Riding Magazine

Congratulations to our latest $50 winner:
Melissa Silberman from San Diego, CA!

posted February 8, 2010

Fans Can Win FREE Western States Horse Expo Tickets Via Facebook

Over the last 12 years, Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California has showcased the nation's most popular trainers and clinicians. The June 11-13, 2010 event will be no exceptions and eager fans can trade their knowledge of clinician related trivia for free tickets to the expo. Each week, the expo will post clues as to the identity of one of the clinicians who will present at the 2010 Expo. The first Facebook fan who guesses the identity of the featured clinician will win two 3-day passes to the expo.

Always presenting an all-star line-up, Western States Horse Expo president Miki Cohen says she is as excited as ever about the 2010 clinician lineup.

“Posting a clue and clinician a week on our Facebook fan page is a fun way for us to stay in touch with Horse Expo fans. As the weeks go by, fans will see for themselves why this year’s clinician lineup promises to be one of our best yet,” says Miki Cohen, President of Western States Horse Expo.

The Western States Horse Expo’s Facebook page is a place where attendees can not only go for up-to-date info and last minute updates, but it's a forum for fans to give feedback on the latest expo developments. Facebook also offers the opportunity to visit links of presenters and exhibitors and view pictures from the 2009 expo. To become a fan and get your chance to win free tickets to the expo visit www.facebook.com and search for Western States Horse Expo then click “become a fan”.

About Western States Horse Expo: Western States Horse Expo is the premier gathering of horse people in North America and over the past 12 years has established itself as the gold standard of equine events. Held at the spacious Cal Expo in beautiful Sacramento, California, the Western States offers something for everyone. For more info visit www.horsexpo.com or call 1-800-352-2411.

posted February 8, 2010

Captain Cudmore! Karen Cudmore wins the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health

THERMAL, CA (February 8, 2010)--Show Jumping at Desert Circuit II came to a close on Sunday afternoon when Karen Cudmore rode Blair Cudmore’s Ceonto to the top prize in the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

Cudmore, of Omaha, Nebraska, bested 33 starters on International Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios’ first-round route and the three other pairs that advanced to the jump-off to capture the blue aboard Blaire Cudmore's Ceonto.

The winning horse is a nine-year-old American-bred horse that the Cudmores broke as a five-year-old. "He was perfect in the Grand Prix," said owner Blair Cudmore. "He didn't look like he was going fast, but he covers a lot of ground. He also has tremendous scope. I was very pleased!"

In Sunday’s feature class, two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner McLain Ward (Brewster, New York) showed first in the jump-off aboard Goldika 559. Ward, who had won Saturday night’s $50,000 Strongid C 2X CSI-W Grand Prix on Phillipa, dropped an early rail and finished in fourth place.

Another rider from the East Coast, Michelle Spadone (Califon, New Jersey), was next to show in the jump-off aboard Redfield Farm’s Coco. The up-and-coming show jumper was fast and clean coming home in 41.216 seconds to put her stamp on the class and set the Great American Time to Beat. However, at the end of the event, Spadone would finish in second place.

Canadian High-Performance rider Jenn Serek showed third in the Grand Prix aboard Shin Shin Group’s Eleonora and was clean in a time of 42.531 to finish in third place. Karen Cudmore, who is originally from Canada, was last to go. Cudmore came home fast and clean, stopping the clocks at 40.859 for the win and collected $7,500 in prize money.

This is the first time the Cudmores have been to HITS Thermal and they are having a blast as this week alone both Blair and Karen have placed in the ribbons in all three Grand Prix classes. Blair Cudmore was fifth in Thursday’s $30,000 HITS Grand Prix aboard Southern Pride and Karen was sixth in Saturday night’s $50,000 Strongid C 2X FEI World Cup Grand Prix aboard Ulano. They currently are scheduled to leave before the HITS Desert Circuit comes to a close but may stick around for the $300,000 HITS Grand Prix of the Desert that will take place on Sunday, March 14 during Desert Circuit VI.

"We like the show," said Blair Cudmore. "We knew the other winter circuit was going to be a rat race this year, so we are thinking about sticking around for the $300,000 class at the end.

With the victory, Karen Cudmore earned some precious winnings towards the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will be held on September 12 at HITS-on-the-Hudson, in Saugerties, New York. "It's nice to try to get qualified for the class," said Blair Cudmore. " It would be nice to be in Saugerties for this big-money class."

In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders, based on money won by horse/rider combination, will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit our website at HitsShows.com.

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 will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

posted February 8, 2010

Doddridge Delivers! California Teen wins $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Thermal

THERMAL, CA (February 8, 2010)--Teenager Melissa Doddridge delivered a one-two punch in the all-new $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby when she captured both the blue and red ribbons in the two-round classic that highlighted the competition during Desert Circuit II at the HITS Desert Horse Park, in Thermal, California.

Doddridge, from Tustin, California, rode her horse Bentley to the top prize when she got the best of the 41 starters that took to course designer John Manning’s first-round course and the 12 that came back to compete in the handy phase.

She catapulted to the top of the class after receiving five bonus points for brilliance and handiness, and posted a total score of 91 in the second round. “The handy course was so much fun,” said Doddridge. “The most challenging part was finishing with eight strides away from the in-gate. My horses thought they were done, but the hardest part was yet to come!”

Doddridge, who is just 18, wasn’t done yet! She piloted Pamela Doddridge’s Best Man to the red ribbon as she knocked out some of the best hunter riders on the West Coast.

“Both horses were troopers,” said Doddridge.

Hope Glynn (Penngrove, California), who finished near the top in last week’s Devoucoux Hunter Derby, continued to shine when she guided Sabrina Hellmen’s Woodstock to the yellow ribbon and rode Courtney Siebert’s Tessa to a sixth-place finish.

The inaugural winner of the derby, John French (Gilroy, California) rode Victoria Komisar’s Over the Moon to a fourth-place effort and was fifth on Yellow Dog Farm’s Crown Affair.

This year, the all-new Devoucoux Hunter Derby will be a featured event at both the HITS Desert Circuit and the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida, and represents the 13th division to count for points in the Marshall & Sterling League. In addition to the $10,000 classes at HITS winter shows in Thermal and Ocala, qualifying classes for the Devoucoux Hunter Derby will also be offered at the HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties shows this spring and summer. HITS has also invited a select number of additional horse shows in the Northeast to add the Devoucoux Hunter Derby to their show schedules which will help facilitate the growth of the class and provide further qualifying opportunities for the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals. The Devoucoux Derby Finals will be offered at the 2010 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on September 16-19 in Saugerties, New York.

