Wellington, FL – March 6, 2003 – Steve Stephens from the United States and Mehves Trak of Turkey are designers of the courses in the Internationale Arena at the Winter Equestrian Festival this week. Today’s $25,000 Ariat WEF Challenge Cup was a difficult course for the 42 horses that attempted it. Ten horses had clear rounds and came back to compete on a shortened course and of those ten, only 4 had clean trips in the jump-off. Penelope, with Jeffrey Welles riding was the quickest in a time of 37.73 seconds. Penelope and Jeffrey were the first to return for the jump-off and set a good pace, which no one could beat. Susanne Durst owns Penelope. Second was Viktor with McLain Ward riding for owners Harry Gill and McLain Ward. In third place was Capital S with Nona Garson riding for the Kamine Family.

Margie Engle had a 1-2 punch in the $5,000 1.4 m NAL Americhoice Challenge. Margie won riding Hidden Creek’s Alvaretto and was second on Hidden Creek’s Charley Brown. Twelve horses were entered in this speed challenge and Margie is known for “always going for broke” in a speed class. Sundance Kid with Laura Chapot riding for the Sundance Group was third.

The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter and jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information and a list of qualifying competitions for 2003, please visit the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.

Scott Stewart again finished with many hunter champions including Prove It in the Regular Working Hunter Division. Music Street in the 3 & 4 Year-Old Pre Green Division and Chopard in the Regular Conformation Division.

Hadfield’s Sunset won a Pre Green Division with Peggy Gehman riding for owner Geoff Teal. In the Green Conformation Hunter Division, Randolph was Champion with Cookie Beck riding for Lisa Cudahy.

Photos are available upon request. All results are posted at www.stadiumjumping.com.

Winter Equestrian Festival Dates:

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

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.