your tickets now for the biggest and best show jumping in California, the $100,000 Premier Truck & Trailer Grand Prix of Del Mar, an AGA (American Grand Prix Association) event, 7:00PM on Saturday, May 3. You'll be on the edge of your seat as competitors jump a course of gigantic fences trying to go clear without knocking down a rail - and still be the fastest to win thousands of dollars in prize money.

The 63nd annual Del Mar National Horse Show concludes with Hunter/Jumper Week April 29 - May 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Featured events include the $10,000 Ralphs Power and Speed Grand Prix Qualifier on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00PM.,and the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix, on Thursday, May 1 at 7:30PM. These events qualify riders for the Saturday night $100,000 Premier Truck & Trailer Grand Prix of Del Mar.

Other highlights of the week include the $25,000 Del Mar National Open Jumper Equitation Championship presented by Show Circuit Magazine, on Friday, May 2 at 7:00PM. the $25,000 Dearborne Stables Open Hunter Classic, on Friday, May 2 at 7:00PM and the $25,000 CA Junior/Amateur Show Jumping Championship, Sunday, May 4 at 11:45AM.

To thank you for being on our email list, we offer you $2.00 off admission for the Grand Prix. You can download and print the coupon with this link.

Tickets for the $100,000 Premier Truck & Trailer Grand Prix of Del Mar, an AGA event, are $18.00 and are on sale now. Admission for other events ranges from free for weekday daytime events to $10.00 for the weekday evening events.

Tickets may be purchased at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Box Office, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM. Tickets also are available online through Ticketmaster, and at Mary's Tack & Feed locations in Del Mar and San Juan Capistrano. Much more information is available at the show's Web site, www.delmarnational.com .

$100,000 HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar, an AGA event Saturday, May 3, 2008 7:00PM

Del Mar National Horse Show
Hunter/Jumper Week
April 29 - May 4
Location
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA
Horse Show Office Phone
858-792-4288
Fairgrounds
24-hour Info Line
858-793-5555
Website
www.delmarnational.com

Buy tickets online


April 14, 2008:
 


BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMEN OF CALIFORNIA
What: Treasure Hunt Ride
When: May 3, 9am
Where: Garner Valley, near Anza and Idyllwild
Who: Sponsored by Backcountry Horsemen of California, San Gorgonio Pass Unit; open to the public.
Contact: Call Jill Stokes, 951-676-4897; rugermodel1@verizon.net; Linda Herzig, 951-769-3781; chryvchip@msn.com;

* * * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * * *

Horses and pirates will hook up in San Jacinto Mountains’ Garner Valley on Saturday, May 3 as the San Gorgonio Pass Unit of the Backcountry Horsemen of California sponsors its annual Treasure Hunt Ride, open to members and the public.
The SGPU invites individuals and families to bring their horses, their curiosity, their spirit of fun, and their appetites to the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains for a fun ride, Taco Bar dinner, and raffle for prizes.
The event is the major membership drive activity for the year.
“It’s a real great way to expose folks to the work that our group does and the fun we have,” said Mandy Picozzi, event organizer.
Riders will search the valley for hidden treasure, looking for clues beneath rocks, around the tall trees, and buried in the brush. As they gather the separate clues, riders will piece them together into a pirate’s story that will direct them to the treasure chest where they will pick one doubloon to exchange later for a prize.
While the ride officially starts at 9am, riders can take off anytime to complete the two- to three-hour course in time for the Taco Bar dinner at 4pm.
It’s a family ride, suitable for all riding skill levels. Helmets are required for riders under 18 and encouraged for all other riders who don’t want to be brain-dead after their fall.
In addition, this year the event will offer a GPS course for folks who want to learn how to use those hand-held devices they received for Christmas but haven’t a clue about how to work.
With 4,000 members in 27 individual units throughout the state of California, the Backcountry Horsemen of California works to protect access to backcountry trails on public lands, to help maintain the trails, and to educate the public about the safe and sane use of trails. Individual units, like the SGPU, sponsor fun activities, work parties, and educational events for members and the public. The SGPU represents members from the Mojave Desert to Temecula and the San Diego area.
The Treasure Hunt Ride stages at Fobes Ranch in Garner Valley, part of United State Forest Service land. The event for ride and dinner costs $25.00 per person, $15.00 for children 10 and under, and $12 for extra dinners. Pre-registration closes on April 26, and ride and dinner will cost an additional $7 after that date.
Come early and camp at the dry camp for free, with no Adventure Pass required.
For more information and to make reservations, call 951-676-4897 or 951-769-3781.