Hunter riders will get another chance to compete in this special class during Desert Circuit IV when the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby returns on Sunday, February 28.

Show jumping at the HITS Desert Circuit will resume tomorrow with Desert Circuit III. In addition to hosting the $10,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday, February 13, HITS Thermal will also host the 2010 Dressage Getaway CDI*** February 9-14. Highlighting the week for jumpers will be three more Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix qualifiers, including the $50,000 HITS CSI-W Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health on Saturday night in the indoor arena.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

posted February 7, 2010

History Repeated: Van Grunsven Wins Freestyle at 2010 Exquis World Dressage Masters; US Superstar Steffen Peters and Ravel Second

By Joanie Morris

Wellington, FL – Having convincingly won the Grand Prix at the 2010 Exquis World Dressage Masters on Thursday afternoon, the pressure was on Steffen Peters to continue his winning tear with Ravel. But unfortunately for the US fans, it was a repeat of 2009 and he still couldn’t eclipse Anky van Grunsven and her Olympic champion Salinero. The reigning Gold medalist wowed the fans with a classic fault-free performance and a score of 84.4% for the Netherlands. Last year she won with Painted Black – but in 2010 it was Salinero’s time to shine.

“For me the practice yesterday evening with the crowds and arena,” said van Grunsven about the difference in her horse since Thursday. “He gets a bit nervous with the atmosphere but yesterday he really settled down. He concentrated, but the Grand Prix I was happy as well but tonight everything worked out how it should be and I’m really, really pleased.”

The classy 16-year-old Dutch veteran was flawless in his performance and his reign in the dressage world has spanned the better part of the decade.

“I’m very proud,” said van Grunsven. “He’s already at the highest level for six years and he’s still a happy horse, he likes to compete and likes the training.”

Ravel is still coming into his own, and the 12-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Akiko Yamazaki’s Four Winds Farm dazzled the crowd at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center with a serious degree of difficulty in his freestyle. Flying changes performed with Peters only riding with one hand, a canter pirouette into piaffe and passage half-pass highlighted a test that perfected will be one for the ages. To music by the Rolling Stones and Coldplay, the pair rocked the arena, a contrast to van Grunsven’s classical medley composed for her freestyle.

“He’s been feeling pretty solid in the changes,” said Peters. “So I thought I would try one hand – I didn’t quite have the guts to do it in the one-tempis but in hindsight maybe I should have… I will try it next time.”

Ravel was thriving in the atmosphere and was a little frisky in the wind and cool temperatures. It were those moments that perhaps cost him the win, but his score of 81.7% left him comfortably in second place and he took home a check of $20,700.

“It’s a little strange you would expect him to be more excited in an arena like Las Vegas but he’s more relaxed,” said Peters. “I knew I had a little more horse in there, he did a great job and I’m very, very proud of him.”

The 2009 USEF Horse and Rider of the Year have been winning at a very rapid pace since their victory at the 2009 FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas, they followed that up with a sweep of the CDIO Aachen and then a win in the Grand Prix on Thursday – the freestyle proved that the pair is indeed, mortal.

“I was a little careful into the first piafffe, and that wasn’t very good,” said Peters. “But the rest of the test was very, very good.”

Isabell Werth and Satchmo rounded out the top three on a score of 78.9%, meaning the three of the very best Dressage in the world went head-to-head-to-head again. Peters is realistic about the upcoming 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games and his expectations for his wonderful horse.

“It’s a big mistake if you start riding the score,” said Peters. “You have to ride your horse, Ravel tried his best for me tonight.”

Tip Top is Best in the Grand Prix Special

Eight riders contested the Grand Prix Special on Saturday afternoon – and Leslie Morse and Tip Top, who are the reigning Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Champions, won convincingly on a score of 66.042% over Canada’s Belinda Trussell.

Morse recovered from an atypical performance in Thursday’s Grand Prix and was thrilled with the improvement – the classy 16-year-old Swedish Warmblood looked supple and strong in his test on Saturday. “I was a little rusty (on Thursday),” said Morse after a seven month break from competition. “You forget how far you have to go and how hard you have to try, to be honest. I wish I could redo the Grand Prix. Having one class under my belt, I had to step up.”

Step up she did. Tip Top’s excellent canter work and powerful movement got him big scores throughout the majority of the test, but a mistake at the end, meant a winning mark wasn’t as high as it could have been. Morse momentarily lost her concentration in the walk and then took a few movements to get it back, luckily Tip Top carried on confidently.

“I needed a little more breath to get organized,” said Morse. “They were big errors for me, and it’s not normal to make them for me.”

Morse owns Tip Top with Laura Petroff and picked the Grand Prix Special to practice the technical aspect that isn’t called on in the Freestyle.

“Tip Top and I need to practice our technical side, that’s what we wanted to do here,” said Morse.

For complete results, please visit www.palmbeachworlddressagemaster.com. For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.

posted February 4, 2010

Royal Champion Leading World Cup Rider Award Competition Begins This Week in Thermal with First of Four FEI World Cup Qualifiers

THERMAL, CA (February 4, 2010)--The second week of show jumping is underway at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA. Highlighting the week for jumpers will be three Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix Qualifying Grand Prix classes, including the first of four FEI World Cup Qualifiers when the $50,000 Strongid® C2 X Grand Prix takes the stage in the covered arena on Saturday night. Top equestrians are expected to compete, including Olympians McLain Ward, Jill Henselwood and John Pearce.

Each of the four Saturday World Cup Qualifiers (February 6, 13, 26 and March 5) at HITS Thermal this season earns the top-six-placed riders valuable points in the Royal Champion Leading World Cup Rider Award competition. The horse and rider pair that has the most points overall in the four Saturday classes will win a special Royal Champion trophy and cooler, as well as a year’s supply of Royal Champion Supplements.

"We are very excited to have the support of Royal Champion and this spectacular award for our World Cup riders this year," said Tony Hitchcock, Sr. Vice President of HITS, Inc. "I'm sure the riders will appreciate having yet another incentive to be among the top finishers, which should make for even more excitement!"

According to Hitchcock, HITS and Show Jumping Unplugged TV have joined together to offer live coverage of all four FEI World Cup Qualifiers this season in Thermal. Viewers from around the world will be able to watch all the live coverage beginning at 6:00PM PST from the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California, USA. Live Broadcasts are only $9.95 and available as a video on demand. To sign up, or for more information, please visit:sjutv.com.

