Wellington, FL – February 28, 2003 – Tommy Bahama week continues at the Winter Equestrian Festival hosting the $5,000 NAL Americhoice Challenge today. The field of competitors contained 84 vying to go around the course without fault in the fastest time.

McLain Ward riding Jashar at the 25th spot in the order of go was the eventual winner with 59 horses having the advantage of watching his round before their own performance. Jashar, a gray gelding owned by Double H Farm, glided around the course in 60.046 seconds.

Rastella with Peter Leone up for Halifax Farm was second with a time of 60.949 seconds. Donnerlitchen with Meredith Beerbaum riding was more than 2 seconds slower than Jashar and was third.

The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter and jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information and a list of qualifying competitions for 2003, please visit the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.

In the Hunter arenas, a Bavarian bred horse, Lanslide was Pre Green Hunter Champion with Emily Williams riding. Lisa Wigley the owner said, “He’s an awesome horse! I have had him only 3 months and he’s shown twice. He was Reserve Champion last time and now he is Champion. I am very happy with him”

In other Pre Green divisions, Ken Smith was Champion with Honoured for Kathy Birmingham and Reserve Champion with Toulouse. In a third section of Pre Green Hunters, Jasper John was Champion with owner/rider Abbey Holstein.

First Year Green Hunters showed in 2 sections, Cast A Spell with Holly Orlando was Champion in one section for owner La Bagatelle and Pave’ was Champion in the other section for Caroline Moran with Havens Schatt riding.

All results are posted daily at www.stadiumjumping.com.

Winter Equestrian Festival Dates:
(Each week runs Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 8:00 AM)

Tickets to the Winter Equestrian Festival are available by phone at 793-JUMP or at the gate. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Children 12 & under are free all days. Senior admission is $5 every day. Adult admission is $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. Parking is free.