By Denise Ortuno Neil
Beyond the Coachella Valley sports staples of Golf and Tennis is another exciting world of sports. It is the elegant and highly skilled art of horse show jumping. And now HITS in Thermal, a leader in horse show jumping, is inviting spectators to come and be a part of this incredible sport.
Horse show jumping started in the 19th century. It came into inception as a necessity two centuries earlier after the Enclosed Act of Britain was put in place. The Act was enacted so the higher classes could protect their property from the public by installing fences. However, the fox hunters didn’t see it as a deterrent but rather as a challenge. Instead of going around these new obstacles they decided to just jump them with their horses instead, keeping their pursuit of the sport of fox hunting intact. It was from this futile barring of land that the sport of horse jumping was born.
The sport took on a more civilized status as cavalry schools became prevalent in the 19th century in Austria, Italy and France. The first international equestrian show featuring horse jumping leaped onto the scene in 1907 in Britain. Later in 1912, horse jumping became an Olympic sport.
Thomas Struzzieri, owner of HITS (Horse Shows In The Sun) produced his first horse show in 1982 in Gainesville Florida. Struzzieri has been in the Coachella Valley producing shows for 23 years. He had his venue in Indio between the Eldorado and Empire Polo grounds for a majority of the time before acquiring the current HITS venue in Thermal after selling his former to Golden Voice. Besides Thermal, HITS has equestrian venues in Tucson Arizona, Ocala Florida, Culpeper Virginia and at their headquarters in Saugerties NewYork.
The goal of HITS is to produce hunter/jumping horse shows with exceptional first class amenities and the best in professional staff. They also are available for competitive outlets for riders on varied levels of age and ability.
HITS in Thermal sits on an expansive 300 plus acres with 15 permanent barns housing 1,500 stalls, and an added 5,000 temporary stalls. In all the property accommodates over 3,000 horses during their 8 week season stretching from late January to mid-March.
The property is expertly fitted with everything for superior competition and hosts countries from around the world including the US, Canada, Mexico and many more during their desert season. The venue includes a 24/7 veterinary clinic, a one room school house for the traveling youth competitors, restaurant and lounge and outdoor shopping area which are open to the public plus and an impressive VIP section. The VIP area offers tables for purchase by sponsors desiring to offer special accommodations and is available to local businesses.
HITS is eager to invite the local population to come and enjoy their awesome venue and experience the grace and
beauty of the sport of horse show jumping. “We need to engage the local community,” said onsite PR representative Elizabeth Grosse.
The shows are varied with Jumper, Hunters and Equitation classes. The classes may seem a bit confusing to those not understanding the sport but are quick to decipher. To make it simple, Jumpers are the most athletic of the group, judged on faults and time. The Hunter class judges the horse, more specified on manners and course jumping accuracy, while the Equitation is reserved for the riders riding the Hunters as they are judged by their own precision. More than 15 to 20 judges are flown in from around the world to judge the events. It is a very intricate sport to say the least, but it all adds up to a stunning visual of seeing these massive mammals maneuver with ease.
The public is encouraged to come and visit HITS during their season. It is free to come during the week and visitors can roam freely around the park and gaze in wonderment of the spectacular horses (golf carts are available for rent). Sundays are the Grand Prix events and require a reasonable $5 entrance fee. Their big televised million dollar purse Grand Prix event takes place on March 16th where the best horses from around the world will compete. “It will be pretty spectacular,” said Lindsay Wandon, HITS PR representative.
The world of horse show jumping is a sport of affluence and beauty and we in the Coachella Valley are fortunate to have such a venue in our midst. For those looking to expand their view of valley sports, HITS horse show jumping is sure to be a hit in your desert event calendar.
For more information on HITS and their show schedule visit www.hitsshows.com