Royal Champion was created in 1974 when it was developed by Dr. Trevor M. Cook at the direction of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. For sixteen years it was used exclusively by the Royal Family and select clients in the UK equine community. In 1990, Dr. Cook brought his product to the U.S. and incorporated it under the name of "Royal Champion."

Since 1991, Royal Champion products have provided nutritional support for optimal health, healing, and performance for your equine partner. As the original industry leader, Royal Champion supplements contain a proper balance of all the essential nutrients needed to bring a horse to peak fitness, keep them healthy and strong, and provide them with the extra stamina they require. The combination of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, essential amino acids, and special ingredients promote and sustain a healthy immune system, and provide superior support for joints, hooves, coat, and digestion. Royal Champion currently offers two products to suit horses’ needs. Royal Champion Premium is formulated for show and recreational horses with light-to-moderate work schedules, and those that are not working. Royal Champion Premium Plus is formulated to meet the nutritional demands of high-performance horses and those in heavy work. With the release of two new products designed by Dr. Trevor M. Cook later this year, a Breeding formula and a Senior formula, Royal Champion supplements will provide the nutritional support for the life of your horse.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

posted February 1, 2010

Cash-strapped San Diego to Auction Off Seven Highly Trained SDPD Horses

Seven highly trained San Diego police horses are expected to go on sale Monday in an online auction designed to help raise money for the cash-strapped city.

Wam, Trigger, Major, Junior, Bret, Bandit and Austin, who have been used to patrol Balboa Park, will be sold along with their tack, according to the San Diego Police Department, which is disbanding its horse unit. The horses range in age from 9 to 12.

Selling the horses is expected to save the city about $243,000 annually in upkeep, San Diego police Assistant Chief Bob Kanaski told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Starting bids for the horses, which are accustomed to crowds, traffic and loud noises, are expected to be $500 to $1,500, according to the newspaper.

About a third of the department's dogs are also being laid off as a result of mid-year budget cuts approved by the City Council. But unlike the horses, police dogs cannot be sold to the public because of their specialized training.

Seven dogs recently went home with their handlers, three went to other law enforcement agencies and two were sent back to their vendors, Kanaski told the Union-Tribune.

In December, the council approved a proposal by Mayor Jerry Sanders to lay off about 200 city workers, cut library hours and end or scale back some public-safety programs.

No sworn officers will be laid off as a result of the cuts, but 81 civilian workers within the police department are being laid off, according to the Union-Tribune.
The horse auction is set for Monday through Feb 10 on the Web site Publicsurplus.com. Potential buyers can see the horses at the police stables from 9 a.m. until noon on Thursday.

Article courtesy of 10news.com.

posted February 1, 2010

Dynamite Derby! Top Rider John French wins the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Thermal

The all-new Devoucoux Hunter Derby kicked off with a bang at the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit when one of the top hunter riders in the country, John French, piloted Victoria Komisar’s Over the Moon to the inaugural win in the $10,000 Devoucoux Derby on the West Coast.

French (Gilroy, California) had the highest score in both the first and second rounds of the popular 3' 3"class that featured 29 starters on a course set by John Manning, which included trot jumps and rollbacks to challenge the competitors.

"The new Hunter Derbies show really good initiative on the part of the organizers," said French. "They will enrich the quality of the circuit as a whole. It will become an indispensable stepping stone for younger horses and riders."

French, who has more than 40 horses at HITS Thermal for the six-week circuit, says he enjoys the hunters being showcased each Sunday. "I bet on some weeks there will be 100 (entries) in that class," he continued. "That kind of prize money each week is terrific."

The blue didn’t seem to be enough for French. He rode six horses in the first edition of the Devoucoux Hunter Derby. At the end of the day, he had five of them finish in the top eight of the class, including Laurie Lewis’ Escapade who was fifth.

Also excelling in the new Devoucoux Hunter Derby was Nick Haness of Coto de Caza, California, who rode Catwalk to a second-place finish, and piloted Granada to the yellow ribbon. Swingtime, ridden by Hope Glynn of Sonoma, California finished fourth to round out the top five in a class that delighted both exhibitors and spectators.

"We had a bunch in the class," said Glynn, who has 23 horses at HITS Thermal for the first half of the circuit. "It was very exciting to be able to draw some excitement in the hunter ring. It’s a great format and being able to show in a weekly Hunter Derby is going to be a lot of fun."

This year, the all-new Devoucoux Hunter Derby will be a featured event at both the HITS Desert Circuit and the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida, and represents the 13th division to count for points in the Marshall & Sterling League. In addition to the $10,000 classes at HITS winter shows in Thermal and Ocala, qualifying classes for the Devoucoux Hunter Derby will also be offered at the HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties shows this spring and summer. HITS has also invited a select number of additional horse shows in the Northeast to add the Devoucoux Hunter Derby to their show schedules in order to facilitate the growth of the class and to provide further qualifying opportunities for the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals. The Devoucoux Derby Finals will be offered at the 2010 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on September 16-19 in Saugerties, New York. For a complete list of horse shows offering the Devoucoux Derby for Marshall & Sterling points, please click here.

Hunter riders will get another chance to compete in this special class during Desert Circuit II when the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby returns on Sunday, February 6.

Show jumping at the HITS Desert Circuit will resume tomorrow with Desert Circuit II. In addition to the next installment of the Devoucoux Derby, highlighting the week for jumpers will be three Pfizer Million Qualifying Grand Prix events, including the first of four FEI World Cup Qualifiers when the $50,000 Strongid® C2 X Grand Prix takes the stage in the covered arena on Saturday night. Top equestrians are expected to compete, including Olympians McLain Ward, Jill Henselwood and John Pearce.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

posted February 1, 2010

Keri Potter takes the top honors in $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health

Keri Potter took her first step into the race to qualify for the Pfizer Million when she captured the blue ribbon aboard Rockford I in Sunday’s $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California.

Potter (Del Mar, California) and her horse were tops among a class of 30 challengers that took aim at the top prize in Sunday’s feature class. International Course Designer Marina Azevedo set a challenging first-round course that saw only three horse-and-rider teams advance to the jump-off round where Potter and her horse won the blue.

The accomplished equestrian owns Rockford I, who is 14, and has ridden him for the past six years, during which she has qualified for the FEI World Cup twice and won numerous Grand Prix events. Sunday’s victory adds another line to her impressive resume, which will hopefully soon include qualifying for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson on September 12 in Saugerties, New York.

