Spring comes alive at HITS

Contributed Report / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: April 29, 2007

It doesn't matter what the temperature is outside; spring is definitely in the air this week at Horse Shows in the Sun. The winter shows are all wrapped up and the teams have returned from successful circuits in California, Arizona and Florida. Now, all eyes are focused on Culpeper. The Commonwealth National, the first show of the 2007 season, ends today at Commonwealth.

Local trainers are also gearing up for the shows. Trainer Gavin Moylan, who has been showing at Commonwealth Park since 1995, just returned from showing at HITS Ocala and is looking forward to the shows returning to Culpeper.

"It's nice to be able to attend a double A rated show right in my back yard," said Moylan. "This is the only show in the area that has something for both Hunters and Jumpers. That's important to me and my customers."

This year marks HITS' 10th season at Commonwealth Park and the team is prepped for a banner year. The featured class of the first week will be the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix which takes place today.

In addition to the big money class, HITS also has some new offerings on the schedule, including Modified Children's/Adult Hunters at 2'6", Pre-Children's/Adult Hunters at 2', and the Culpeper debut of the popular Bit O'Straw Hunter Classic. The Bit O'Straw, a two-round classic for novice riders, generated quite a buzz at the winter shows.

"We're coming off a great winter and couldn't be more excited about our spring and summer shows at Culpeper," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "Commonwealth Park is a special place to be and we have some great things planned for our customers this year. The schedule is packed with exciting classes, there's a little something for everyone."

In addition to the Commonwealth National in April, the 2007 show schedule for HITS Culpeper also includes Showday National, July 11-16; Cavalier Classic, July 18-22; Winston National, August 22-26; Constitution Classic, Aug. 29-Sept. 2; and the Grand Finale of the Culpeper shows, the USGPL Finals, Sept. 26-30.

Even this early on, eyes are already on the USGPL Finals and the featured class, the $100,000 USGPL Invitational. Moylan hopes to have a horse or two qualify for that prestigious event.
"I've got a few horses I hope to have ready for the summer shows to make a run for it," Moylan said.

Other season highlights at HITS Culpeper include Don Stewart's Zone III/USHJA Equitation Seminar on July 13, during the Showday National and the Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals Aug. 25, during the Winston National.

For more information about show jumping at HITS Culpeper, as well as all other HITS venues, call 845.246.8833 or visit the HITS website www.HitsShows.com .

HITS Culpeper 2007 spring & summer Show Schedule:
Commonwealth National: April 25-29
Showday National: July 11-25
Cavalier Classic: July 18-22
Winston National: Aug. 22-26