HITS Saugerties

Thank you for your continued support. Your encouraging comments and questions are often the center of generating and developing the substance of my blog entries. Unfortunately, answering all the questions is practically impossible, but the goal is to reach out to as many people as possible. Today's blog will be an update on the current show and a brief description about horse care in the heat.

Since we arrived at the HITS show at Saugerties, N.Y., the days have started before 6 a.m. and ended as late as 8 p.m. Although the schedule is rather intrusive, the work is rewarding and satisfying.

The plan was to stay until July 30 and then return home. The HITS showgrounds is a relatively new facility, with two large arenas and several smaller show rings. Many classes run simultaneously.

The grounds are spectator-friendly and the shops and food court are easily accessible. The setting is very pleasant, especially at sunset, when the sky is colorfully decorating the Catskill Mountains.

One of the biggest challenges has been the heat. It is important to bathe and cool off the horses more often, watch for signs of heat exhaustion and insure proper hydration. At Beacon Hill, a team effort exists which makes horse maintenance in hot weather better for everyone involved.

Talk to you soon!
Maria Schaub