Tag Archives: HITS

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, HITS, Show Jumping, USEF

HITS Desert Circuit to Host Three Qualifying Events for EY-Cup’s New Super Final

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©Flying Horse Photography. Lucy Davis and True Love on course in the $25,000 California Horsetrader Junior/ Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic High at the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit.

THERMAL, CA (December 17, 2010) — HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that the 2011 Desert Circuit in Thermal, California will host three qualifying events for the 2011 European Youngster Cup Jumper Series’ new Super Final, which will be held in Leipzig, Germany during the FEI World Cup Finals this coming April.

The European Youngster Cup, also known as the EY-Cup, is a series for ambitious, top young riders born after January 1, 1985 that culminates in a Finals held each December in Germany. This is the first time that riders will have the opportunity to compete at a Super Final during FEI World Cup Finals and the first time that the United States will host qualifiers for the event.

The United States Equestrian Federation has just finalized the qualifying specifications for this highly-popular international show jumping event and has selected HITS Thermal to produce one of the four qualified North American riders that will be eligible to compete at the EY-Cup Super Final.

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Products/Services, Show Jumping

SmartPak Expands Support for the 2011 HITS Show Season with Title Sponsorship of Crucial $25,000 Qualifying Grand Prix for Pfizer Million

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© ESI Photography. HITS Account Executive for Corporate Sponsorship Lisa Engel presents a Championship Ribbon and SmartPak Circuit Champion jacket to Rachel Perry and Major Fun.

SAUGERTIES, NY (December 15, 2010) — HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that long-time sponsor SmartPak, makers of simplified solutions for equine supplements and medications, has expanded its sponsorship of HITS horse shows for the 2011 season.

In addition to having on-site SmartPak Delivery Place locations at both the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California and the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida, they will also be the title sponsor of six $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at both locations. Each $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, will be a qualifier for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix that will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson on Sunday, September 11, making the SmartPak-sponsored classes in Thermal and Ocala vital stops on the road to this year’s Pfizer Million.

“We are thrilled to be renewing our relationship with HITS for the fourth consecutive year,” said Colby Balazs, Vice President of Marketing at SmartPak Equine LLC. “At SmartPak, the core of our business is promoting smarter horse care. Whether it’s through our revolutionary supplement feeding system or our unrivaled customer service, we are always striving to find new ways to help our customers get more out of the time they spend with their horses. As riders and competitors ourselves, we know just how much work goes into supporting an equine athlete. By sponsoring HITS, we are supporting world-class horse shows where our customers can show off the fruits of their labor, and enjoy the sense of camaraderie that can only come from a true partnership with your horse.”

Continue reading SmartPak Expands Support for the 2011 HITS Show Season with Title Sponsorship of Crucial $25,000 Qualifying Grand Prix for Pfizer Million →

Contributors/Press, HITS

Endorsed by Champions, Embraced by Horsemen – The Sanctuary Is the Official Equine Sports Therapy Center for the 2011 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit

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© HITS Staff. The Cold Saltwater Hydrotherapy is one of the many machines used to rehab and condition horses.

OCALA, FL (December 13, 2010) — HITS, Inc. is proud to announce that The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, one of the premier equine rehabilitation centers in the nation, will sponsor the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit for the third consecutive year.

The Sanctuary is an outstanding facility known for its world-class rehabilitation and conditioning services, and is conveniently located just minutes down the road from HITS Post Time Farm. In addition to being HITS Ocala’s Official Equine Sports Therapy Center, The Sanctuary will also sponsor a new weekly award, The Sanctuary Reserve, and will be the Official Host of the For the Love of Your Horse Event this upcoming show season!

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will begin Wednesday, January 19, for two consecutive weeks of unrated competition. The AA-rated, six-week circuit begins Tuesday, February 8, and will culminate on Sunday, March 20, highlighted by the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group. High-Performance on the road to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix will have 14 qualifiers to get on-board the Eligible Rider Rankings and five Devoucoux Hunter Prix qualifiers for the inaugural $500,000 HITS 3’3” Hunter Prix Final, which will take place the same weekend as the Pfizer Million at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, September 10-11.

Continue reading Endorsed by Champions, Embraced by Horsemen – The Sanctuary Is the Official Equine Sports Therapy Center for the 2011 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

HITS Announces Qualifying Specifications for the $500,000 HITS 3’3″ Hunter Prix Final

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©ESI Photography. Megan Edrick and Van Guard in the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at the 2010 HITS-on-the-Hudson Show Series in Saugerties, New York.

SAUGERTIES, NY (November 9, 2010) — HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that the qualifying specifications for the world’s richest hunter class have been finalized and are now available on-line at HitsShows.com.

The $500,000 HITS 3’3” Hunter Prix Final will take place the weekend of September 10-11, and will be featured alongside the second annual $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. This unprecedented Hunter Prix Final will be the culmination of more than 30 qualifying events that will take place at each of the five HITS horse show circuits starting in January 2011.

The Devoucoux Hunter Prix will be the official qualifying class for the $500,000 HITS 3’3” Hunter Prix Final and will be offered as a weekly event at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida; HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California; HITS Arizona Winter Circuit in Tucson, Arizona; HITS Culpeper Show Series in Culpeper, Virginia and HITS Saugerties Show Series in Saugerties, New York. Each Devoucoux Hunter Prix held through September 4 will count toward the 2011 HITS Hunter Prix Final Rider Rankings. In addition, HITS will host one Wild Card class at HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII, September 7-11, from which the winner, if not already qualified, will earn a spot in the Final.