"What a great opportunity for our horses and riders to be able to compete for such high stakes," said Potter. "If I qualify, I will do my best to get there. HITS has given us something to look forward to."

Peter Lutz of San Francisco, California got things started in the jump-off aboard Kelly Tropin’s Turbo Rand. The pair had eight faults to finish in third place.

Canadian John Anderson and his mount Terrific were second to show in the jump-off. The duo made it all the way home clean to establish the Great American Time to Beat at 43.592. However, Anderson knew that wouldn't be fast enough and in the end had to settle for second place.

"It was a tough course and just three were clean," said Anderson. "In the jump-off I saw the first rider had eight faults so I wanted to take my time and go clear. It’s a six-week circuit and I did not want to push it. I left the door open for Keri and she took advantage of that to win the class."

Anderson and his 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood were second in both Grand Prix classes this week, giving him a total of more than $15,000 in prize money won so far at HITS Thermal. If he keeps up this pace, he should be in good shape to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix.

"Saugerties is definitely on my mind," said Anderson. "Having a big money Grand Prix and holding qualifiers for it is a great concept. I would certainly love to go to Saugerties and will be there unless I am on the Canadian Nations Cup Team at that time."

In the jump-off, Potter and Rockford I held the enviable last-to-go spot so they stepped on the gas coming home fast and clean crossing the timers in 41.593 to capture the first-place check of $15,000.

John left the door open for me with a slightly conservative ride,” said Potter. "I knew that if I put the pedal to the metal my horse would be fast enough."

Show jumping at the HITS Desert Circuit will resume tomorrow with Desert Circuit II. In addition to the next installment of the Devoucoux Hunter Derby, highlighting the week for jumpers will be three Pfizer Million Qualifying Grand Prix events, including the first of four FEI World Cup Qualifiers when the $50,000 Strongid® C2 X Grand Prix takes the stage in the covered arena on Saturday night. Top equestrians are expected to compete, including Olympians McLain Ward, Jill Henselwood and John Pearce.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

Media should contact the HITS Media Team at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.

posted February 1, 2010

Make Plans to Attend Western States Horse Expo and Add a Little Whinny and Woof to Your Summer

Western States Horse Expo, the largest horse exposition in North America has long offered horse lovers more to see and do in one spot than any other venue in the country. Now, dog lovers can get in on the action at the expo’s new Dog Pavilion which will debut at this year’s event in Sacramento, California on June 11-13, 2010.

New in 2010, the Dog Pavilion will feature training seminars, demonstrations, an adoption area and 300 shopping booths offering items for the pampered pooch in your life ranging from blinged-out collars and leashes to dog bowls and training aids.

Horseowners can look forward to three action-packed days of exciting demonstrations by world-class clinicians, the Equine Dream Art Show and shopping areas like “Rigs and Digs” and “The Ranch” that offer everything from horse trailers and trucks to horse tack and equipment.

Special events such as the Magnificent Seven All-Around Stock Horse Championship and the Annual Western States Expo Horse Sale (in it’s tenth year) have long been a keystone of the expo. That tradition continues at this, the 12th annual Horse Expo as it hosts the Alltech Mini Games. The Mini Games will be a two-hour, all-discipline performance with Olympic medalists and top competitors from every competitive equine field.

The 2010 Western States Horse Expo promises an unforgettable summer experience for the whole family. With many new additions, you can count on the expo to be packed with entertaining and educational programming, along with 800 booths to shop for whatever your horse or dog may desire…or the new horse your heart desires! Ticket information and details on all the expo’s events can be found at www.horsexpo.com.

About Western States Horse Expo
Western States Horse Expo is the premier gathering of horse people in North America and over the past 12 years has established itself as the gold standard of equine events. Held at the spacious Cal Expo in beautiful Sacramento, California, the Western States offers something for everyone.

Western States would like to thank the following sponsors: Alltech, The Trailer Specialist, Boot Barn, Wrangler, Justin, Purina, Western Horseman, Andis, Platinum Performance, Equine Insurance, Pyranha, Mallard Creek, Larry Viegas Insurance, Holt, High Desert Livestock, Barns by Harrah and Horseman’s News. For more info visit www.horsexpo.com or call 1-800-352-2411.

posted January 29, 2010

Richard Spooner Triumphs with Quirino 3 in $6,000 Spy Coast 1.40m Speed Challenge at 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

Adrienne Marciano for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Richard Spooner of Agua Dulce, CA, was victorious today in the $6,000 Spy Coast 1.40 Speed Challenge on Quirino 3 owned by Oscany, Inc.

The third week of the FTI WEF is sponsored by Nespresso and runs through Sunday, January 31. The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 4, 2010, and they will be awarding almost $6 million in prize money through the circuit.

Germany's Olaf Petersen Jr. designed the course with 12 numbered obstacles, including an in-and-out combination followed by a tight five strides to a vertical and a triple bar oxer as the first element of a two-stride combination. There were 13 clear rounds over the course out of 43 entries in the class.

The early leader was Bob Kraut (USA) on Providence, who set the first clear round in a time of 67.784 seconds. Laura Chapot (USA) and her mount Redford made a valiant effort when they stopped the clock at 66.516 seconds and posted a clear round that would make them the new leader. It wasn't long before Tarzan and David Arcand (CAN) entered the ring and posted a time of 64.267 seconds, which was the new time to beat.

The eventual winner of the class, Quirino 3 piloted by Richard Spooner, produced a blazing time, stopping the clock at 62.311 seconds. The pair was able to maintain the lead for the rest of the class even when Chapot entered the ring on her second mount Chili Pepper, who produced a time of 63.408 seconds for second place.

Spooner said of the course, "Olaf did a great job. It is so nice to have him here in Florida."

As for Quirino, Spooner has had the horse for a while, but it was his very first time in the International ring. Spooner spoke very fondly of his mount Quirino, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Quick Star xx Inschallah. He explained of his strategy, "I was able to make up a lot of time because the horse has a huge stride." He continued, "I could make the tight turns and get a little bit deep into the lines, but because of his large stride, I was able to make it out of the lines."

As for upcoming plans, Spooner plans to show Quirino 3 in more of the speed classes and WEF Challenge Cup grand prix classes during this circuit.

Tomorrow's action will continue in the International Arena with the $10,000 Cavalor SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Classic and the Masters Jumpers in the morning, followed by the $25,000 1.50m Suncast Classic in the afternoon. Tomorrow's highlight competition is the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes under the lights at 7:00 p.m. which will feature the Budweiser Clydesdales exhibition before the start of the class.

