Tampa, FL-March 18, 1999
World-class equestrian action returns to Tampa with the arrival of the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival, March 24-April 10. The world's top show jumping horse and riders, including Olympic veterans, will meet to crown new champions and greet new stars. The excitement begins at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on the Florida State Fairgrounds and finishes at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

The Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival is presented by the nation's premier producer of hunter, jumper and dressage shows, the Tampa-based Stadium Jumping, Inc. Stadium Jumping has brought together the finest equestrian facilities, judges and support staff for an unforgettable series of shows.

"We try to make the shows fun and exciting for everyone, including the riders, spectators, staff, and horses," said Gene Mische, President of Stadium Jumping. "Every detail from the footing to the jumps is scrutinized. The quality and elegance of these shows is unmatched in North America."

Action begins March 24-28 with the Tampa Bay Classic, followed by the Tournament of Champions, March 31-April 4. The Festival's three-week stay in Tampa culminates with the Ariat WEF Spectacular, April 5-10. Each week is highlighted by a grand prix competition for the top level horses and riders.

Results of the $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI-W (Sunday, March 28) and the $75,000 Grand Prix of Florida CSI-W presented by Kilkenny-Redland (Sunday, April 4) will help determine which show jumpers will represent the United States at the 1999 World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden in late April. The final grand prix, the $150,000 Budweiser American Invitational presented by The Tampa Tribune, takes place in Raymond James Stadium on Saturday evening, April 10. The Budweiser American Invitational is held for the benefit of Francis House.

The best riders from around the globe will be arriving in Tampa after seven weeks of intense competition at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington. Newly crowned 1998 Budweiser/AGA Rider of the Year, McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, and his mount, 1998 Budweiser/AGA Horse of the Year, Twist du Valon, will be one of the exciting pairs to watch. Ward, 23, became the youngest rider to top one million dollars in grand prix winnings with his victory in the $50,000 Kilkenny-Redland Internationale Cup. He also won the $75,000 Cosequin Grand Prix of Palm Beach and two Challenge Cup events during Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival action in Wellington. The young superstar is the defending champion in the $150,000 Budweiser American Invitational.

Other horses and riders coming into Tampa with impressive victories at Wellington include Lynne Little of Frederick, MD, who won the $35,000 Lyte Now Inaugural Cup riding Lovely Girl; Nona Garson of Lebanon, NJ, who topped the field aboard Rhythmical in the $100,000 Budweiser/AGA Championship and the $100,000 Jaguar Gold Coast Grand Prix; Peter Leone of Greenwich, CT, and Crown Royal Lagato who won the $75,000 Bayer/USET Wellington Cup; and Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, who won the $75,000 Florida Open Grand Prix riding Hidden Creek's Glory.

The main highlight of the entire Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival is the nation's premier show jumping event, the $150,000 Budweiser American Invitational, April 10 at Raymond James Stadium. Last year's winner, McLain Ward, has an automatic berth into the competition. The remaining 29 berths in the Invitational will not be announced until the conclusion of the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival Open Jumper Series, after the Grand Prix of Florida. Five-time Budweiser/AGA Rider of the Year Margie Engle will be fiercely competitive, as will USET veterans Tim Grubb, Anne Kursinski, Chris Kappler, three-time Budweiser American Invitational champion Katie Prudent, and other luminaries in the sport of show jumping.

Young riders from across North America and the world will also have an opportunity to shine in the $150,000 BET on Jazz Junior Jumper Series, which features the Junior American Invitational and five Junior Jumper Grand Prix events. BET on Jazz has been a strong force in supporting and recognizing rising young talent in the show jumping world.

Competition runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Interesting boutiques, distinct Festival Gift Shops, and food courts offering everything from hamburgers to gourmet food, complete the perfect family outing. Tickets are available at the gate at the Orient Road entrance off Exit 5 of Interstate 4.

For more information on the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival and the Budweiser American Invitational, please call Stadium Jumping, Inc. in Tampa at (813) 623-5801 or visit Stadium Jumping's listed below.
Related Links
Peter Leone and Legato Win Bayer/USET Wellington Cup
Nona Garson Wins Budweiser/AGA Championships
Ryegate Show Services
Stadium Jumping Website