April 11, 2008:
 
For Immediate Release:

Contact: Tracy Livingston
707-459-5992 (Office)
707-391-3872 (Cell)


RIDGEWOOD RANCH DIAMOND TOUR
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF AN AMERICAN ICON

A Benefit In Celebration of Seabiscuit’s 75th Birthday

Festivities set for May


Willits, CA, April 9, 2008 – The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation and Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, built by Charles S. Howard owner of horse racing legend Seabiscuit 80 years ago, are slated to benefit from a special Ridgewood ranch tour and reception in honor of champs’s 75th birthday. Festivities are to be held at Seabiscuit’s historic home and final resting place in northern California this spring.

Coincidently, the Biscuit's 75th birthday marks Howard Memorial Hospital’s 80th anniversary. Howard, grief stricken at the tragic loss of his son in an automobile accident, built the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital at the advice of his friend and Willits physician “Doc Babcock”. Doc believed had there been a hospital in the immediate vicinity at the time of the tragedy, young Frankie’s life might have been spared. Howard subsequently built and served on the hospital’s board of directors after its completion in 1928. Seabiscuit’s own famed jockey Red Pollard spent recovery time at Frank R. Howard Memorial hospital after sustaining a bone shattering injury. Doctors said he might never ride again. The following year, horse and jockey won the most electrifying horse race of the time – the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap.

Artisan Kim Corpany and Stan Watts, of Salt Lake City, Utah are now crafting two commemorative mini bronze sculptures featuring the legendary racehorse in honor of his two great jockeys Pollard and George Woolf. The statues will be offered for sale in support of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation www.seabiscuitheritage.org dedicated to preserving the historical buildings and landscapes that constitute Seabiscuit’s legacy and the Howard Foundation www.howardfoundation.org currently raising funds to build a new state of the art teaching hospital facility.
An exact replica of the original life size statue and granite base that until 1950 stood prominently at Seabiscuit’s home and final resting place, has already been installed as a memorial to the equestrian giant at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, California.

“Hopefully the purchasing and collecting public who loves the Biscuit legend will agree as this will help two wonderful causes.” adds retired Marine Col. Michael Howard, a member of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation board of directors. Col. Howard first had the idea to commission a statue in the likeness of Seabiscuit when he heard about plans to build a new Howard hospital.

“Stan Watts of Atlas Bronze also deserves a large degree of credit when I spoke to him of doing a similar life-size statue at Howard Memorial Hospital to honor my Great Grandfather Charles S. Howard & Doc Babcock.” explains Col. Howard. In addition, plans are being made for a bronze sculpture depicting the portrait of “Little Frank R. Howard and Puppies” on display in the lobby entrance for the encouragement and delight of children. “It is a pretty significant milestone. 80 years later here we are trying to get the same thing accomplished, for the next 80 years.” adds Janet Lamprich, Executive Director of Howard Foundation.

“Bottom line: this is a TEAM EFFORT.” said Howard, an advocate of creating an open atmosphere of freedom and discussion to improve on good ideas. “I learned in the Marine Corps and Iraq that no good plan stays static, it evolves with other good input. I believe this is also how my Great-Grandfather sold Buicks and the public on a funny little horse with a big heart!”

Festivities including the unveiling of the two small bronze statues of Seabiscuit are planned on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Ridgewood Ranch with a reception following at the Mendocino County Museum in Willits, California. This event sponsored by the Willits Chamber of Commerce and the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is by reservation only. For ticket information contact the Willits Chamber of Commerce at 707.459.7910 or visit www.willits.org. Major underwriters include: Mendocino Country Farm Supply, Larson Family Winery and GlenMoor Enterprises.

***

Still a working ranch, Ridgewood has been designated one of America’s most threatened historic places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is now working with the current owners, the National Trust, and others to develop an overall preservation and resource management plan and identify funding sources.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization formed to promote the cultural legacy of the Ridgewood Ranch through historic preservation, environmental conservation and public education. To make a contribution or for further information, contact the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation @Ridgewood Ranch, 16200 North Hwy. 101, Willits, CA 95490 e-mail seabiscuit@instawave.net or go to the foundation website www.seabiscuitheritage.org.