Final Results: $6,000 Spy Coast 1.40m Speed Challenge

QUIRINO 3, RICHARD SPOONER, OSCANY: 0/62.311
CHILI PEPPER, LAURA CHAPOT, LAURA CHAPOT: 0/63.408
TARZAN, DAVID ARCAND, DAVID ARCAND: 64.267
REDFORD, LAURA CHAPOT, MARY CHAPOT: 0/66.516
PROVIDENCE, ROBERT KRAUT, PETER WETHERILL: 0/67.784
CARNITO, FEDERICO SZTYRLE, HERB SAMBOL: 0/68.689
SIL, STEVEN WEISS, LAURA CONNOLLY: 0/69.937
WOODSTOCK, KELLEY FARMER, MCLAIN WARD: 0/70.789
VDL NUIT DE POMME, STEVEN WEISS, LAURA CONNOLLY: 0/71.174
QUIMAR, JAMES BENEDETTO, EQUINIMITY LLC: 0/71.324
SEMPER FI, NICHOLAS DELLO JOIO, ERIKA HOGG-BELDEN: 0/72.287
ATHOS 163, MCLAIN WARD, MARLEY GOODMAN & TURTLE LANE FARM: 0/78.412

The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 13 through April 4. WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are "AA" rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $5.5 million in prize money will be awarded.

WEF is proud to be supported by their title sponsor, FTI Consulting, Inc. FTI Consulting, Inc. exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. For more information, please visit www.fticonsulting.com.

During the 12 weeks of WEF, "Saturday Night Lights" headlines the entertainment each Saturday night where spectators not only enjoy the Grand Prix class, but a street carnival, live music, and numerous dining options with box seats, sports bars, and the famed Tiki Hut for front row fun.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

posted January 28, 2010

Debbie McDonald to Lead USEF Developing Dressage Program

By Joanie Morris

Olympic superstar, Debbie McDonald, has taken on the role of USEF Developing Dressage Coach for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). McDonald’s name is synonymous with the US Dressage program for the last decade having represented the US across the globe, winning the 2005 FEI World Cup Final and leading the US to Team Bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the 2006 World Equestrian Games with her legendary mare Brentina.

The USEF Developing Dressage program has been restructured and the future International High Performance athletes will benefit from McDonald’s experience and expertise through a series of clinics across the US as they prepare themselves and their horses for the future.

“The Developing Program is of vital importance to the future of our sport,” said USEF Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons. “It is meant to establish the basis for the up and coming riders and horses in this country. We are lucky to be in the situation today when we are able to use our own ‘human resources’ to educate our team hopefuls.”

The Developing Program is designed to identify and cultivate future US Dressage stars.

“Under the capable direction of Debbie McDonald, we will create a nationwide program devoted to guiding our riders and their mounts from young horse classes and the small tour to Grand Prix,” said Gribbons.

McDonald, who was named the USEF Developmental Coach of the Year for 2008 for her efforts training and teaching horses and riders, has an exemplary reputation as a coach and a trainer.

“I am very excited to help the development of our sport,” said McDonald. “This is a very good time for the US, having the support of the USEF to start this program up again is exciting. I am honored to be a part of it!”

The dates and locations for the Developing Rider clinics are scheduled as follows (please note that they may be subject to change):

February 6-7, 2010 California
March 27-28, 2010 Florida
June 5-6, 2010 California
June 12-13, 2010 New Jersey
July 10-11, 2010 New Jersey

Please note that participation in these clinics is by invitation only and riders will be invited at the direction of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee.

More clinic details will be available shortly, please contact Jenny van Wieren at jvanwieren@usef.org with any questions.

posted January 27, 2010

GetChia, LLC Gets a Surprize

GetChia, LLC. announces their new nutritional feed for horses, EquineChia. Chia is a vital, nutritional seed with natural, essential Omega oils that the McEwan Family owned and operated parent company, GetChia, LLC, already uses in their line of great tasting, healthy, human foods since 2007.

“Our line of bulk chia seed, our “Chia Tortilla” chips and our muffins amongst other fun, healthy foods, does extremely well because its tastes great and packs so much nutrition”, says Shadd McEwan, President, “It was a complete, and pleasant surprise for us to learn our rapid sales increase was because horse owners had begun to feed and buy our Chia seed for their horses as well as themselves. “We were literally brought into the horse/equine industry by customers actively searching for the healthiest and most Omega filled diets for their horses. We have been focused on the human food side for years, but now we are also dedicated and focused on the equine side because it is so beneficial to these magnificent animals. Chia seed is the richest source of Omega-3 on the planet. But, most importantly, it has the proper balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6, unlike flax seed and most other commonly used equine supplements. Along with the Omega’s, Chia seed is packed with protein and fiber and is quickly replacing psyllium products because it provides natural digestive health and moves sand as well as or better than all the other products that are designed to do so but fall short of all the other benefits of Chia seed. We have seen Chia seed replace multiple supplements and do a better job of all of them combined.”, says McEwan.

“Currently, our main store front is online @ www.EquineChia.com, and shipping is absolutely free. Having said that, every local feed & tack store we have approached has been wonderfully receptive and has seen the business build as more and more folks become aware of the benefits of Chia seed. Our current local retailers include Canyon Feed & Tack in Trabuco Canyon and El Toro Tack and Feed in Lake Forest, both in California, among others. If you shop at these fine stores, I absolutely encourage you to pick up your EquineChia from them and we always welcome your feedback as well as new retailers.”

On the human side, GetChia, LLC is in negotiations with several chains to carry their Chia Tortilla Chips and will feature two new flavors: Ranch and Cheesy Nacho. The new flavored chips will be 100% natural without any MSG, artificial ingredients or preservatives just like the Original Chia Tortilla Chip. The company will also be rolling out their new line of Chia seed muffins and baked goods, which are healthy and incredibly tasty. Early taste tests responses have been extremely encouraging.

"Our goal is to help educate folks about how wonderful and healthy chia seed is for humans and animals alike,” says McEwan, “Customer service remains our priority and we prove this by offering the highest quality products at very reasonable prices.”

EquineChia and Shadd McEwan will be at the Equine Affaire 2010 in Pomona, California for the first time. “We are very excited to meet people and introduce them and their horses to the wonderful Chia seed,” smiles McEwan. “and the humans can sample our line of Chia Tortilla Chips and Chia Muffins.”

