U.S. Based International Jumping and Dressage Horses Arrive in Vegas

2013 FEI World Cup Jumping champion 'Simon'. (c) Ken Braddick/ Dressage-News.com

Las Vegas, Nevada - April 12, 2015 - It was another exciting day in Las Vegas as an additional fourteen top international jumping and dressage horses arrived by jet this afternoon at McCarran International Airport to compete at the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final and LONGINES FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final at the Thomas & Mack Center, April 15-19.

The horses and professional grooms landed in Las Vegas at approximately 2:00 PM. All horses arrived safe and sound, and have made their way to the high-security stabling set up just outside of the Thomas & Mack Center. As this was a domestic flight and the newly arrived horses have been based in the U.S., they did not have to undergo the same quarantine procedures as the horses that arrived from Europe yesterday, who remain in quarantine until tomorrow.

The valuable cargo of equine athletes included the 2013 FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion Simon, who will be looking to reclaim the title with U.S. rider Beezie Madden.

The Dutta Corporation, who has been transporting horses globally for 26 years and flies 5,000 horses per year, handled the travel arrangements for today's valuable shipment of horses as well as yesterday's.

"Our team performed like clockwork to deliver the horses in the finest condition so the riders, grooms and owners can focus on what they are here for - to compete at the highest level of the sport," said Tim Dutta, Chairman and CEO of the Dutta Corporation. "We do this every day with our own team, and a network, that enables us to take care of everything from start to finish. I owe thanks to everyone who helped make this such a success."

U.S. dressage horse Verdades, also on board, is set to make his first FEI World Cup™ Final appearance with rider Laura Graves. The pair successfully competed at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and won two FEI World Cup qualifiers in 2015.

"All the horses shipped really well, and the plane was kept really comfortable," said Graves. "This is the third time Verdades has flown on a plane, but the first time he has flown in this type of plane which is an open container - they build the stalls around the horses which is awesome because they can all see each other which is really comforting for them."

"I have this amazing horse who is my partner," commented Graves about Verdades. "We are so excited about being part of the Finals - we are going to bring it!" she said with a big smile.

Laura Graves disembarks the plane with her horse 'Verdades'. (c) Ken Braddick/ Dressage-News.com

The 2015 FEI World Cup™ Finals features both the Reem Acra FEI World CupTM Dressage Final and the LONGINES FEI World CupTM Jumping Final. The FEI World Cup™ Finals has returned to the United States for the first time since 2009, and provides a unique opportunity to witness the world's best horses and riders in both show jumping and dressage compete under one roof. The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas will be the epicenter of equestrian talent as Olympic, World, and European Champions will compete for coveted World Cup Championship titles.

The thrilling action will commence at the Thomas & Mack Center on Wednesday, April 15 with the warm-up classes for both jumping and dressage. Actual competition begins on Thursday, April 16 with the Reem Acra FEI World CupTM Dressage Grand Prix at noon, followed by the LONGINES FEI World CupTMJumping Final Round I at 7:00 PM.

Competition continues the next day, Friday, April 17, with the Reem Acra FEI World CupTM Dressage Freestyle Rehearsal at 7:30 AM, the Las Vegas Dressage Showcase at noon and the LONGINES FEI World CupTM Jumping Final Round II at 7:00 PM.

Saturday, April 18 features the Reem Acra FEI World CupTM Dressage Final (Freestyle) at noon, followed by the $75,000 Canadian Pacific Show Jumping Grand Prix of Las Vegas at 7:00 PM. The competition concludes on Sunday, April 19 with the LONGINES FEI World CupTM Jumping Final Round III at noon. All times are local time.

Not only will spectators have the opportunity to experience the heated competition featuring world-renowned horses and riders, but they will also enjoy the entertainment that has given Las Vegas its worldwide reputation.  From laser light shows to acrobats to fireworks and Vegas show girls, this event will dazzle everyone from start to finish.

VIP guests of the FEI World Cup™ Finals will be treated to top amenities that can't be duplicated anywhere else in the world at the Taylor Harris Club presented by The National Horse Show. The Taylor Harris Club includes a private VIP hospitality area complete with deluxe food and beverages as well as VIP preferred parking.

Taylor Harris Club members will enjoy featured plates prepared by an impressive list of celebrity chefs from the Bellagio hotel. With creations from Chef Edmund Wong, Executive Chef for Bellagio, Chef Royden Ellamar of Sensi, and Chef Patrick Lee of Noodles, meals will be as exciting as the competition itself. In addition, VIP guests will be able to sample an artful collection of fine wines, spirits, and champagne, as well as interact with the sommelier from Southern Wines and Spirits of Nevada, and enjoy the music and entertainment of Las Vegas.

Started in 1979, the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final is an annual international showdown among the world's best show jumping horses and riders. In the 36 Finals held through 2014, Germany (10) and the United States (9) have emerged with the most titles, having won the championship nineteen times between them. Previous FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finals held in the United States include Baltimore (1980), Tampa (1989), Del Mar, CA (1992) and Las Vegas (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009).

First held in 1986, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final features the world's best dressage horses and riders. The United States has won the championship twice - in 2003 (Debbie McDonald with Brentina) and 2009 (Steffen Peters with Ravel). The Final has been held in the U.S. in Los Angeles (1995) and Las Vegas (2005, 2007, 2009).

Las Vegas Events is a private, not-for-profit organization that serves as the exclusive major special events agency for the city.  Founded in 1982, LVE is funded by hotel room tax.  Through its Signature Event initiative, LVE has created a model to integrate all elements of special events and formally improve communication between event producers and Las Vegas' hotel properties and sponsors.  Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented or supported more than 600 events.

For further information, please visit the World Cup's website at www.WorldCupLasVegas.com.