2005 USEA Gold Cup Series Calendar Announced

February 10, 2005 - U.S. Eventing recently announced the ten events making up the 2005 calendar for the USEA Gold Cup Series, presented by Amerigo, Nunn Finer, and SmartPak Equine, with additional support provided by Cover-All Building Systems. Many of last year’s seven events have returned, with several new competitions added.

Modeled somewhat after other successful sports series such as NASCAR, the Gold Cup Series is based on a cumulative points system, with riders earning points, and prize money, at competitions holding Gold Cup divisions throughout the year. The Series runs at the intermediate and advanced levels, with a grand prize Gold Cup trophy and Amerigo saddle awarded to the rider from each level with the most points at the end of the year. In addition the Gold Cup champion at the advanced level receives a check from the USEA for $6,000, and the intermediate champion receives a check for $4,000.

Last year California-based rider Lauren Whitlock secured the title of Series champion at the advanced level. Two-time Olympic medallist Karen O’Connor took top honors in the intermediate division. These two ladies can count on even tougher competition for this year’s Cup.

“Getting this new project off the ground so successfully last year was a real thrill,” said USEA Executive Director Jo Whitehouse. “I cannot thank enough the organizers, sponsors, and competitors who supported our efforts, and I cannot wait for an even more exciting year in 2005.”

With events scattered throughout seven USEA Areas, from the West Coast to the Rockies, across the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, competitors from every corner of the country will have the opportunity to vie for the title of Gold Cup champion. And as the concept grows, the long-term goal is to expand throughout the levels of competition so that some day soon riders at every level will have the chance to become “Keepers of the Cup!”

For more information on the USEA Gold Cup Series, click on the Gold Cup logo on the USEA website at www.useventing.com or contact the USEA at (703) 779-0440 ext. 3017.

2005 USEA Gold Cup Series Calendar

Atlantic

Red Hills Horse Trials, CIC-W*** and CIC**

• Date: March 11-13
• Levels: CIC-W***/CIC**
• Location: Tallahassee, Florida
• www.RHHT.org

Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials and CIC**

• Date: July 21-24
• Levels: CIC**
• Location: Victor, New York
• www.stuarthorsetrials.org

Millbrook Horse Trials

• Date: August 19-20
• Levels: Advanced
• Location: Millbrook, New York
• www.millbrookhorsetrials.com

Poplar Place Horse Trials

• Date: September 2-4
• Levels: CIC***, Intermediate
• Location: Hamilton, Georgia
• www.poplarplacefarm.com

Central

Maui Jim Wayne Horse Trials

• Date: July 8-10
• Levels: Advanced, Intermediate
• Location: Wayne, Illinois
• www.waynehorsetrials.com

Richland Park Horse Trials

• Date: August 27-28
• Levels: Advanced, Intermediate
• Location: Richland, Michigan
• www.RichlandPark.com

Pacific

Galway Downs CIC-W*** and International Horse Trials

• Date: April 1-3
• Levels: CIC-W***; CIC**
• Location: Temecula, California
• www.galwaydowns.com

The Event at Rebecca Farm

• Date: July 22-24
• Level: CIC-W***, CIC**
• Location: Kalispell, Montana
• www.eventatrfarm.com

The Event at Jackson Hole

• Date: August 26-28
• Levels: Advanced, Intermediate
• Location: Jackson, Wyoming
• www.theeventatjacksonhole.com

Twin Rivers Horse Trials

• Date: September 29 - October 2
• Level: Advanced, Intermediate
• Location: Paso Robles, California
• www.TwinRiversRanch.us