For more information, ordering or contacting Shadd McEwan call:
Toll Free: 1.877.322.CHIA (2442), California: 949.533.4901, Visit www.EquineChia.com, www.GetChiaLLC.com or see them at Equine Affaire, February 2010, Pomona, California, Building #5, Booth #514.

What People Are Saying about EquineChia as a Natural, Nutritional Supplement:

“Dieting, obese and insulin resistant horses are hard to feed —they get fat easily and are constantly hungry — but Chia makes an amazing result in keeping them from having those blood sugar spikes and lows that cause them to eat their stalls! Insulin-resistant horses are becoming common, I think (or maybe people are just figuring out what it is) and it is a market hungry for solutions that make horses more comfortable, since diet, strict and bland, is the only way to really control it. Chia makes that a million times easier. Good job!”
- Casey, The Golden Carrot Horse Rescue

“Chia is a more economical choice with the same benefits of other products. All the nutritional benefits of Chia, especially regarding the issues of sand and omega 3's, are the whole reason for feeding it. We have many horses with EMS, the equine version of diabetes and the cause of most founders as circulation to the hoof is impaired. I know the benefits of Chia for regaining and maintaining total health in horses. We have people from all around the world that visit our forum and Chia is one our topics.”
- Crystal, For Love of the Horse, N. CA

posted January 27, 2010

The 2010 USEF Annual Meeting: Wrap-Up

By USEF Communications Department

From award galas to lengthy committee meetings, the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting proved to be a very busy five days. Leaders from the many USEF Affiliate Associations gathered for the opportunity to interact with the USEF Board of Directors and USEF Committee members to shape the future of equestrian sport while, at the same time, celebrating the stand-out accomplishments in the sport in 2009.

At the second meeting of the USEF Board of Directors on Thursday, January 14, new Directors Lisa Gorretta, Phillip Dutton, Laura Kraut, Geoff Teall and Skip Thornbury were seated. Each Working Group elected a Vice President; Dr. Armand Leone will lead the International High-Performance Working Group, Judy Werner will head up the Administration and Finance Working Group, Janine Malone was elected to lead the FEI Affiliates Working Group and Bill Hughes will serve as the Vice President of the National Affiliates Working Group. The Nominating Committee proposed that Bill Moroney, Howard Simpson and Mike Tomlinson round out the Executive Committee along with the Vice Presidents of the Working Groups and the National Officers David O’Connor (President), Chrystine Tauber (Secretary) and Keith Bartz (Treasure).

The Board received reports from several equestrian sport entities including the USET Foundation, the USA Equestrian Trust and the American Horse Council. Keith Bartz, USEF Treasurer, reported that, “Due to the extraordinary efforts by the staff to contain and reduce expenses wherever possible, the Federation was able to end the year with a net surplus from operations for 2009 of $1,394,076 – a favorable variance to budget of $875,650.”

Four hundred three Rule Change Proposals were submitted to the USEF Annual Meeting, 51 committees meetings were held to discuss the proposed changes and other business matters of the sport. At the fourth meeting of the Board on Sunday, January 17, 317 rules were voted into the Rule Book from the consent calendar, and another 23 were adopted from the floor.

Many awards were presented to worthy recipients beginning with the Silver Stirrup Awards presented on Thursday evening, January 14. These awards recognize performances of Performance Horse Registry (PHR) horses at all levels of competition in every major discipline. The program also recognizes leading sires, owners and breeders. A video of highlights can be found here.

Friday evening represented the highlight of the awards season for the many USEF members who came to Louisville to receive their year-end honors at the Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year Awards celebration. The event was packed with a diverse crowd of winners. It was also the event where the overall Horse of the Year was awarded. After votes were tallied from the USEF Board of Directors, equestrian media and the USEF membership-at-large, superstar dressage horse Ravel was named the 2009 Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year. Owner Akiko Yamazaki was in attendance and gave a moving acceptance speech where she thanked the horse’s entire team who happen to be a patchwork of nationalities from Japanese to Mexican to French and more. Yamazaki said, “Only in America can you have a success story like this.”

To view an interview with Yamazaki, as well as a portion of her poignant remarks, click here.

For an overview video, featuring highlights from the evening, click here.

To view an electronic version of the awards roster, click here.

The final day of awards fell on Saturday with a President’s Luncheon where the Daniel P. Lenehan Trophy for Overall Media Excellence was presented to HorseTV for its video “CAI Live Oak CDE 2009.” The production was filmed and broadcast on the channel in a way that driving had rarely been portrayed. HorseTV’s Bernie Uechtritz was on-hand to accept. His interview can be found here.

The USEF Youth Council delighted the lunch crowd with a fun fashion show presenting new ShopUSEF.com apparel. To see highlights of the fashion show, click here.

But, for many, the formality and prestige of the final gala stands out as the one to remember. The Pegasus Awards has a storied tradition of saluting great contributors and achievers of the past year, and 2009 was no exception. Awards for officials, breeders, sportsmanship and service are followed by the competitive sport champions, first being the Junior Equestrian of the Year. California’s Maxance McManamy put in an amazing year, and the eventer was both eloquent and entertaining in her acceptance of the highest award presented by the Federation to a youth. To see an interview with McManamy, click here.

Five Equestrians of Honor were presented with individual trophies named for famed historic American equestrians, but of course, only one can be named the USEF Equestrian of the Year. This year, it was dressage great Steffen Peters who claimed the prize, and did so in back-to-back fashion after being named the winner in 2008, as well. In his classic style, Peters simply said, “It certainly was an amazing year, and I have to thank Ravel for that.” To see an interview with Peters, click here.

In the final presentation of the evening, the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jimmy A. Williams Trophy was presented to Pennsylvania’s Jessica Newberry Ransehousen for her decades of participation and guidance of the U.S. dressage program. Since the 1950s, she has competed at the highest levels and lent her expertise to building the sport of dressage in our country. In a moving video tribute to her life, both George Morris and Robert Dover contributed commentary and praise of her skills and dedication. To view the video tribute, click here.

Other online items include a look at some of the evening’s most fashionable attendees here, and the Pegasus Awards program which lists all the honorees here.

While everyone looked forward to the many festive awards banquets, it was the numerous meetings that kept everyone busy. Nearly all committees discussed the proposal by the USEF Equine Drugs and Medications Committee to change the medications rule to permit only one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to be present in the horse at the time of competition. Under the current USEF rules, no more than two of the seven approved and quantitatively restricted NSAIDs are permitted to be in the horse at the time of competition. [The one exception to this rule is that phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin (Banamine) are a forbidden combination, and they are never permitted together in the horse at the time of competition.] The USEF Board of Directors voted to approve the rule change with an effective date of 12/1/2011. An additional proposal submitted by the USHJA Task Force was approved that will require the use of a new NSAID Disclosure Form effective April 1, 2010. This form will be used until December 1, 2011, when the single NSAID rule becomes effective. The NSAID Disclosure Form will only be used when a horse has been administered two NSAIDS in the five days preceding competition, and must be filed in the show office prior to the horse competing.