Continue reading HITS Announces Qualifying Specifications for the $500,000 HITS 3’3″ Hunter Prix Final →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Sapphire Win Richest Grand Prix in Show Jumping History as Fans from around the World Watch the Pfizer Million

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© ESI Photography. McLain Ward and Sapphire jump an oxer created by course designer Steve Stephens and decorated by Flora Baptiston.

Canadian Silver Medalist Jill Henselwood calls Pfizer Course “Most beautiful course in North America”

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 14, 2010) — Two-time US Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward of Brewster, New York and his majestic, “million-dollar” mare, Sapphire, owned by McLain Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock, won the inaugural Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix on Sunday, September 12 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

The legendary duo of Ward and Sapphire proudly added their names to the show jumping history books once more when they bested a field of 43 High-Performance riders before an energetic and enthusiastic crowd of thousands that lined all four berms surrounding the Strongid Stadium. Sunday’s line-up featured some of the best and most promising athletes and horses in the sport, including some of America’s brightest up-and-coming stars and several American and International Olympians.

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Second Hand News & Jessica Van Brocklin Win the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Culpeper

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© ESI Photography. Jessica Van Brocklin and Second Hand News in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VA (August 30, 2010) — It was the same old story for Second Hand News and Jessica Van Brocklin as they secured the top prize for the consecutive second week in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at the Constitution Classic at HITS Commonwealth Park, in Culpeper, Virginia.

Van Brocklin shows in the Amateur-Owner Hunters under the tutelage of trainer Pam Baker and got the best of the 17 horse-and-rider combinations in Saturday’s feature class for hunter riders. “It was a difficult course. It allowed for inside turns that were doable and was also wide enough with plenty of options,” said Van Brocklin.

“It was very nice course, and I really love the log fences that they include in these types of events,” she continued.

Van Brocklin (Alexandria, Virginia) had the top score of 87 in the first round on a course set by Rian Beals. In the handy round, the duo scored an 82.5 (169.5) to propel them to the blue ribbon. “The handy round was great! That’s really our specialty,” said Van Brocklin.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

Must Be Minikus! Todd Minikus and Little Annie Capture the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to Qualify for the Pfizer Million

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Todd Minikus and Little Annie in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Culpeper.

SAUGERTIES, NY (August 24, 2010) — Todd Minikus and Little Annie, owned by Todd Minikus LTD, captured Sunday’s $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to highlight the Winston National at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

The win marked Minikus’ eighth Grand Prix needed to become eligible for the Pfizer Million and he now enters the top 20 of the Eligible Rider Rankings at number 17.

Minikus, of Loxahatchee, Florida, and Little Annie were one of 25 horse-and-rider combinations to ride the course designed by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida, which saw six pairs advance to the jump-off.

“I thought Jerry [Dougherty] did a great job setting the course and getting six clean,” said Minikus.

Continue reading Must Be Minikus! Todd Minikus and Little Annie Capture the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to Qualify for the Pfizer Million →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

Ward Is In! McLain Ward & Goldika 559 Won the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV to Earn a Spot in the Pfizer Million Eligible Rider Rankings

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© ESI Photography. McLain Ward and Goldika 559 in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Saugerties.

SAUGERTIES, NY (July 27, 2010) — Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward and Goldika 559 won the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on Sunday, marking the third Grand Prix victory for the duo this year in the Strongid® C 2X Stadium at HITS Saugerties.

Ward, of Brewster, New York and 18-year-old mare Goldika 559, owned by McLain Ward & Blue Chip Bloodstock, were one of 27 horse-and-rider combinations to take the field on a course designed by International Course Designer Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico, which saw just four pairs advance to the jump-off.

Hernandez’s first-round course proved challenging, as the first six competitors pairs failed to go clean, with a majority of faults coming in the two double combinations. The time allowed, at 83 seconds, was tight as well and caused many to incur time faults over the course.

Continue reading Ward Is In! McLain Ward & Goldika 559 Won the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV to Earn a Spot in the Pfizer Million Eligible Rider Rankings →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Virginia Is Vale! Aaron Vale and Paparazzi 10 Win the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper

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© ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Paparazzi win the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VA (July 13, 2010) — HITS Grand Prix Veteran Aaron Vale and Paparazzi 10, owned by Thinkslikeahorse and Norman Peterson, won the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

Vale, of Morriston, Florida, was one of 22 horse-and-rider teams to compete over a course designed by International Course Designer Olaf Petersen, Sr. of Paehl, Germany. Only three riders jumped clean in what turned out to be a very challenging first round which featured a double and a triple combination, as well as an open water obstacle.

“It was a tricky course,” said Vale. “You don’t come to Culpeper expecting to jump open water and Olaf [Petersen, Sr.] makes it challenging. You needed to do some real horseback riding on this course.”

Continue reading Virginia Is Vale! Aaron Vale and Paparazzi 10 Win the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

Todd Minikus and Pavarotti Win the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Saugerties

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© ESI Photography. Todd Minikus and Pavarotti in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health

SAUGERTIES, NY (June 1, 2010) — The $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, was the perfect stage as Pavarotti, with Todd Minikus in the irons, took home the win in Sunday’s class to highlight HITS-on-the-Hudson I.

“It was a good first round,” said Minikus, of Loxahatchee, Florida, who competed and placed in his third Pfizer Million Grand Prix qualifier. “The jumps were big enough and challenging. The second vertical downhill and the line across the middle had good rideability questions.”

Minikus and Little Annie were the first of 30 horse-and-rider teams to take to the field designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Paehl, Germany. The team had a rail down on the second fence, which would also prove troublesome for four other riders in the first round.

Continue reading Todd Minikus and Pavarotti Win the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Saugerties →