McLain Ward Springs to Saugerties for Pre-Season Footing Test
Equestrian News Release

Saugerties, NY - April 29, 2009 - Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Chair of HITS' newly formed High Performance Committee, McLain Ward journeyed to the HITS-on-the-Hudson facility in Saugerties, New York this past weekend for a pre-season footing test with HITS President and CEO, Tom Struzzieri. This facility will host the HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Show Series on May 20-June 7, July 15-August 2, and August 26-September 13.

"I was very impressed with the new ground. I took a few turns, and it felt very good," Ward said. "I was glad to be here today to get a first look at the new footing and contribute my feedback and knowledge. I appreciate the huge effort and attention to detail that Tom and HITS is making to ensure that the footing here is a good product. From what I saw today, I would say it's a great improvement."

In collaboration with Ward, Struzzieri made the decision to redo the footing in the grand prix ring, all of the jumper rings and schooling areas, as well as many of the hunter rings.

The new footing is a mixture of sand and textiles (a fiber/felt mix) that HITS is the sole provider for, and it is the same footing used to rave reviews at the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA. The material is so well-praised and popular that the same additives also were used in the footing at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.

Allen Rheinheimer, Assistant Production Manager at the World Cup Finals this year, said that the materials supplied by HITS for the footing there "worked out fantastic." He added, "Everyone thought the footing was great. The company was top-notch to deal with, and everything was facilitated very well."

The company that installed the footing in Las Vegas has also purchased material from HITS to repair show rings at Old Salem Farm. Rheinheimer is the horse show manager, and he explained, "We're using that same material and adding it to the footing at Old Salem. The product is outstanding."

"I was quite honored to get the call to assist with the footing for the World Cup Finals," said Struzzieri. "We really got it right in California this past year, so to have Allen reach out to us was a true testament to the product. I'm excited to be able to bring the same product to Saugerties for our exhibitors in the North East."

"Having McLain here today to test the product in the early stages was a great help," added Struzzieri. "He's brought a lot to the table, and it's been great working together."



HITS continually works with exhibitors and uses their input to make improvements to their facilities. This year, they started a High Performance Committee, which is chaired by Ward. Ward is only one of many riders, trainers, and owners that HITS consults with, and the relationship has been mutually beneficial. "Tom and I started working together late last summer," Ward explained. "I was excited to team up and provide my consultation to help benefit the show, the riders, and HITS. It's been a very positive experience, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work together."



Ward continued, "The High Performance Committee has been very positive. There seems to be a lot of momentum from both the Committee members and from Tom and HITS. Saugerties is an important venue in our corner of the country, and everyone is committed to making it a top-notch experience. The team has been enthusiastic about all the improvements and new ideas. I think everyone is looking forward to a successful season in Saugerties. It's a place we all want to be."

In addition to new footing, HITS has invested more in prize money for hunter and jumper classics, has the popular new wood and metal stalls, and an upgraded VIP area. HITS also plans to use the old footing from the rings to improve the walkways around the competition areas.

Ward concluded, "Saugerties is a fantastic venue with first class infrastructure - first class stabling, Grand Prix ring... all the rings really! You can bring your entire stable here to compete, and you can't beat the prize money. It's a great place for us to compete in the North East."

The HITS Spring and Summer Show Series prize list has been mailed and is available online. Entries for the competition are due soon, so please visit http://www.HitsShows.com for more information and to reserve your spot today.

PRIZE LIST INFORMATION

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Photo Credit: HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri and HITS High Performance Committee Chairman McLain Ward inspect the new footing at HITS Saugerties. Photo © 2009 Danette Kadlic/HITS. These photos may be used free of charge only in relation to this press release.