April 11, 2008:
 
WALK OF WESTERN STARS TO HONOR
THREE LEGENDS OF THE SILVER SCREEN!
Actor Bruce Boxleitner Slated to Present at City's Annual Event at the Hyatt
The City of Santa Clarita's 2008 Walk of Western Stars will honor three legends of the Silver Screen on Friday, April 25, 2008, beginning at 3 p.m. on the sidewalks of Old Town Newhall, culminating with a western gala dinner at the Valencia Hyatt Hotel at 7 p.m. Hosting this year's Gala is long-time master of ceremonies, Larry Maurice, with entertainment provided by Cowbop. This year's nominees include actors David Carradine and John Saxon, as well as local animal manager Jack Lilley.
David Carradine
David Carradine is known for one of the most iconic roles in television history, the role of Caine on the series "Kung Fu," for which he earned his first Emmy and Golden Globe Nominations. His impressive career includes more than 115 films, 32 plays, and over 65 television appearances, including many Western favorites, such as "Taggart, " based on a Louis L'Amour novel. Recently, David Carradine received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Bill in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" epic for which he received his fourth Golden Globe Nomination.

Jack Lilley
Starting at age 15, (saying he was 18) Jack began doing stunts for Westerns and worked under legendary stunt man Yakima Canutt. He has performed stunts on hundreds of classic Western films and hows including "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza" and "High Chaparral," and boasts over 280 roles as an actor including roles in favorites like "Blazing Saddles," "The Mountain Men" and more. (See details below about an intimate film event featuring Jack on Wednesday, April 23).

John Saxon
John has appeared in more than 80 films and 200+ television episodes. He got his first breakthrough role as a teenager co-starring role with Esther Williams in the 1956 drama "The Unguarded Moment." In 1966, John received a Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of a Mexican bandit in the 1966 film "The Appaloosa." Saxon was featured in many Spaghetti Westerns and American classics, such as "The Unforgiven."

We still have tickets available for the Cowboy Festival with other great events taking place outside of Melody Ranch!
Silver Screen Cowboys & More! - April 23 - $10.00
Repertory East Playhouse - Join the SCV Film Festival for an entertaining evening of film clips Q & A with Walk of Western Stars honoree, Jack Lilley, and enjoy behind-the-scenes insight into the Western film business.
The Chuckwagon Dinner Show - April 24th - $45.00
This popular annual event attached to the Cowboy Festival at Heritage Junction, features the award winning Chuckwagon cooking of Manflo Ranch, and the musical talents of WMA and AWA Female vocalist of the year, Juni Fisher. Rounding out the show will be local cowboy poet, Joe Herrington.
Saturday Night Swing Dance - April 26th - $15.00
This is a great chance to strut your two-step at the local Senior Center. The Senior Center features a great dance floor where you can two-step to the incredible sounds of Hot Club of Cowtown. It's been four years since we've had Hot Club at the Festival, so you won't want to miss this one. Adult beverages are available. The Dance will be simulcast by KCSN, 88.5 FM.
Art at Hart - April 26th - $20.00
Cowboy Festival poster artist, Buck Taylor, joins nine Western artists at the Art at Hart event on Saturday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. at William S. Hart Park and Museum. An exclusive tour of the priceless art and Western decor in silent film star Bill Hart's Spanish Colonial mansion will be followed by an artist's quick draw and auction. Watch as the artists complete an original piece of art in one hour's time. The works of art will be auctioned off immediately following the quick draw. A petit buffet and wine tasting are including in the price of the $20 ticket.
We encourage you to take the time and visit www.cowboyfestival.org to familiarize yourself with our performers and schedule of events. For more information, call the Cowboy Festival ticket office at 661-286-4021.
We'll see you at the Cowboy Festival!!


