The 22nd Annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals Roll into Saugerties This Week

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 12, 2012) – On the heels of HITS Championship Weekend at HITS-on-the-Hudson, another wave of horses and riders arrived in Saugerties, New York this week for the 2012 finale of the Marshall & Sterling League. The Marshall & Sterling League National Finals will celebrate its 22nd year as qualified riders of all ages – professionals, amateurs and juniors alike – will compete this week at HITS-on-the-Hudson for year-end champion titles.

After its inception in 1991, The Marshall & Sterling League is thriving as a grassroots league which takes pride in developing what some consider the future of the hunter/jumper discipline. Competition gets underway today in the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium as Marshall & Sterling riders take to the same ring where equestrian stars from around the world jumped Olympic-level spreads just days before.

“People are so excited to be here – the show was buzzing well before 8am yesterday as riders prepared for the week,” said Joe Norick of Marshall & Sterling Insurance. “We are thrilled to be here and experience the National Finals with riders from all over the country.”

Kicking off the National Finals today will be the Adequan working Hunters and HITS Working Hunters, both professional and non-professional. Jumpers will take their turn later this afternoon as Adults, Children and Junior/Amateurs take the stage.

Coming up this week
The Marshall & Sterling League National Finals continue tomorrow with the Junior/Amateur Low, Adult, Children’s and Pony Jumper Classics and the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic. The results from today’s Adequan Working Hunter classes will be coupled with tomorrow’s $1,000 Adequan Working Hunter Stake to reveal a division Champion, and the Adult Hunter division will begin with one over fences class and an under saddle class.

Following the debut of the Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final as part of HITS Championship Weekend, medal mania will be complete as child competitors ride for Marshall & Sterling Medal honors on Saturday, and the Farnam Adult Medal winner is crowed on Sunday to complete the weekend. Also capping the finals week will be the presentation of Grand Hunter Champion and the announcement of Best Junior and Farnam Best Adult Rider awards.

Exhibitors will be treated to a host of events throughout the week welcoming them to the 2012 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals. The year-end awards ceremony will take place at the celebrated Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in downtown Saugerties Friday at 6pm. The evening will offer year-end award winners a dinner buffet and awards presentations with music and dancing to follow.

About Marshall & Sterling League
The Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 22nd year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League had the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

The Marshall & Sterling League is proudly sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc. 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. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Joe Norick at 800-333-3766, extension 270 or 805-338-0099, or Margaret Barese at 800-836-3046, extension 288.

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