Headquartered in Saugerties, NY, HITS created the Marshall & Sterling Children's and Adult League for amateur show jumping riders in 1991. In 2002 it was renamed the New Marshall & Sterling League when it was expanded to involve professional, amateur and junior riders in a multitude of equestrian show jumping areas. More than 3,500 riders will compete in the League throughout the 2002-2003 season at over 450 horse shows across the country (more than 40 in MA alone).

Riders from as far away as Canada, Ireland and Columbia will vie for a coveted spot at the new Indoor Finals in Worcester. Only 600 horse and rider combinations will be accepted and a national points system will determine the final qualifiers. In August we typically see the temperatures soar, and the competition will also heat up as riders chase points in the final weeks of the qualifying season. Those who qualify will be counted amongst the best riders in the country. Those lucky qualifiers will converge on Worcester's Centrum Centre for an extravaganza of horses, horsemanship and thrilling show jumping competition.

Major corporate sponsors include HBO, Purina Mills, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Corona-Lexol, Great American Insurance Companies, Charles Owen Helmets, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. and Four Winds Farm, The Equestrian Shop, and State Line Tack. Extensive information on the League and other HITS programs can be found at www.HitsShows.com.

"We are delighted to bring the Marshall & Sterling League National Indoor Finals Horse Show to Worcester," said Tom Struzzieri, owner and president of HITS. "We consider Worcester's Centrum Centre to be the perfect facility for our event. Its location in the heart of New England horse country at the crossroads of all major highway routes makes it easily accessible for our exhibitors.

As with all HITS produced events, our goal is to give back to the community that embraces us. We do this by involving local charities to benefit from the proceeds of ticket sales. We are pleased to announce that we are working with three well-established regional charities, and we will continue in our efforts to involve other charities to benefit from this event."

A press conference scheduled for June 9th at 12 noon at Solomon Pond Mall in Marlboro, will be the official kickoff of the "600 Horsepower" promotion, including the launch of ticket sales. Special guests will highlight the conference, including appearances by Olympic Silver Medallist Peter Leone of Greenwich CT; Grand Prix rider Mark Jungherr and steed of Amesbury MA; official sponsors Marshall & Sterling Insurance, HBO, Purina Mills; distinguished political guests; and local charity partners MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Mass 4-H Horse Program, and "Pet Rock: A Benefit for the Animals." The public is invited to attend the press conference.

HITS produced its first series of horse showsa three-week circuit in Gainesville, Floridain 1982. Today, HITS produces five horse show circuits, a total of 31 shows, in New York, California, Florida, Arizona, and Virginia. Individually, each is a first rate horse show series; collectively, they represent the largest group of equestrian events under a single management group in the United States.

www.hitsshows.com