Horse Shows In The Sun, Inc. (HITS) producer of sixworld-class hunter/jumper horse show circuits nationwide, has announced thatRio Vista Products will sponsor Grand Prix show jumping classes at all HITS circuits in 2000. The $50,000 Rio Vista Grand Prix is offered at HITS Desert Circuit in Indio, California; HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Florida; ArizonaWinter Circuit in Tucson; HITS Catskills in Ellenville, New York; HITS Culpeper in Virginia; and HITS Tahoe in Nevada.

Rio Vista Products, makers of horse care grooming products, has also been named the Official Grooming Products for all HITS shows. Rio Vista groomingproducts are sold at tack and feed stores and pet shops throughout the United States and Canada. Products include Shampoos and Conditioners; Hoof Manicure; Fly Deterrents; Equine-Shine; and Cool Blue Liniment.A portion of every sale from all the products goes to the Rio Vista Fund.Established to award funds to organizations for the rehabilitation of abused and neglected equines. The Rio Vista Fund issues awards for the rehabilitation of a particular animal, not for the agency general fund. When selected logo items such as tee-shirts are purchased directly from Rio Vista, all of the profits from those sales goes to the Fund. At HITS Indio Desert Circuit, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Rio Vista Fund.

Rio Vista Products is also contributing to another part of equine care—the transport of injured horses from show grounds. Called the Large AnimalRescue Vehicle (L.A.R.V.), the design and manufacture of this horse ambulance is funded by the Rio Vista Fund.

James B. Towle, president of RioVista Products, says he wants to provide a professional way of handling an otherwise negative situation. Spectators will only see calm, professional people handling an emergency. The horse is taken away with minimal disturbance