THERMAL, CA (January 24, 2026) HITS announces plans to celebrate the official opening of the HITS Desert Horse Park with a grand opening party on Saturday, January 27. The party will be held at the new state-of-the-art equestrian facility, which officially opened for competition on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.
HITS would like to thank Ste. Michelle Wine Estates , Great American Insurance Group and Marshall & Sterling Insurance for their sponsorship of the party and their continued support of HITS Horse Shows. “Great American Insurance is proud to be a part of HITS Horse Shows which continue to grow each year,” said Great American Insurance’s Marketing Director Kathy Stringer. “We are delighted to share in the Grand Opening with Marshall & Sterling Insurance.”
The Grand Opening Party begins at 6 PM on-site in the Special Events tent. The evening will include fine foods, a tasting of exceptional wines from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and live music provided by the five-piece pop band, New Sensations. Admission is by RSVP only, please RSVP to Danette Kadlic at 845.246.8833 ext. 13 or,[email protected].
“We have the best customers in the world and are honored to have them join us for the Grand Opening of our newest facility,” said HITS President Tom Struzzieri. “I feel extremely proud of the new show grounds and truly feel it is the best equestrian facility in the world. Our customers deserve a place like this to call home in the winter.”
Capping off the Grand Opening Weekend will be The World of the Horse which is an annual HITS tradition. The World of the Horse is a stunning Parade of Breeds that will precede the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix class in the newly constructed Million Dollar Grand Prix Ring at HITS Thermal.
Hollywood trick rider, Ramon Becerra, will be the featured act in the World of the Horse that will include a Mexican rodeo exhibition by Coachella Valley Charros and Escaramuzas. Becerra will be riding his two beautiful Andalusian stallions, Gitano and Severo, in tandem during his performance. World of the Horse will also feature a performance by the famed all-woman Mane Event Drill Team and a special exhibition of the Olympic sport of Dressage riding.
The Parade of Breeds during World of the Horse will offer a closer look at breeds like Fresians, Clydesdales, Icelandics, Tennessee Walkers and Fox Trotters. Children will also be treated to pony rides that begin at 11 AM.
For the past 15 years, HITS has produced a six-week winter horse show circuit just five miles from HITS Thermal in Indio. The new horse park will be the largest Hunter/Jumper horse show venue in the United States and will encompass more than $10,000,000 in improvements, including stabling for more than 3,000 horses and 12 competition rings. HITS Thermal will also feature new state-of-the-art footing provided by Footing Authority.
In January 2006 HITS entered into a private equity arrangement with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in Los Angeles. As a result, HITS, Inc. is able to develop and execute exciting operational and strategic initiatives that both solidify its well-established position as the leader in horse show management and allow for new growth opportunities including the construction of HITS Desert Horse Park. HITS generates significant economic impact in each of its five venues in California, Arizona, Florida, Virginia and New York.
2007 HITS Thermal Horse Show Dates
Desert Circuit I
January 23-28
Desert Circuit II
January 30 - February 4
Desert Circuit III
February 6-11
Off Week February 12-18
Desert Circuit IV
February 20-25
Desert Circuit V
February 27 - March 4
Desert Circuit VI
March 6-11
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