Posted April 23, 2006

Wits End Horse Trials an FEI Approved CIC*** International Event in 2006

Rosemont, Ontario, Canada -- Wits End Farm is proud to announce that the 2006 Horse Trials is now elevated to an official FEI CIC*** Level International Horse Competition over 3 days on September 30, 31 and October 1st, 2006.

Competitors and teams are invited to participate at the farm located in the beautiful rolling hills of Rosemont, just north of Toronto. This is the only competitive Horse Trials at this international level in Canada. This year the level of competition will attract international competitors of the highest calibre.

Jo Young and Bill McKeen strongly believe that "if we are to produce International Level riders and horses, we must provide world-class competitions." In order to meet these goals, Jo and Bill have developed their farm to provide facilities necessary for such a world-class event.

In 2004 and 2005 successful competitions were held for Canadian and U.S. riders at the Wits End Advanced Horse Trials. Now, in 2006, the field has been opened to International entries.

This year the competition is a full International Level Horse Trials CIC***, being run under governing body of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). "This year marks the beginning of Wits End entering the World Stage and will continue to enlarge the competitive field with the goal of hosting a World Cup Qualifier competition in 2007", said Jo Young.

The Cross Country Course is built over beautiful rolling countryside ensuring a world-class challenge for riders while providing spectacular viewing for fans and spectators. To prepare a cross-country course to the highest of FEI International competitive standards, David O'Connor, the distinguished international Course Builder from the U.S., is providing design and construction expertise and FEI approval, by setting a high standard from the outset. O'Connor is also well known as an Olympic Gold Medalist (Sydney-2000), and in addition, he is currently the International Technical Advisor for the Canadian Event Team.

Competitors at the 2005 event were impressed with conditions and challenges the course offered. "Wits End is one of the leading tracks on the North American circuit .it's definitely our Canadian jewel!" said Peter Gray, Olympic Team Member, 3-Day Eventing.

Bruce Davidson, 5 Time USA Olympic Team Member, and 2005 Wits End Champion, noted "Our American contingent were impressed with the beauty of the location and the challenging cross country course" and set the challenge for 2006 by adding "we will be back--in force"

In 2001, Jo Young, in partnership with Bill McKeen, bought Wits End Farm and, in 2004, they ran the inaugural Wits End Advanced Horse Trials with the plan of holding a World Cup Qualifier by 2007.

For more information, visit: www.witsendhorsetrials.ca Media Contact: John R. Rey, Director of Public Relations, Wits End Horse Trials 2006, Tel: 416.432.0232 or john.rey@sympatico.ca.