Macella's Corner H


each year, after my annual two months spent in the fabu- lous sunshine of the HITS Desert Circuit, it always as- tounds me how beautiful and tranquil my home is. Since we all only go to the Thermal facility once a year,


ow vibrantly green, blooming and blossoming everything is in the Napa Valley in the spring always comes as a surprise. When I return to it


the improvements as we drive into the show grounds each year are delightful surprises. This year especially the land- scaping has finally matured enough to actually provide shade as well as highlight the impressive desert beauty. It's amazing to me how much the new grass berm around Jumper Ring #1 has enhanced that ring and the surround- ing area, and at the same time made spectators feel wel- come and comfortable. Vendors for the duration of the circuit were happily


enjoying the activity levels. Vendor row was bustling with parents, kids and trainers filling their carts and arms with needed supplies and equipment. This year there was a lot of new products and clothing introduced and just about everyone had to get the new fashions. What a perfect migration opportunity Thermal pro-


vides for all of us "northerners", and never have we been blessed with better weather than this year. Our one signifi- cant rain of the entire circuit, occurred during break week blanketing the surrounding mountains with a nice layer of fresh white snow. Since the show rings were quiet, it barely affected the show. Horse showing is a little bit like farming, in that weather


really does have the power to make or break you. This year we just couldn't have been luckier. For the first time in my memory of the Indio-Thermal show circuit, we managed to elude completely the menace of a desert wind- storm for all seven weeks. Our good luck did not end there. Not only were the num-


bers of entries up, there were lots of new to the desert circuit faces pres- ent so the opportunity to talk with people we either didn’t know or hadn’t seen in a while was a welcome exchange. All six weeks featured top competition, huge classes, close scores when open scoring was used and definitely amaz- ing Grand Prix rides in both the World Cup classes and especially the $200,000 class the final Sunday. With the footing upgrades,


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course designers from the very top of the International list, impressive horseflesh and astonishing prize money, Thermal really has become an excellent springboard for the rest of the year. And sales and leases were brisk with the horses. I think


everyone involved breathed a collective sigh of relief. A strong winter circuit is a good omen for our industry and we have all struggled enough in these last few years to be grateful and appreciative. But, while we were enjoying our seven enchanted weeks,


life in the real world went on. Although it did not affect the schedule in the GP ring, the earthquake and tsunami that originated in Japan, March 11, will affect us all even- tually. The singular devotion that we all have for our mag-


nificent horses, and the related vitality of our pursuits, is a tremendous privilege in this increasingly small and in- terdependent world in which we live. Take this opportu- nity to help those immediately suffering in Japan. As the famous quote says: "to those whom much is given, much is expected". Reflect upon the risks and responsibilities of nuclear energy, and never think that you cannot make a difference. As a story goes...One day thousands of starfish had


washed up on a beach and a man came upon a little boy taking the starfish back to the ocean, one at a time. The man said to the little boy, "this is hopeless you know, you can never save all these poor starfish". And the little boy looked up at the man as he picked up a starfish and said "maybe not, but I can save this one".


Full HOT breakfast, internet, parkingincluded!


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Walktothebeach,DelMar Fairgrounds,restaurants& nightlife,drive2.5milesto showpark


 Wearepetfriendly! 


Special rates for horse shows range from $99 to $119 (Fall Season)&$149(JulyAug)


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Call (858) 3500111 to book or visitwww.hinnexpress.com for moreinformation


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Holiday Inn Express Solana beach/Del Mar


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