February 19, 2008:
 

FIESTA OF THE SPANISH HORSE
Fiesta de los Caballos EspaÑoles

P.O. Box 21022, Glendale, CA 01221-5122
Tele: 818-842-8444 Fax: 818- 842-8445
www.fiestaspanishhorse.com

Contacts:
Joanne Asman Barbara Price
818-842-8444 760-751-2768
jsa@asmanj.com price@aonegroup.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Fiesta of the Spanish Horse” Cancer Research Benefit & Horse Show
Returns to the LA Equestrian Center May 1-4, 2008

GLENDALE – February 8, 2008 – Organizers for the popular “Fiesta of the Spanish Horse,” an annual benefit and horse show to support cancer research, announced today the 2008 Fiesta will run May 1 through May 4, 2008 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

This year marks the 10th annual “Fiesta of the Spanish Horse,” a revered Southern California equestrian tradition which has raised funds for cancer research organizations, including the American Cancer Society, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Saturday evening extravaganza features an entertaining and educational multi-cultural celebration of the Spanish Horse, including equestrian exhibitions, celebrities, food, music, dancing and vendors. Spanish horse breeds such as the Andalusian, Lusitano, Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino and other magnificent Spanish bred horses provide the cornerstone of the evening performances.

Spanish horses from across the country also will be competing in a multi-breed horse show May 1-4 that is free to the public.

Festivities for the Saturday, May 3rd Fiesta of the Spanish Horse extravaganza begin at 3:00 pm at the LA Equestrian Center grounds. The evening show and equestrian exhibitions begin at 6:00 pm in the Equidome. Ticket prices range from $15 - $50. Contact 818-842-7444 or www.fiestaspanishhorse.com for further information.


February 19, 2008:
 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 11, 2008

 

 

 

 

No Kidding! John Pearce and his mount Archie Bunker win the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix at HITS Thermal

 

 


THERMAL, CA (February 11, 2008)—
Canadian Olympian John Pearce negotiated the fastest double-clear round aboard Archie Bunker to secure the top prize in Sunday's $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix to conclude a very exciting week of show jumping at HITS Thermal.

Pearce collected $15,000 in prize money as he outlasted 43 combinations in the first round and 10 pairs in the jump-off. Pearce was fourth to go in course designer Anthony D'Ambrosio's jump-off course and set the Great American time to beat at a lightning fast 37.20.

The jump-off featured four clear rounds, including Mandy Porter and Summer who followed Pearce and Archie Bunker in the order. They navigated the course without dropping any rails and stopped the clocks in 39.09. That time was good enough for second place as Pearce was nearly two seconds faster than any other competitor in the round.

"I was feeling it today," said Pearce. "I knew with ten in the jump-off I had to be fast and clean. So, I went into the ring, didn't hold anything back and won some great prize money for the second week in a row!"

Pearce has been cashing in as last Sunday in the $125,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by EMO he was second aboard Archie Bunker and sixth aboard Chianto collecting a total of $33,750 in prize money for the day.

Jill Henselwood was eighth to go in the jump-off aboard Stacie Ryan's Black Ice . The Pan Am Games Gold Medal winner had her first double-clear round of the circuit and stopped the clocks in 39.60 to finish in third place. Henselwood is just getting warm, as she had the flu and missed the first couple of weeks of competition.

Following Henselwood was Jill Humphrey and her mount Lou Bega . The pair posted a clear round in 42.00 to finish in fourth place for Equistar, LLC. Humphrey finished the class with three horses in the money.

Rounding out the top five were Richard Spooner and his mount Cristallo , who had the fastest time of those with four faults in the jump-off. They stopped the clocks in 38.26 to secure $3,000 in prize money for Show Jumping Syndication.

With the win, Pearce also earned some valuable points towards the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, March 16 during the all new Championship Week at HITS Thermal. The top 30 pairs based on prize money won on the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit will be invited to compete in the class.

"The quality of show jumping here compares to some of the best I have seen anywhere in the world," said Pearce. "This place is nothing short of exceptional and I am proud to show my horses here."

"Its been great couple of weeks," said Porter, who competed at DC II and DC III. "HITS has really stepped up this year and has done some great things. The footing in the Grand Prix ring is excellent as well as all of the other jumper rings. I am thrilled with the facility!"

Porter also continued to praise the VIP Oasis Club. VIP Chef Ric Orlando has brought a unique dining experience to the VIP Oasis Club at the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit. "It is a fantastic place to be," said Porter. "Concierge Michael D'Ambrosio truly makes you feel like a VIP. Plus, the food is amazing!"

DC II also featured several run out-of-ring activates, including the first-ever HITS Thermal Equine Idol held on Saturday night. Hundreds watched as more than 30 exhibitors dueled it out for fantastic prizes donated by the generous vendors at HITS Thermal. The judges for the contest were Mark "Randy Jackson" Bone of Huntover Farm, John "Simon Cowell" French of Waldenbrook Farm and Kathy "Paula Adbul" Hobstetter of ShowBiz Magazine.

