Don’t Miss Out! 2010 HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Series
Written by: Jessica Nemzoff
Client: HITS-on-the-Hudson
Release Date: 2010-05-10
Saugerties, New York – May 10, 2010 - The 2010 HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Series is just around the corner and HITS is preparing to welcome exhibitors, spectators and sponsors to the fabulously renovated venue in Saugerties, New York. The Spring Series of horse shows at HITS-on-the-Hudson begins on Wednesday, May 26 with HITS-on-the-Hudson I and continues for three consecutive, action-packed weeks until Sunday, June 13.
Each year HITS Saugerties attracts riders from every corner of the country thanks to its central location in the North East and its outstanding facilities, competition offerings and prize money. This season, exhibitors will enjoy the luxuries provided by fantastic footing and property enhancements, as well as the thrill and excitement of the upcoming Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix on September 12, 2010.
HITS Saugerties will be home to 14 of the 18 remaining Pfizer Million Qualifiers and offers more prize money and opportunity than ever before. Many of the world’s top riders are already gearing up for the first series of three shows, which will feature six Pfizer Million Qualifiers and a total of $325,000 in Grand Prix prize money. HITS-on-the-Hudson I offers $75,000 in Grand Prix prize money, followed by HITS-on-the-Hudson II which has $100,000 in Grand Prix prize money, and the final week of the Spring Series, HITS-on-the-Hudson III, gives riders the opportunity to take advantage of $150,000 over two Pfizer Million Qualifiers – all in one week! The excitement begins on Friday, June 11, 2010 with the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, followed by the $125,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on Sunday, June 13, 2010.
With the shows just about two weeks away now, entries are strong with a mix of both returning and new exhibitors. In fact, at the current rate the spring series at HITS-on-the-Hudson is on track to reach numbers it has not experienced in several years.
“Each year, the Saugerties shows continue to attract more and more exhibitors,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “I’m pleased to see that the diversity in our schedule has attracted riders from all levels and it’s clear that the Devoucoux Derby and the Pfizer Million continue to be on everyone’s radar. The other advantage we enjoy here is our central location in the North East. We are perfectly situated for the summer schedule and for the exhibitors who live and work in the Tri-State area.”
HITS Saugerties offers a remarkable amount of prize money each week throughout the series, from the $10,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner High Classics to $5,000 Classics for both the Junior and Amateur-Owner Medium Jumpers, to the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derbies. The all-weather footing gives riders and horses the best grounds for success throughout the facility for both the hunters and the jumpers.
Jumper riders will have their first opportunity to experience the brand new Jumper 1 this spring at HITS Saugerties. This new ring, located adjacent to the Grand Prix Schooling area, will offer a larger riding area and will be decorated with natural obstacles, feature more dynamic jumps and will have flags and flag poles bordering the ring. The new ring will not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also a great way for young horses as well as junior and amateur riders to get a feel for what it is like to ride in the Grand Prix ring. Young Jumper Championship classes for the 5, 6, and 7&8-year-old sections will be held in the new Jumper 1, as will the Medium and Low sections and classics of the Junior and Amateur Jumper divisions, the High Children’s Jumpers, and the High Adult Jumpers. The former Jumper 1 ring will become Jumper 2.
For those traveling from afar to partake in the North East’s summer show season or the Pfizer Million and its respective qualifying process, the layover-stabling package offered at HITS-on-the-Hudson is second to none. Providing an affordable means to set up a ‘home away from home’, HITS Saugerties has every amenity horses and riders could ask for - spacious turn out paddocks, premier stabling, and superb footing are only the beginning of this phenomenal package.
Nestled at the foot of the Catskill Mountains on the West bank of the Hudson River, Saugerties has the ideal summer town ambiance. Those taking advantage of all that HITS Saugerties has to offer can also take advantage of the antiques, history, culture, and art just a stone’s throw away from this adorable town with magnificent views that stretch from the blue foothills of the Catskill Mountains, across the serene waters of the Hudson River, and on to the green Berkshires of New England.
HITS’ friendly and hospitable staff is available to assist with everything from hotels to town-favorites. For more information on the HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Series, please visit www.HitsShows.com.
