Emily Williams rode Strapless to win the 2003 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular for the third year in a row. The 2004 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular takes place at the Winter Equestrian Festival in West Palm Beach, FL on February 21. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

2004 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular FAST FACTS WHAT: The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation Hunter Classic Spectacular. This is a qualifying event featuring the top national amateur, junior and professional show hunter riders. This premier equine event offers the top money in the nation. It is the one event hunter riders aspire to compete in. There is no entry fee for the competitors. Riders qualify through preliminary competitions held during the Winter Equestrian Festival, February 18-21, 2004. WHEN: February 21st - 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM WHERE: Winter Equestrian Festival, 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL. Event will take place in the International Arena, a large grassy field in a beautiful tropical setting, surrounded by spectator and sponsor tents. The arena is lower than the surrounding tents offering viewers a great chance to see the competition.

WHY: This is a major fundraiser for the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. (AHJF) and its programs. The AHJF was formed to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF 401k and Profit Sharing Plan and the Legacy Cup.

"Emily Williams was the winner of the 2003 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular. Emily and her trainer, Tom Wright, were all smiles after she and Strapless won this class for the third year in a row. The 2004 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular takes place at the Winter Equestrian Festival in West Palm Beach, FL on February 21. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

HOW: Riders who have earned the title of champion and reserve champion in the preliminary competition in the junior, amateur and professional divisions and are current members of the AHJF qualify to compete in this no entry fee class.

WHAT THE JUDGE IS LOOKING FOR: Show hunters are judged on the style of the horse. The horse should look as if it could carry a rider smoothly, comfortably and safely over a course of natural style jumps. The horses should be both elegant and agile as they negotiate obstacles similar to those encountered on a foxhunt.

"The 2004 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular takes place at the Winter Equestrian Festival in West Palm Beach, FL on February 21. Last year the tent was full with people who came to see the best hunter horses and riders in the nation compete for this coveted title." ©Diana De Rosa Photo

THE JUDGING SYSTEM: Eight judges are paired in teams of two and positioned in four places around the arena. Each team presents a single numerical score (0-100) and the four scores are averaged for a single round score. After the second round, the two scores are averaged for a final two round score. Roughly, twenty-five horses compete in the first round and the top eight highest performers come back for a second round. The height of the fences varies from 3'6" to 4'. The winner of the class is the horse with the highest two-round score.

"The 2004 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular takes place at the Winter Equestrian Festival in West Palm Beach, FL on February 21." ©Diana De Rosa Photo

JUDGES: COURSE DESIGNER: TBA, ANNOUNCERS: Kenny Kraus, Brian Lookabill

RIDERS ALREADY QUALIFIED: Emily Williams--Last year's winner; Scott Stewart--the 2003 WCHR Professional Champion; Betty Oare--2003 WCHR Amateur Owner Champion; Nancy S. Amling--2003 WCHR Junior Champion. (All the above people are eligible to compete on any horse, but must show at the height for which the combination is eligible.)

PURCHASING A TABLE: To purchase a table for the sponsor reception and dinner, please call The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, 508-835-8813.

SPONSORS: Tad Coffin Performance Saddles and The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT: Press Link, 631-773-6155 or E-mail: dderosa1@optonline.net

AHJF CONTACT: AHJF, 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, E-mail: AHJF@earthlink.net

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