On Sunday, the ever-popular Kids Day returned to HITS Thermal and featured an afternoon filled with family fun, including a very special Grand Prix rider autograph session after the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix. Among the gracious riders who participated were Pearce, Porter, Ashlee Bond and Thursday's winner of the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix, Kim Farlinger.

The Purina Mills trailer was also on hand for Kids Day and gave out temporary tattoos to the children. They also sponsored the HITS Thermal Equine Idol as well as being the title sponsor of the Sunday Grand Prix. "It was a great weekend for Purina Mills," said Marketing Director Nancy Shearer. "We are thrilled to be associated with all of the HITS horse shows."

In other action at HITS Thermal during DC III, Catie Verano secured the Central Equine Junior Medal and John French of Gilroy, California rode Obelix to the Adequan Hunter Championship to highlight an exciting week of competition. For more information on Central Equine please visit  www.centralequine.com , and for more information on Adequan please visit  www.HitsShows.com/press/pdf/adequan.pdf.

The HITS Desert Circuit now takes a one-week hiatus. Then competition at HITS Thermal returns on Tuesday, February 19 for four consecutive weeks of shows and runs until Sunday, March 16 when the new Desert Circuit Championship will close out the season with 17 different championship classes, including the R.W. Mutch Equitation Classic and the first-ever $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

HITS Thermal (DC III) Video Courtesy of Show Jumping Unplugged

Placing

Horse

Rider

Owner

Prize Money

Rd 1 Faults

JO Faults

JO Time

1

Archie Bunker

John Pearce

Allison Moore

$15,000

0

0

37.209

2

Summer

Mandy Porter

Wild Turkey Farm

$11,000

0

0

39.097

 

3

Black Ice

Jill Henselwood

Stacie Ryan

$6,500

0

0

39.604

4

Lou Bega

Jill Humphrey

Equistar LLC

$4,000

0

0

42.003

5

Cristallo

Richard Spooner

Show Jumping Syndication

$3,000

0

4

38.267

6

Chianto

John Pearce

Alison Moore

$2,500

0

4

38.486

7

Chivas Z

Ashlee Bond

Little Valley Farm

$2,000

0

4

41.275

8

Sulleyman De Wulf Selection

Guillermo Obligado

Adria L Mashburn

$1,500

0

4

41.349

9

Rockford I

Keri Potter

Keri Potter

$1,500

0

5

50.902

10

Felix 380

Jill Humphrey

Equistar LLC

$1,000

0

16

45.164

11

Kaskaya

Jill Humphrey

Leone Equestrian

$1,000

4

12

Kasoar D' Uxelles

Laura Teodori

L&M Ventures

$1,000

4

 

 

HITS CORPORATE OFFICE: HITS, Inc., 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
phone 845.246.8833  fax 845.246.6371   www.HitsShows.com

 

   

 

 

February 19, 2008:
 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2008

Jenny Karazissis in a ' Swoon ' after her victory in the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Classic at HITS Thermal

 

THERMAL, CA (February 13, 2008)— Jenny Karazissis rode El Campeon's Swoon to victory in the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Classic to conclude DC III at HITS Thermal.

Thermal was the second venue to play host to this new hunter series, which has been generating a lot of excitement throughout the sport. A field of 27 combinations in the first round were sliced into a final round of 12 exhibitors who were asked to come back and compete for the blue ribbon. The first round was a regular classic course and the second round was a handy hunter course that included a trot jump, roll-backs and option jumps, all in the HITS' state-of-the-art Grand Prix ring. During the second round, judges were able to award bonus points for style and handiness.

"The team at HITS Thermal did a great job presenting the second class in the International Hunter Derby series," said Diane Carney of Telluride, which is located at Canterbury Farms out of Chicago. Carney is a member of the USHJA High Performance Hunter Committee and was on hand at Thermal for the event. "The riders and horses really put the sport back into hunters under the lights in Thermal. The two teams of judges obviously enjoyed the brilliance of the hunters as scores where high and handy bonus points were well deserved. The course designer and decoration teams did a beautiful course of natural jumps."