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.
To View The 2010 HITS Saugerties Prize List:
Prize List | Schedule | Class Listing
For 2010 HITS Saugerties Entry Blanks:
HITS-on-the-Hudson I: May 26-30 Entry 1
HITS-on-the-Hudson II: June 2-6 - Entry 2
HITS-on-the-Hudson III: June 9-13 - Entry 3
HITS-on-the-Hudson IV: July 21-25 - Entry 4
HITS-on-the-Hudson V: July 28 - August 1 - Entry 5
NY Horse & Pony Show (VI): August 4-8 - Entry 6
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.
Photo Credit: Photo © (C) Lili Weik. Darragh Kerins aboard Night Train in the 2009 $125,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix. This year's $125,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, takes place on Sunday, June 13 and is one of 14 Pfizer Million Qualifiers offered at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. This photo may be used free of charge only in relation to this press release.
HITS SAUGERTIES SPRING & SUMMER SHOW SERIES AND THE 20TH ANNUAL MARSHALL & STERLING LEAGUE NATIONAL FINALS FAST FACTS
EVENT:
HITS Saugerties Spring & Summer Show Series and 20th Annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals presented by HITS, Inc.
WHAT:
Nine-week hunter/jumper horse show series produced by HITS, Inc. that runs from May through September annually. The HITS Saugerties Spring & Summer Show Series offers two Grand Prix events each week. Every Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties from May through September 5 will be a qualifying event for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday, September 12 in Saugerties, New York.
The 20th Annual Marshall & Sterling League National Finals marks a milestone in the League’s history, and highlights the League’s most accomplished riders in 13 different divisions. The Marshall & Sterling Finals marks the final week of the HITS Saugerties season each year and, in addition to the four-day competition, features the Annual Top Ten Awards Dinner, which honors the leading riders in each division based on their performance throughout the season. The League awards more than $30,000 in prize money during the National Finals.
WHERE:
HITS-on-the-Hudson, 454 Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, NY 12477
Phone: 845.246.5515 (during horse shows)
WHEN:
Daily, Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during show weeks
HITS-on-the-Hudson I: May 26-30
HITS-on-the-Hudson II: June 2-6
HITS-on-the-Hudson III: June 9-13
HITS-on-the-Hudson IV: July 21-25
HITS-on-the-Hudson V: July 28 - August 1
NY Horse & Pony Show (VI): August 4-8
HITS-on-the-Hudson VII: September 1-5
HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII: September 8-11 (CSI2*-W)
Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix: September 12
Marshall & Sterling League National Finals: September 16-19
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
In addition to the weekly schedule which features 250 different show jumping classes, the HITS Saugerties Show Series offers a wide variety of special events for spectators and equestrians, alike. Some of the most popular events include the annual Purina Mills Kids Day, the World of the Horse Celebration, the Taste of HITS-on-the-Hudson, and the HITS-on-the-Hudson Classic Car Show, to name a few. Be sure to check HitsShows.com for a complete list of this season’s special events.
Weekly Grand Prix Highlights, Presented by Pfizer Animal Health:
Fridays: $25,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, May 30: $50,000 EMO Grand Prix
Sunday, June 6: $75,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, June 13: $125,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix
Sunday, July 25: $50,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, August 1: $75,000 HITS Grand Prix
Sunday, August 8: $125,000 Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix
*Please Note: The Grand Prix Schedule for Weeks VII and VIII are still being finalized. Be sure to check back for updates.
ADMISSION: May 26 – September 11, 2010
Wednesday – Saturday: Free
Sunday: Adults $5, children under the age of 12 get free admission. All proceeds from the gate go directly to Family of Woodstock, Inc., a non-for-profit organization serving Ulster County.
DIRECTIONS:
The HITS Saugerties Show Series is held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, located just two miles from Exit 20 on the NYS Thruway.
