Cooper-Garrod Vineyards To Sponsor International Event

SARATOGA, CA February 16, 2001 - Cooper-Garrod Vineyards has stepped forward to claim the title sponsorship of this summer's equestrian vaulting event featuring top international vaulters. "RIDE THE EDGE International Vaulting Challenge" will take place in Saratoga, California at the Garrod Farms Riding Stables from June 30 to July 1, 2001.

This sport of equestrian vaulting, gymnastics in harmony with the moving horse, is one of the seven recognized sports of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). This event will highlight Men's Individual, Women's Individual and Team divisions. Dozens of horses of various breeds, from elegant Warmbloods to magnificent Belgians and Percherons will canter on a circle as their human partners perform required exercises and free style routines choreographed to music.

The last international vaulting competition held at a venue within the United States occurred in 1999 and drew over 50 competitors from 10 different countries. The athletes, along with their equestrian partners, will be judged on strength, balance, artistry and creativity by internationally rated judges Adrienne Stang (FEI O) of California; Suzanne Detol (FEI I) of Oregon, and Ulrike Rieder (FEI O) of Germany.

Competition will take place on Saturday, June 30th from 8:30 am until 6:00 pm. The final round of competition will be held on Sunday, July 1st from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. A special performance featuring the free style routines of individuals and teams is scheduled from 12:00 until 5:00 on Sunday. Valet parking will be available and tickets will be available at the gate both days.

The event is a benefit for Via Rehabilitation Services for the re-building of Camp Costanoan (a summer camp for the disabled children of the Silicon Valley).

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Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards are located at the historic Garrod Farms in Saratoga, California. The Garrod Family began farming the land in 1893. Originally a prune orchard, they family established a boarding, training, and rental stable in the 1950’s. In 1972, the family began the winery. The Cooper and Garrod families enjoyed a truly “private reserve”, until their bonded winery was established in 1994. The premier commercial release, a 1992 Chardonnay, won the first of many prestigious awards. Tasting is available weekends from 11-5pm in the “Fruit Shed” built in 1922.

For more information about this event, please contact Marianne Rose

Phone/Fax 408/867-1789, email cvisaratoga@worldnet.att.net

Links:

CVI** Saratoga www.cvisaratoga.org (January 2001)

Cooper Garrod Vineyard www.cgv.com

Via Rehabilitation Services www.viaservices.org

American Vaulting Association (AVA) www.americanvaulting.org

American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) www.ahsa.org

International Equestrian Federation (FEI) www.sporthorse.org

Equiworld Vaulting www.equiworld.net/vaulting/

Please visit our website at www.americanvaulting.org for more information about vaulting. The American Vaulting Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to the promotion of Vaulting, an equestrian sport in which vaulters perform gymnastic movements in harmony with their equine partner.