One of the goals of the competition was to bring hunter and jumper riders together at the top level. Some noteworthy jumper riders to compete were Richard Spooner, who was third aboard Guns N Roses and Jill Humphrey who was 12th aboard Craig II

Right from the start Karazissis was competitive, taking first and second place in the first round on Tricia Cook-Looker's Aragon  and Swoon, respectively.  In the second round, Karazissis moved into first aboard Swoon after dropping a rail during her trip aboard Aragon. When the class was complete, Karazissis outlasted some of the top hunter riders in the world, including John French, Peter Pletcher and Archie Cox, to win $3,000 in first place prize money for El Campeon Farms.  

"It was very exciting," said Karazissis. "I had been looking forward to the class for a while. It was such an exciting atmosphere to compete in. The Grand Prix ring was the perfect place; I was even more excited when I heard we were going to compete in that ring. It was great to have such accomplished riders like Richard [Spooner] stick around after the Grand Prix to compete. His participation made it even more special and I really appreciate his support for this event."

Karazissis and Spooner shared a fun moment after the class when she acknowledged that she can now proudly tout that she beat Richard Spooner. He was quick to qualify it by adding "At hunters!"

As part of her preparation for the class, Karazissis decided to not show in the hunters during the week, but rather opted for the level II and III jumpers. "It was gratifying to feel like my plan paid off," she continued.  "I also have to thank my husband, Kost, because he was a tremendous support and his help enabled me to get ready for this."

"HITS was delighted to showcase the hunter in our fabulous Grand Prix arena," said HITS' Vice President of West Coast Operations, Fred Bauer. "We are looking forward to holding the class on the weekend under the lights during the Championship Week March 11-16. It should be a magical night!" 

"It was fabulous," said trainer Karen Healey. "I was happily surprised by the amount of people who stuck around to watch the class at 5 pm after Sunday's Grand Prix was over. When the class moves to prime time it's going to be huge!"

Karazissis, who has been competing at the Desert Circuit since DC I, will return for the second half of the circuit with her eyes once again set on the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Classic. 

The HITS Desert Circuit now takes a one-week hiatus. Competition at HITS Thermal returns on Tuesday, February 19 for four consecutive weeks of shows and runs until Sunday, March 16 when the new Desert Circuit Championship will close out the season with 17 different championship classes, including the R.W. Mutch Equitation Classic and the first-ever $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.

$10,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Classic Overall

Placing

Horse

Rider

Owner

Prize Money

1

Swoon

Jennifer Karazissis

El Campeon Farms

$3,000

2

Clockwork 

John French

Old Oak Farm

$2,000

3

Guns N Roses

Richard Spooner

Oscany, Inc.

$1,400

4

Larena

Jeff Campf

Noreen Edlen

$1,000

5

On Top

Nicoletta Von Heidegger 

Monarch International

$800

6

Holy Cow (Amanda)

Michael Leon

Harriet Posner

$700

7

Clocktower Optimist  

Zazou Hoffman

Oscany, Inc.

$600

8

Aragon

Jennifer Karazissis

Tonia Cook-Looker

$500

9

Truly

John French

Ashley Pryde

10

Ellington

Michael Leon

Melissa Prusock

11

Perfection

Cayla Richards

Lisa Pryde

12

Craig II

Jill Humphrey

Jean Hoffend

HITS CORPORATE OFFICE: HITS, Inc., 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
phone 845.246.8833  fax 845.246.6371   www.HitsShows.com


February 19, 2008:
 

HITS E-NEWS
February 15, 2008

HITS Thermal Mid-Circuit Report: Warm, Sunny and Jumping! 

 
California Dreaming – Facility Improvements, Grand Prix Standings, FEI World Cup Qualifiers and New USHJA Hunter Derby Classic in Thermal, California.
 
The HITS Desert Horse Park had an incredible start to the season. Desert Premiere was the first of two new weeks added to the circuit and was the first chance for exhibitors to experience all the new facility improvements, including new rings, new landscaping, new footing, and so much more!
 
Grand Prix rider Richard Spooner, the Desert Circuit's all-time leading money winner, started off strong with two back-to-back wins, first on Gerry the Grey and then on Ezrah . Spooner is only the second rider in the United States to win 100 Grand Prix events, a very impressive achievement!
 
Speaking of impressive, the new covered ring in Thermal, which is home to all four $50,000 Tourneau FEI World Cup Qualifiers, presented by Adequan, has been quite the hit! Rich Fellers and Flexible have taken blue in the first two FEI classes, helping him in the point standings as he's comfortably in the top 5 for the West Coast. 
 
