HITS Thermal Footing Test

On Thursday, December 13th, Bernie Traurig, acting as technical representative for Zone 10 Jumpers, PCHA, and WCAR along with representatives from USEF conducted a pre-season footing test at the new HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California.

Representing HITS was President and CEO Tom Struzzieri and Dale Harvey of the HITS west coast management team. Bart Poels, footing specialist for the 2008 Olympic Games, who has been hired to oversee the footing at Thermal, was at the property earlier in the week to ensure preparations were on track for the test.   The new footing is comprised of a special blend of sand, geo-textile and fibers, similar to what Poels helped to install for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Many members of WCAR were present including WCAR president, Will Simpson, Mandy Porter, Joie Gatlin, Leslie Steele, Susie Hutchinson, John Endicott’s stable, Ali Nilforushan, and others.   There were at least 10 horses present that tested the footing.

USEF was represented by footing specialist Alan Rheinheimer along with Sally Ike and Lee Ann Claywell.

After extensive testing the footing seemed good, however there was some concern by riders that horses’ footprints upon landing over higher jumps were a bit too deep. Both Alan Rheinheimer and Bart Poels who have experience with this type of footing assured us that by adding more fibers in the top inch or so it would achieve the binding effect needed to make this footing special. HITS has agreed to install the fibers prior to the first show.

Bart Poels has stated that the success of this footing depends on it being managed properly with the proper rakes and a lot of water. He has already suggested a water and drag every 35-40 horses and Tom has agreed to purchase the special rakes necessary to maintain the footing. Bart has agreed to be on site during the first Premiere Classic beginning on the 9th of January to oversee and instruct the HITS team on how to manage the footing.

HITS continues to be optimistic on the completion of their extensive "to do list" published by them and in WCAR’s last newsletter. In light of the lack of completion (or start) of many of the items listed, it was the overall feeling of the riders attending the footing test that with the holidays and the late addressing of these issues, HITS has an enormous task in front of them.
It was also expressed by most riders that the wash racks now in place were unsafe as they are small with no dividers and the shade tents promised at all rings were inadequate in size.

We will remain hopeful that HITS can and will fulfill its promises and obligations to benefit our sport.

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