Wellington, FL – March 1, 2003 – Three weeks of the Winter Equestrian Festival thus far have offered equitation classes. Equitation judges the rider’s skills and mastery of the basics of riding. The Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic contains two phases: a Hunter Phase, and a Jumper Phase. Michael Morrissey has had an impressive record during this Festival and in the WIHS Equitation Classic, this week he won the overall high score. Last week he won overall high score in the WIHS Equitation Classic and during week 3 he won the class. The only other week the class was offered was the first week of showing, and Michael won the Jumper Phase and was third overall. A very consistent performance by Michael right at the top.

In addition, Michael has been very successful and impressive in the other equitation classes including:

Week 1, Nutrena - 2nd in USA Equestrian Hunt Seat Medal, 2nd in the BET/USET Talent Search, 6th in the ASPCA Maclay medal

Week 2, Bayer - no equitation offered

Week 3, Kilkenny - 2nd BET/USET Talent Search, 3rd in the ASPCA Maclay, 4th in the USA Medal

Week 4, Hunter Week - no equitation offered

Week 5, Zada - 1st in the BET/USET Talent Search, 2nd in the ASPCA Maclay

This Week, Tommy Week – 1st in the BET/USET Talent Search, the Medal and Maclay will be held on Sunday.

The $20,000 1.5 m Classic was the feature class in the Internationale Arena today and consisted of a large field of 55 competitors. Eighteen of those were clear in the first round and came back in the jump-off to race against the clock. Royal Discovery and Markus Beerbaum were third to return in the jump-off and produced a clear round in a very fast time of 34.191 seconds. This lead held throughout the class until the very last horse to compete beat his time. McLain Ward riding his own horse, Galant, went clear in a time of 33.459 seconds to win the class. Galant is a chestnut warmblood gelding from Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone own Royal Discovery. Millcreek’s Raphael with Eric Lamaze riding was third.

Tani Zeidler Anderson performed a one-two punch today in the $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Tani rode Illusion to the win and she rode Van Holland to second place.

Shadowfax with Wendy Dixon riding won Amateur Adult Jumpers 36 and over. In the Amateur Adult Jumpers 18-35, Pashmina won with Pamela Suskind riding.

All results are posted daily at www.stadiumjumping.com.

Tickets to the Winter Equestrian Festival are available by phone at 793-JUMP or at the gate. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Children 12 & under are free all days. Senior admission is $5 every day. Adult admission is $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. Parking is free.

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.