Leaders from many Breed Affiliate Associations gathered to share ideas and seek opportunities to maximize the affiliation with the Federation. The Breed Retreat group met three times in 2009. Their agenda at the 2010 Annual Meeting included presentations from the USEF Marketing, Information Technology and Continuing Education departments. The group plans another meeting this March in Lexington.

The Breeders Committee meeting was primarily focused on ideas that promote the “American-Bred” performance horse sighting the need to create some sort of system that recognizes individuals who specialize in training young horses.

A meeting was held to discuss growing the Intercollegiate programs in equestrian sport. The USEF publishes a Guide for the Collegiate Equestrian that has been distributed from the USEF "On the Road" booth initiative. Plans for an improved Intercollegiate presence on the usef.org website was discussed.

The Recognized Breed Committees held 10 individual breed division committee meetings throughout the week to review rule changes and proposals to add various classes to their respective divisions, to discuss Horse of the Year programs and competition ratings. TheConnemara/Welsh Committee decided to populate two separate committees in an effort to be more focused on the individual breed activities and increase USEF licensed competition in both breeds.

Twenty-one National, FEI and High-Performance Recognized Discipline Committees held meetings. These meetings were all well attended by Affiliate leaders, Active Athletes and Sport Programs staff liaisons. Additionally, the FEI and High-Performance Dressage Committeesheld a joint session where they discussed current issues and developmental program expansion.

The Competition Management Committee spent a good deal of time discussing competition liability waivers, to devise a process where members will sign a waiver when they join or renew thereby adding an additional layer of protection for the Federation and for competition managers.

The Continuing Education Committee shared their plans for the launch of the Competition Management Course in March 2010. This program has been developed with University of California Davis.

A record 34 members of the 44-member Licensed Officials Committee attended the meeting held Wednesday, January 13. The committee evaluated applications for enrollment, promotion and reinstatements along with clinic and officiating extension requests. In addition, the committee evaluated various proposed rule changes.

President David O’Connor set the agenda for the new Steward/Technical Delegates Committee. The committee’s mission was defined as setting policies and creating education and evaluation systems in order to bring in new stewards and technical delegates, motivate them to stay in the program and finally to help them conclude their careers honorably. A report from the Licensed Officials Committee defined current procedures for identifying officials who are in need of additional educational opportunities. The committee discussed several rule change proposals and suggested a clarification to the rules regarding conflict of interest between competitions, stewards/technical delegates and competitors.

The Safety Committee reviewed the 2009 accident and injury statistics and evaluated the first eight months of the Return to Competition Rule. It was observed that the implementation of the Return to Competition Rule has gone well and that the overall reporting of accidents and injuries has improved. New helmets, stirrups, protective vests and new technologies were discussed.

The Veterinary Committee discussed and recommended approval of the single NSAID rule change proposal submitted by the Equine Drugs and Medications Committee. Additionally, the Veterinary Committee discussed various practices in the horse show world that are of concern including the blocking of tails and the use of mouth appliances prior to competing. The committee placed two primary topics on the 2010 Agenda: 1) Investigate the emergency use of Banamine, and 2) Develop a prohibited practices list.

The USEF Youth Council took part in a training session to improve their leadership skills. Reports were presented regarding the FEI, and the creation of the Youth Council’s website. The council elected Kate Foy as their co-chair for the year. The subcommittee chairs gave a summary their subcommittee 2009 accomplishments followed by discussion regarding goals for 2010.

A list of USEF committee liaisons is online here.

posted January 27, 2010

Devoucoux Applaudes Debut of the New Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS

Devoucoux is excited to join forces with HITS, Inc. to be the title sponsor for its new 3'3" Hunter Derby, the latest division to count for points in the Marshall & Sterling League.

The Devoucoux Derby will be a featured event for hunters this winter at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida and the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California. This new division has been lauded by top trainers throughout the sport as one of the most exciting additions to the 2010 show jumping calendar, as it offers consistent and unprecedented prize money for hunters.

Riders have their first opportunity to compete in the $5,000 Devoucoux Derby as part of the two un-rated weeks preceding the six-week AA circuit starting February 10. For the rated circuit, the HITS Ocala schedule will feature a $10,000 Devoucoux Derby during weeks I-IV. When the HITS Desert Circuit kicks off next week in Thermal, California, riders on the west coast will have their first chance to jump in the $10,000 Devoucoux Derby, which will be a fixture on the schedule for DC I, II, IV, V, and VI.

"We are thrilled to have a leader in the fine, custom saddle market brand itself with what has quickly become one of the most talked about Marshall & Sterling divisions in the country," said Lisa Engel, HITS Account Executive, Corporate Sponsorship and Marketing. "Devoucoux's title sponsorship of the Hunter Derby will provide them presence at all HITS shows and the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, as well as select Marshall & Sterling shows running the Devoucoux Hunter Derby. Already, this has become a fantastically popular event, as the 3'3" height is inviting for both horse and rider. The opportunity to have all levels of riders from professionals to amateurs and juniors compete against one another, coupled with the significant prize money attached to the event makes it a winner!"

Devoucoux is a leader in the French sport saddle industry for English riding and has been a sponsor of HITS horse shows since 2007. Devoucoux manufactures and sells more than 3,000 saddles and 15,000 accessories throughout the world every year. Their saddles carry the image of luxurious and handcrafted fine French leatherwork throughout the world. "We are excited to be the title sponsor of one of the most exciting and popular events in the hunter/jumper industry", said David Attal, US Sales Manager for Devoucoux. Attal continued, "The Devoucoux Derby really increases our ability to showcase our saddles to an expanded audience at all Marshall & Sterling League events."

Devoucoux saddlery products are designed for all riders and all different types of mounts, for either competition or leisure. A true testament to the brand and its quality, Devoucoux boasts an extensive and impressive list of accomplished riders, including leading hunter riders John French, Scott Stewart, Sandy Ferrell and Tim Goguen. Top high-performance riders sponsored by Devoucoux include Laura Kraut, Mandy Porter, Brianne Goutal, Norman Dello Joio, John Pearce, Jeffery Welles and Joie Gatlin.

