Event: HITS Arizona Winter Horse Show Circuit
What: Six-week hunter/jumper horse show circuit produced by Horse Shows In The Sun, Inc.
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, AZ
When: Wednesday through Sunday, 2005 show dates are:
February 2-6 - Sundance Welcome
February 9-13 - Kachina Classic
February 16-20 - Tucson Winter Classic
February 23-27 - Sahuaro Classic
March 2-6 - Arizona Winter Festival
March 9-13 - Arizona Desert Finals
In Brief: The six-week Arizona Winter Circuit has been a staple of West Coast circuits for many years. HITS took over production of this circuit in 1991. The Arizona Winter Circuit offers a full range of competition classes for beginners to advanced riders. Exhibitors gain valuable experience in the show ring under the eye of some of the country's top judges.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m.
Directions: Take I-10 to Exit 273. Travel east on Rita Road to Harrison Road, turn left. Follow signs to Pima County Fairgrounds on Houghton Road, between Brekke Road and Dawn Road.
Parking: Parking is free Wednesday through Sunday.
Admission: Admission is free Wednesday through Sunday.
Show Grounds: Five show rings and multiple schooling rings for hunter, jumper and equitation classes.
Classes: Approximately 250 classes take place per week including one grand prix class per week.
Attendance: Per week, approximately 600 horses and 1,500 horsemen are on the grounds.
Prize Money: Over $200,000
Featured Events:
· $2,500 Open Jumper, sponsored by Mike Moran's Zozimos Studio &EMO Agency, Inc., every Friday
· $1,000 Fast Lane Farm Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, every Sunday
· $25,000 Grand Prix, Sunday, February 6, 1 p.m.
· $25,000 Grand Prix, Sunday, February 13, 1 p.m.
· $25,000 Grand Prix, Sunday, February 20, 1 p.m.
· $25,000 Grand Prix, Sunday, February 27, 1 p.m.
· $25,000 Grand Prix, Sunday, March 6, 1 p.m.
· $25,000 Grand Prix, Sunday, March 13, 1 p.m.
Special Events: Champions of the Week presentations are held on Sundays prior to the 1 p.m. grand prix
Food: A diverse menu of food and beverages is available every show day at the show grounds.
Shopping: The vendor courtyard features several shops offering quality equestrian equipment, apparel and jewelry.
Economic Impact: The economic impact of HITS Arizona on the surrounding community is estimated at over $15 million, which reflects exhibitor spending during the circuit on food, lodging, living expenses and entertainment in the area during the six-week event.
Pima County Fairgrounds: 11300 S. Houghton Rd, Tucson, AZ; (520) 762-9100; Fax (520) 762-9598
Horse Shows in the Sun: HITS Corporate, 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477; (845) 246-8833; Fax (845) 246-6731; www.HitsShows.com.