Significant Investment Planned for Both Thermal and Tucson
August 9, 2019 – Thermal, CA & Tucson, AZ – Four committed West Coast equestrian families, whose vision is horse first and a fabulous experience for all, have come together to form Apex Equisport for the purpose of acquiring the HITS Sunshine, Desert and Arizona Circuits as well as the facility located in Thermal, CA. The purchase, effective immediately, results in a new management team ready to produce the upcoming National Sunshine Series beginning October 30, 2019 at what will now be known as The Arizona Winter Circuit.
Excited for the challenge and focused on the upcoming events in 2019/2020, the wheels will be turning, both literally and figuratively, as the new team prepares to host the two week National Sunshine Series in October-November 2019, the eight week Desert Circuit in the winter of 2020; as well as the Arizona Winter Circuit at the Pima County Fairgrounds, for six weeks of the 2020 winter season.
“We appreciate the collaboration we have had with Tom and his team to complete the acquisition and look forward to working with the equestrian communities on the West Coast to develop and enhance the facilities, competition, and experience in both Thermal and Tucson,” Steve Hankin, Managing Partner, explains. ”We know that the Sunshine Series is just around the corner, so we are fully focused on getting ready.”
He noted that the plans for the upcoming season will be announced over the next several weeks, and the Sunshine Series prize list will be available in late August.
Hankin emphasized that this may be the end of the negotiations but it is the beginning of a new journey. “We’ll share more about our plans and work to make sure we meet the high expectations that everyone has for these events. The work to evolve the shows will take several years and we’ll actively involve our trainers, exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors in our efforts.”
Hankin noted, “These circuits are cornerstone events for the West Coast. We have a strong group that is focused on ensuring the shows and facility are set up to provide a safe and healthy environment for horses first.”
Struzzieri will be focusing on his East Coast entities – HITS Ocala, HITS Saugerties, HITS Chicago, HITS Culpepper and the associated Championship, FEI and League events. “I will miss my West Coast clients, as many of them became friends. This partner group has put a great deal of time into this, and I feel the facility and associated events will be in good hands.”
For more information please go to deserthorsepark.com, arizonawintershows.com and for HITS please see hitsshows.com.
Congratulations to all! This is so exciting for the west coast equestrian community.
Thanks a bunch Steve! We are excited to be able to bring this event to the community. We appreciate your support!
“This is the most joyous news ever….this move may change the face of US Showjumping for the better…you all might have just saved our sport ….thank you
Congratulations!
Congratulations To all involved in the new Arizona Winter Circuit.
We are all excited to participate this fall, next year and beyond.
I wish you much success.
John Charlebois
REALLY looking forward to the rejuvenation of the Tucson winter shows. Arizona Hunter Jumper Association will provide whatever assistance it can to provide our members with better shows closer to home.
Congratulations! I am very excited for the future of the West Coast Equestrian community. I only wish wonderful things for this group. FANTASTIC
Exciting news! Congratulations…looking forward to the new venue!
Those of us in Southern Arizona are excited about the future of the Arizona Circuit
Congrats to all involved in making this transistion. I have been horseshowing at HITS Indio/Thermal since 1991. Because of horses and horseshowing, I made the incredible Coachella Valley my Winter home 12 years ago. Kathy Weiss and Crystal Springs West.
Steve – Wishing you the very best on this big undertaking. I think we are in great hands 💕🦄
This is a game changer for the West Coast. Well done Team DHP
Looking forward to supporting your efforts in any way I can.
Some amazing West Coast news!!! A pretty impressive group of four families who love horses as much as all of us do!! Looking forward to a wonderful relationship with you guys as we work together for the best of Zone 10 members and the Zone 10 programs. Please call me at your earliest convenience to discuss a couple of the Zone 10 SUPER programs that are just a very few weeks away at the Sunshine Series. Kathy Hobstetter