In addition to the $10,000 classes at HITS winter shows in Thermal and Ocala, qualifying classes for the Devoucoux Derby will also be offered at the HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties shows this spring and summer. HITS has also invited a select number of additional horse shows in the Northeast to add the Devoucoux Hunter Derby to their show schedules in order to facilitate the growth of the class and to provide further qualifying opportunities for the Finals. The Devoucoux Hunter Derby Finals will be offered at the 2010 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on September 16-19 in Saugerties, New York.

The complete list of shows offering the Devoucoux Hunter Derby for Marshall & Sterling points are:

Ocala January Classic: January 20-24 Ocala, FL
Ocala January Festival: January 27-31 Ocala, FL
Desert Circuit I: January 26-31 Thermal, CA
Desert Circuit II: February 2-7 Thermal, CA
Ocala Winter Classic: February 9-14 Ocala, FL
Ocala Winter Festival: February 16-21 Ocala, FL
Ocala Masters: February 23-28 Ocala, FL
Desert Circuit IV: February 23-28 Thermal, CA
Desert Circuit V: March 2-7 Thermal, CA
Ocala Tournament: March 2-7 Ocala, FL
Desert Circuit VI: March 9-14 Thermal, CA
Commonwealth National: April 21-25 Culpeper, VA
North Shore Eq. Center: April 30 Brookville, NY
Garden State: May 5-9 Augusta, NJ
Old Salem Farm II: May 18-23 North Salem, NY
HITS on the Hudson I: May 26-30 Saugerties, NY
HITS on the Hudson II: June 2-6 Saugerties, NY
HITS on the Hudson III: June 9-13 Saugerties, NY
Fairfield County Hunt Club: June 22-26 Westport, CT
Showday National: July 7-11 Culpeper, VA
Briarwood Farm: July I July 13 Flemington, NJ
Cavalier Classic: July 14-18 Culpeper, VA
HITS on the Hudson IV: July 21-25 Saugerties, NY
HITS on the Hudson V: July 28-Aug 1 Saugerties, NY
NY Horse & Pony (HITS VI): August 4-8 Saugerties, NY
Northampton Hunter/Jumper: August 11-15 Northampton, MA
Winston National: August 18-22 Culpeper, VA
Constitution Classic: August 25-29 Culpeper, VA
HITS on the Hudson VII: Sept 1-5 Saugerties, NY
HITS on the Hudson VIII: Sept 8-12 Saugerties, NY
Marshall & Sterling League Finals: Sept 16-19 Saugerties, NY

During the year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 1,100 Marshall & Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at the National 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.

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 racehorse or a commercial farm.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.

posted January 26, 2010

HITS Show Time! Exhibitors flock to the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit

Today marks the beginning of the 2010 show jumping season on the West Coast as exhibitors from all over the world are flocking to Southern California and to participate in world-class competition at the HITS Desert Horse Park, in Thermal, California.

"We are thrilled to return to the desert for another year," said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. "This is the 19th year of the HITS Desert Circuit and we are extremely proud of the product that we offer our exhibitors. Entries continue to grow from last year and that is exciting news for the sport."

The circuit will host 16 Qualifying Grand Prix classes for the historic Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, which will take place on September 12 in Saugerties, New York. In addition, HITS Thermal also offers four FEI World Cup Qualifiers during weeks II, III, IV and V, which has been attracting lots of interest from international riders from Mexico and beyond. For the finale, HITS Thermal will close out the season with a monstrous $300,000 Grand Prix of the Desert, presented by Pfizer Animal Health on Sunday, March 14.

"We are looking for HITS Thermal 2010 to be our biggest and best yet," said trainer Morley Abbey. "With the shortened circuit and the most money offered in California, our clients have responded with our having the largest number of horses, yet! We are bringing an average of 20 horses over all six weeks."

Heading the list of top riders that will attend the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit will be two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner McLain Ward. Ward, of Brewster, New York, will be making his annual trek west to compete during Desert Circuit II and Desert Circuit III and plans to show in many classes and divisions, including the two FEI World Cup Qualifiers.

Other top High-Performance Riders that will be looking to qualify early for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix include Canadian Olympians Jill Henselwood and John Pearce as well as California's Mandy Porter and Joie Gatlin.

"With the retirement of SunCal's King, I am looking for Camaron Hill's Quick Dollar to help secure a spot for the 2010 World Cup Finals. With the incredible atmosphere the indoor ring offers I feel that if we qualify we'll be more than ready," said Joie Gatlin. "As always, our hunters are coming to vie for valuable points to take them east for Indoors in the fall. Again, we would like to thank HITS for their on-going commitment to provide the best winter circuit in the country."

HITS Thermal will also offer some exciting new classes for hunters, including the all new $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby during weeks I, II, IV, V and VI, which is getting a lot of buzz from trainers and riders up and down the West Coast.

"The weekly Derby is certainly something to look forward to," said top hunter rider John French, who has traveled from his Northern California farm with nearly 40 horses for the circuit. "It's always nice when some of the hunter classes get a special touch. I can't wait."

Have Some Fun

The special events at the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit are sure to keep exhibitors entertained, starting with the very first Sunday when, prior to the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, exhibitors will be treated to a special performance by 'The World's Smartest Horse', Lukas .

Other popular events include the annual HITS Desert Circuit Golf Tournament at the exclusive Bermuda Dunes Country Club on Monday, February 8. The golf course at Bermuda Dunes Country Club is one of the finest golfing experiences that California has to offer. Having the longest running involvement in a major tournament, Bermuda Dunes has hosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic since it began in 1960. It has been home to world-renowned celebrities such as Clark Gable and Arnold Palmer, who both lived in the Bermuda Dunes community. For more information on any of the special events at HITS Thermal, click here.

The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit begins today, January 26, with the first of six weeks of competition at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. Highlighting the circuit will be the 16 Grand Prix events that will serve as qualifiers for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix.

2010 DATES
• DC I - January 26-31 - Entry
• DC II - World Cup Week - February 2-7 - Entry
• DC III - February 9-14 - Entry
OFF-WEEK - February 16-21
• DC IV - World Cup Week - February 23-28 - Entry
• DC V - World Cup Week - March 2-7 - Entry
• DC VI - March 9-14 - Entry

In order to qualify for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, a rider must compete in eight or more HITS Grand Prix classes. The top 40 riders based on money won by horse/rider combination will be eligible to ride for the Pfizer Million. For more detailed information on the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit our website at HitsShows.com.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com.