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2003 Winter Equestrian Festival Moves To Tampa
Tampa,
Florida—February 11, 2003—With over $3 million in prize
money, the 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the nation’s
most significant horse show circuit. Produced by founder Eugene
R. Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc., of Tampa, the Winter Equestrian
Festival is the horse show of all horse shows in the U. S.
After
competing in Wellington for seven weeks, the nation’s best
hunter, jumper and equitation horses are now moving to Tampa for
the remaining three weeks of competition. Over 1,000 horses will
be in Tampa during this time.
Beginning
March 12, WEF action moves to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in
Tampa for three major events including the Suncoast Internationale,
March 12-16; the Tampa Bay Classic, March 19-23; and the Tournament
of Champions, March 26-30.
The
main events taking place in Tampa are the $200,000 Budweiser American
Invitational, presented by The Tampa Tribune, and the final event
determining which U.S. show jumpers will qualify to ride in the
2003 Show Jumping World Cup Final in Las Vegas.
Spectators can enjoy classes for all age groups and discipline interests.
And with as many as four rings going at any one time, there will
be something for every member of the family. There will be hunter,
jumper and equitation classes for children and junior riders, mounted
on ponies and horses. Adult amateurs of all ages will be represented
in hunter, jumper and equitation classes. The professional and advanced
amateur riders will dominate the competition in pre-green, green
and regular hunter divisions as well as at many levels of the jumper
classes.
When it’s time to take a break from the varied competitions,
spectators can browse amongst the many eclectic boutiques or grab
a bite from one of the multi-ethnic food tents. And there’s
always a place to sit, as ringside seating is plentiful.
A Who’s Who of U. S. Olympic and Equestrian Team riders --
riders such as Margie Engle, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Nona Garson,
Joe Fargis, Todd Minikus, McLain Ward, Molly Ashe and Candace King
-- can be expected to be seen on their best mounts in WEF’s
many jumper classes, including the Sunday grand prix championships.
Only
the best of the top competitors during the WEF will be invited to
take part in the 31st annual $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational,
presented by The Tampa Tribune, on Saturday evening, March 29, at
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. A total of 30 competitors will be
invited, with each rider competing aboard only one horse. Invitations
will be issued to the 2002 Budweiser American Invitational winner,
the
top four riders in the 2002/2003 American Grandprix Association
(AGA) Rider of the Year standings, and the 25 top money-earners
in the $230,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series.
The
final show of the 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival, the $200,000
AGA Championship, presented by Budweiser, will be held April 2-6
at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club back in Wellington, FL.
For further information, contact Mason Phelps, Jr. or Beverly Lake
Wilkes at (561) 753-3389.
Tickets
at Tampa are Wednesday through Friday $5. Children under 12 are
free. Saturday and Sunday Adults are $10 (seniors and students $5).
Dates
for Tampa Winter Equestrian Festival
(Each
week of competition runs Wed. - Sun. beginning at 8:00 AM)
Suncoast
Internationale March 13-16
Tampa Bay Classic March 19-23 CSI***/W
Tournament of Champions March 25-29 CSI**/W
Budwieser American Invitational March 29 (Raymond James Stadium)
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