Horses - OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST VISITS FESTIVAL - February 2001 - equiworld.net

NEWS FROM THE 2001 COSEQUIN WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL
Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST VISITS FESTIVAL

WELLINGTON, FL - February 15, 2001 - Show Jumping's 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist, Jeroen Dubbeldam of Holland, is on the showgrounds of the Ford Florida Classic, part of the 2001 Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival at Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club on Pierson Road in Wellington. In this, his first trip to the United States, Jeroen Dubbeldam, who earned a gold medal for show jumping in Sydney, Australia on October 1st on board his 12 year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding, DeSJIEM, arrived this week to see the festival first-hand. "I've always wanted to come here - it's just been a matter of finding the time," stated the very busy 27 year old. "I've sold a mare here, and that was my push to finally come and see for myself this incredible festival."

Dubbeldam, who has been riding since he was 11 years old, will not be disappointed, as this week offers Olympic caliber Show Jumping with the $25,000 CWEF Challenge Cup tomorrow at 1PM, the Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic and the WCHR Hunter Spectacular.

"We don't know Hunters (one of the major disciplines highlighted in this week's competitions) at all in Europe. We may have a Style class on occasion, but not like this," Dubbeldam stated, referring to the World Champion Hunter Rider Hunter Spectacular, where world class competitors vie for entrance into the $100,000 WCHR Hunter Spectacular, a special class held this Saturday evening, February 17th at 7PM, under the lights.

Look for Dubbeldam as he routes USET Olympic Show Jumping Team Veterans Margie Engle and Laura Kraut to victory as they compete in the $75,000 Ford Idle Dice Classic Sunday at 2PM.

"Incredible," says the Gold Medallist, "I will not be able to explain it at home (in Holland) how it is here. It's so big and so totally different. It's just incredible."

The 2001 Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival runs Wednesday through Sunday through March 11th. Gate opens at 8AM. Call (561) 793-JUMP for more information.