WELLINGTON, FL -- February 6, 2003 — The Florida Dressage Classic brings top riders back to the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds February 13-16 after an 11-day break following the Pan Am Games Selection Trials and USET qualifiers held at the Wellington Dressage CDI (January 30-February 3). USA Equestrian and USDF recognized, the Florida Dressage Classic is the second of three dressage shows to be held at the 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

More than 140 riders are entered in 46 classes from Training Level through Grand Prix, with approximately 200 horses keeping four dressage rings in action. Several top FEI riders including Jan Brons, Tara Stegen, and George Williams are entered, previewing their freestyles and FEI tests before the next Pan Am Games Selection Trials and USET qualifiers, which are scheduled for March 13-16 at the WEF show grounds. Riders at all levels in the Florida Dressage Classic can compete for scores in ABIC-USDF Qualifiers for the Regional Championships. Talented young riders will contest the FEI Young Rider Team, Individual, and Freestyle classes. A total purse of more than $8,000 is offered. Sponsors include LEGEND Bayer Company, Mingshi Huang, EuroAmerican Saddlery, Passport Publications and Media Corporation, and Dressage in Florida Omnibus.

Highlighting the four-day competition is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society "Equestrian of the Year" celebration on Saturday, February 15, hosted by Event Chairwoman Mary Ann Grant and honorary Chairman, Mayor Tom Wenham. The competition for Equestrian of the Year, which began in September and will end February 14, 2003, is a fundraising competition — equestrians commit to raise funds for the Society in return for event expense reimbursement for a 2003 event of their choice. Prizes will be presented to the top fundraisers at the special Awards Ceremony. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. For information call 888.478.8550. For details on Equestrian of the Year, call Mary Ann Grant at 561.792.7642

For schedule, ride times, and results visit www.stadiumjumping.com More news, photos, and profiles on www.dressagedaily.com

Photos available upon request.

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.