Other HITS Desert Circuit Grand Prix winners include:

•    Mark Watring/ Sapphire – $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix, January 30
•    Joie Gatlin/ Camaron Hills Shan Roe – $125,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by EMO, February 3
•    Kim Farlinger/ Cordoba – $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix, February 7
•    John Pearce/ Archie Bunker – $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, February 10

 
During the first half of the HITS Desert Circuit, $375,000 of the $925,000 total Grand Prix prize money has been awarded. Since every Grand Prix at HITS Thermal is a qualifier for the season finale, the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix on Sunday, March 16, all eyes will be on the second half of the circuit to see who will make the cut for this exciting event. The top 30 pairs will be invited to compete. Click here for the current rankings.
 
Hunters also had their chance in the Grand Prix ring when the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions/ USHJA International Hunter Style Derby Classic closed out DC III. It was Jenny Karazissis and Swoon who bested 26 other exhibitors to take home the blue and $3,000 for owners El Campeon Farms. The $10,000 Hunter Derby Classic will be offered again as part of the Desert Championship week on Sunday, March 16.

Here's to you! HITS Thermal Salutes Its First Half Heroes.
 
The pony ring at HITS Thermal has been dominated by Tara Spencer so far in 2008. Spencer is just 11 and has owned the competition so far by grabbing 24 blue ribbons and earning 19 red ribbons. Her list of impressive accolades include two Mid-Circuit Championships aboard Brookway Stables' Tuscany in the Medium Pony Hunter Division and Keep Dreamin' in the Large Pony Hunter Division. To cap off an exciting first half of the circuit for Spencer, she was also named the Best Child Rider in the Pony division for all three weeks. Spencer is now off to HITS Ocala and will be riding for Bibby Hill and Don Stewart. Good Luck in Ocala, Tara!
 
Also shining at HITS Thermal was John French, who was named Mid-Circuit Champion on his mount Obelix in the Adequan Hunter Division, and Alison Baileys, who was awarded the Jennifer Marlborough Freeman Memorial Trophy.  The Jennifer Marlborough Freeman Memorial Trophy is awarded to the High Point Mid-Circuit A-O Hunter 18-35. Baileys, who rides under the watchful eye of French, won thanks in part to her mount Tache Rouge.
 
Click here to see all of the Mid-Circuit Award winners from HITS Thermal.

Party time! HITS Thermal features fun out-of-ring activities

The special events calendar at HITS Thermal is in full swing and has already featured several entertaining events for all exhibitors to enjoy in 2008. So far at HITS Thermal, there was a dog costume contest, the ever-popular Kids Day and a hilarious HITS Thermal Equine Idol competition judged by Huntover Farm's Mark Bone, Showbiz Magazine's Kathy Hobstetter and Waldenbrook's John French.
 
The second half features much more out-of-ring excitement, including a fashion show, presented by  Horse Connection Magazine , an exhibitor golf tournament at Indian Palms and the annual WCAR Party at La Quinta Resort & Club .
 
What's On Tap!

The second half of competition at HITS Thermal is right around the corner as show jumping returns to HITS' state-of-the-art equestrian facility on Tuesday, February 19 for four consecutive weeks.

Plenty more Grand Prix prize money is up for grabs as nine Grand Prix classes remain on the schedule for 2008, including  two more $50,000 Tourneau FEI World Cup Qualifiers, presented by Adequan and the first-ever $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix on Sunday, March 16.

The Invitational is one of several special classes that will take place during the all-new Desert Championship (March 11-16) at HITS Thermal.  The second installment of the $10,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Classic returns to HITS Thermal  and the R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Classic makes its inaugural appearance on the West Coast on Sunday, March 16.

Desert Championship will also feature the presentation of the Second-Half Circuit Awards and the Overall-Circuit Awards during the Parade of Champions on Sunday, March 16.
 
The Parade of Champions will  showcase several perpetual trophy award winners. The Hillcrest Pot O' Gold High-Point Pony Award, SHALANNO Style of Riding, Jimmy Kohn Style of Riding, Michael Patrick Perpetual Trophy and the Potcreek Meadow Junior Sportsmanship Award will all be awarded in the HITS Grand Prix ring prior to the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix.
 
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

 

HITS CORPORATE OFFICE: HITS, Inc., 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
phone 845.246.8833  fax 845.246.6371   www.HitsShows.com


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