Trucks From The North: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.5 miles Bear slight right at Y, and go 0.1 miles to 4-way stop Turn right at 4-way stop onto Malden Tpke. (County Rt 34) and go 1.6 miles Turn right onto Route 9W South and go 0.4 miles Turn right onto Krout Road Show grounds will be on left
Trucks From The South: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn left onto Ulster Avenue and go 0.2 miles Turn right and follow State Route 32 North for 1.6 miles Bear slight right at Y and come to 4-way stop. - 0.1 miles Turn right at 4-way stop and go 1.6 miles Turn right onto Route 9W South and go 0.4 miles Turn right onto Krout Road. Show grounds will be on left
Cars From The North: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.0 miles Turn right onto Peoples Road and go 0.9 miles Turn left after train tracks onto Canoe Hill Road and go 0.5 miles Canoe Hill Road becomes Krout Road - 0.8 miles Show grounds will be 1.8 miles on right
Cars From The South: Exit 20 off of Interstate 87 (New York State Thruway) After tollbooth, turn left onto Ulster Avenue 0.2 miles Turn right onto State Route 32 North and go 1.0 miles Turn right onto Peoples Road and go 0.9 miles Turn left after train tracks onto Canoe Hill Road and go 0.5 miles Canoe Hill Road becomes Krout Road - 0.8 miles Show grounds will be 1.8 miles on right
SPECTATOR PARKING & ENTRANCE: Gates D or E only. Parking is free May 26 through September 11, 2010.
EXHIBITOR ENTRANCES:
Gate A – Permanent Stabling, Gold Stalls
Gates B & C – Permanent Stabling, Silver Stalls
Gates D & E – Tent Stabling & Ship-In
Gate F – Trailer and RV Parking
THE FACILITY:
HITS-on-the-Hudson, Saugerties, New York
The HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian facility is nestled at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, just one mile outside the village of Saugerties. The show grounds feature 10 different competition rings, including a Grand Prix ring, a Main Hunter ring, two jumper rings, four hunter rings, an equitation ring and six separate schooling areas. Spectator seating is available at every ring and in the VIP Pavilion, which overlooks the Grand Prix ring and Main Hunter ring. Spectator parking is located off the Washington Avenue entrances at Gates D or E. For a map of the property, please click here.
REFRESHMENTS:
HITS-on-the-Hudson offers an on-site Food Service Pavilion and Ice Cream Parlor which has an assortment of frozen delights and Starbucks coffee. The HITS Bar and Grill serves up pizza and cold beer in a spacious air-conditioned lounge. Spectators can grab some lunch and find a grassy spot on the berms while watching some of the world's best show jumping with the entire family right here in the Hudson Valley.
SHOPPING:
The HITS Saugerties Mall features clothing, tack, fine jewelry, custom footwear, art and photography, and custom HITS souvenirs.
LODGING: For a complete list of available lodging in and around Saugerties, please check our Lodging Partner Page.
Lodging Rentals:
Murphy Realty Group | 845.338.5252
Helsmoortel Realty | 845.246.9555
Premium Hotel Partners:
Beekman Arms & Delameter Inn | 845.876.7077
Holiday Inn | 845.338.0400
Comfort Inn | 845.246.1565
Moderate:
Super 8 | 845.338.3078
Howard Johnson Inn | 845.246.9511
Quality Inn & Suites | 845.339.3900
Rodeway Inn | 845.331.2900
HITS-TORY:
The HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian facility was inaugurated in the spring of 2004. In just six years, the HITS Saugerties horse show circuit has become a Mecca for East Coast horsemen hosting the largest hunter/jumper horse shows offered during the spring and summer in the United States.
During the course of the nine-week circuit, the HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian facility offers stabling for over 2,000 horses, more than 250 different classes each week, and, in addition to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, over $1 million in prize money, more than any other circuit during the spring and summer. Riders of all levels, including current and former Olympians – as well as some of the most popular up-and-coming riders – compete at HITS Saugerties. Each year, on average more than 3,000 horses, 4,500 horseman and 2,500 spectators attend HITS Saugerties.
The economic impact of the HITS Saugerties Show Series on the surrounding community is estimated at $50 million, which reflects spending on food, lodging, living expenses and entertainment in the area during the nine weeks of shows.
