Bartlett, NH - August 18, 2000 - McLain Ward of Brewster, NY is on a winning streak at the 16th Annual Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival with three victories in three days of showing.

Ward was in the winner's circle today for his triumph in the $10,000 State Line Tack Open Jumper Welcome Stake. Riding Fior, a 13 year-old, 16.2 hand bay gelding, Ward covered the jump-off course in a time of 26.005 seconds. Ward is the defending champion in Sunday's $50,000 Mercedes Benz Grand Prix of New Hampshire. He will ride four horses in the competition.

Placing second and third, respectively, with Sandstone Laurin and Sandstone Dorina, was Gabriella Salick of Thousand Oaks, CA.

"Both my horses were super today in the jump-off," enthused Salick. "I'm looking forward to riding them in Sunday's Mercedes Grand Prix." Salick plans to contest the grand prix with three horses and hopes to end Ward's winning streak.

2000 Olympic Team member and U.S. Equestrian Team veteran Margie Engle of Wellington, FL rode Hidden Creek's Limerick, a 7 year-old black stallion, to win the second $1,500 Mountain Ear High Preliminary Jumper class. Engle and Limerick also won this same class yesterday.

Lauren Bass of Willoughby Hills, OH and M.V. Cristal galloped to victory in the $2000 WMTV3/RSN High Junior-Amateur Jumper class. M.V. Cristal is owned by the Maypine Farm.

The $1000 Paris Farmer's Union Low Amateur-Owner class was won by Monnie Gilder of New York, NY on Pascal. The blue ribbon in the $1000 Tanger Outlet Low Junior Jumper class went to Jessica Siuda of New Vernon, NJ on Cluny De Labarde, a 10 year-old, 15.3 hand chestnut gelding.

Located at the scenic Fields of Attitash in Bartlett, NH, the top riders and horses from throughout the U.S. will compete daily through Sunday at the 16th Annual Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival.

In addition to the thrilling spectacle of equestrian competition, spectators at the Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival will find a variety of attractions at the Fields of Attitash. Shopping fans will enjoy the Country Fair Expo adjacent to the Grand Prix Ring featuring local retailers displaying artwork, jewelry, crafts, clothing and a variety of equestrian items for sale. A fine selection of local foods will be available to sample ringside at the "Taste of the Valley" Food Festival featuring area restaurateurs. Equine demonstrations, hay rides, and a children's play area round out the activities during the event.

Later in the week, spectators can mingle with riders in the VIP tent at the first annual Riders Reception following the conclusion of Saturday's competition. Enjoy wine and cheese, beautiful music, and most importantly, the announcement of the competition order for the $50,000 Mercedes Benz Grand Prix of New Hampshire which runs on Sunday at 2:00.

For tickets and group sales information, please call (800)237-8924. Please call (603)374-2368 for further information about the Attitash Bear Peak Equine Festival or go to www.attitash.com on the Internet.