HITS is pleased to announce the 2006 Indio Desert Circuit in Indio, CA. Now in its 15th consecutive year, the Indio Desert Circuit will once again offer an exciting six weeks of hunter/jumper competitions. In addition to the excellence in show management that equestrians have come to expect from HITS, 2006 brings some changes sure to please competitors. Most importantly, in 2006 HITS is switching over to EuroFelt footing in all the rings in Indio, and making some positive changes to the layout of the site. With exciting competitions to watch, beautiful show grounds to enjoy and fun-filled special events to attend, spectators are also sure to enjoy all that this year's circuit has to offer.
The circuit runs from January 24 through March 12, and each week will feature approximately 250 classes, including a grand prix every Friday and Sunday, four of which are qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup Finals. More than $1,000,000 in prize money will be awarded over the course of the circuit. With 3,200 stalls available, the 80-acre HITS Desert Horse Park can comfortably accommodate the more than 3,500 horses and 10,000 horsemen from Canada, Mexico, Europe and all regions of the U.S. that travel to Indio to compete each week. Competitions take place from 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. each Tuesday through Sunday during the circuit.
The Grand Finale of the circuit, and one of the richest show jumping events in the country, is the $150,000 Grand Prix of the Desert. Not only is this grand prix the largest purse awarded at the Indio Desert Circuit, but it is also the last World Cup qualifying event for the West Coast. The competition will decide which three riders from the West Coast League will compete in the 2006 World Cup Finals in Kuala Lumpur in April.
With numerous classes competing in ten all-weather rings simultaneously, spectators always have several exciting events to choose from. In one day, and at one facility, visitors can watch competitors of all ages and skill levels compete for ribbons and cash prizes. Spectators are admitted free Tuesday through Friday, and the proceeds from the $5 adult admission fee on Saturdays and Sundays benefit local charities. Children under 12 are always admitted without charge, and parking is always free. Bleacher seating is available at all of the rings, and there are numerous park benches and special tents on the grounds that overlook the competition action. More than 25,000 spectators are expected to visit HITS Desert Horse Park during the circuit.
The Indio Desert Circuit offers many attractions and amenities for the horsemen that can't be found at most shows. Last year, HITS added the Education Station, an on-site school, so that students at all levels--from elementary school to college--can keep up with their studies without missing out on the competitions. Located in a beautiful glass-fronted pavilion overlooking the Grand Prix Ring, the Education Station has a student/teacher ratio of 4:1.
The Indio Desert Circuit not only benefits local charities, but also has a positive economic impact on the entire Coachella Valley. Based on an independent study commissioned by HITS from Sport Management Research Institute of Weston, FL, the Indio Desert Circuit has an economic impact of more than $121,000,000 per year on the surrounding community.
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