Grand Prix Jumper Rider Candice King: A Lifetime of Equestrian Achievement

Wellington, Florida – February 20, 2003 – Candice King is a well-known fixture on the grand prix jumper circuit and is a regular in the big Sunday classes at The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival, currently going on at The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.

Candice started riding before she could walk. She learned to read by reading horse show prize lists. At 7, she was showing quarter horses in Southern California, and by 15 switched to the English saddle and began competing in the hunter and equitation classes on the East Coast. She completed her high school education via a correspondence course while living in a trailer on East Coast showgrounds with her Mother. Always a master of her own destiny, Candice was determined to make riding a career and to be one of the best.

Candice’s early career as a professional took her from coast to coast, running Rancho del Puma in California, and then being the resident trainer at Dan Lufkin’s farm, Chestnut Ridge, in Millbrook, New York. Candice married in 1996 and gave birth to daughter Alexandra in 1999.

By 1997, Candice attracted sponsors Joan and Ernie Kalman of Bedford, New York, who, together with a syndicate, bought Candice’s first grand prix mount, “Mr. Spoon”. For the next few years, Candice kept “Mr. Spoon” on the top-15 jumper list and was always in the money. From there, Candice took the Kalmans’ “Mangrove Mattie” to the winners’ circle at Spruce Meadows and qualified her for the Masters Cup.

In 2000, Candice competed Penlyn Farm’s “John E M” to become The Horse of the Year. In 2001, “John E M” and Candice finished 5th in The World Cup at Gothenburg. Candice then went on to win the Queen Elizabeth Cup at Hickstead, the first American in 30 years to do so – Mary Chapot was the last. On a winning streak, Candice, in 2001, was selected to be on The United States Equestrian Team’s Developing Rider Program, a very prestigious posting.

At the present time, Candice is competing successfully on a multitude of top-notch jumper mounts: to name but a few, “Caliskan”, owned by Beth Johnson, is currently Candice’s top grand prix jumper – the duo won a WEF class and placed 3 times in World Cup qualifiers in 2002; several others owned by Beth Johnson including “Quinten” and “Gosse d’Orion”; “Camillo” owned by Beth Johnson and the Kalmans; and 7-year-old “Tarco” owned by the Kalmans.

Without a doubt, Candice King has been one of the most consistently-winning grand prix riders over the past few years. A lifetime of dedication is finally paying off, and it is well-deserved.

For further information, contact Mason Phelps, Jr. or Beverly Lake Wilkes, Phelps Wilkes & Associates, Inc., at (561) 753-3389.

Tickets to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington 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.

Winter Equestrian Festival Dates:

(Each week runs Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 8:00 AM)

Zada Enterprises, LLC Wellington Masters – February 19 – 23
Tommy Bahama Palm Beach Open – February 26 – March 2
Cosequin Wellington Finale – March 5 – 9
Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic – March 13 – 16

After March 9, competitors move to Tampa to continue the Winter Equestrian Festival.

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
Budweiser American Invitational March 29 in Raymond James Stadium

Tickets for Winter Equestrian Festival at Tampa Fairgrounds are Wednesday through Friday $5. Children under 12 years are free. Saturday and Sunday Adult tickets are $10. Seniors and Students are $5 all days. For schedule, directions and information visit www.stadiumjumping.com

Tickets for the Budweiser American Invitational, March 29 at Raymond James Stadium are available at Ticket Master (813) 287-8844 or at Stadium Jumping (877) 909-9436.