Wellington, Florida – January 3, 2003 -- With over $3 Million in prize money at stake, The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival (“WEF”) promises to be one of the most highly competitive in its 31-year history. Produced by founder Eugene R. Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc., WEF is the horse show of all horse shows in the U. S. Over 4,000 horses and 6,000 people (riders, trainers, owners and grooms) will be added to the Wellington population during this time.

Commencing on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, the best horses and riders in the world in the equestrian disciplines of hunters, jumpers, equitation and dressage will square off against the very best of their peers. The hunter, jumper and equitation horses will compete in Wellington for seven weeks through Sunday, March 9, 2003, with the last dressage competition takes place during the week of March 13th.

Spectators can expect to enjoy classes for all age groups and discipline interests. And with as many as seven 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 small/large 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. The dressage competitions, with elegance and grace, will captivate all audiences.

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. The $50,000 Idle Dice Classic on Sunday, February 16, 2003 and The $75,000 Tommy Bahama Florida Open on Sunday, March 2, 2003 will be particularly exciting as they are World Cup Qualifying Events.

The Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic, from March 13 through March 16, 2003, will include a Pan Am Games Selection Trial.

While in Wellington, WEF takes place from Wednesdays through Sundays beginning at 8am. Wednesdays are free to the public. Children age 12 and under are always free. Tickets for seniors are $5 each on all days. On Thursdays and Fridays, the ticket price is $5 for adults; on Saturdays, adults are $10; and on Sundays, adults are $15. Parking is free. The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is located on Pierson Road in Wellington.

2003 Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington) Schedule

• January 22- 26: Nutrena/Western Hay Wellington Classic
• January 29-February 2: Bayer Gold Coast Classic
• January 30-February 2: Wellington Dressage
• February 5-9: Kilkenny/ICH Internationale
• February 12-16: Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular
• February 13-16: Florida Dressage Classic
• February 19-23: Zada Enterprises, LLC Wellington Masters
• February 26-March 2: Tommy Bahama Palm Beach Open
• March 5-9: Cosequin Wellington Finale
• March 13-16: Zada Enterprises, LLC WEF Dressage Classic

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