King Shavings USGPL Fast Facts 2003
WHAT: King Shavings US Grand Prix League (USGPL) Invitational Finals
- September 24-28, 2003
WHO: The top 30 qualifiers in four categories will be invited to compete
in the King Shavings USGPL with no entry fees. The invited riders
will qualify for the Invitational Finals and awards by competing in
qualifying classes offered at Marshall & Sterling League member
horse shows nationwide during this year's League season. For the Finals,
the top 30 Jumpers in each category are determined based on money
won at member events. The top 30 Pre-Green Hunters qualify based on
points earned at member events. The New Marshall & Sterling League
National Standings will be used to determine the top 30 who will qualify
in each category. The Riders must be members of the Marshall &
Sterling League in order for their money won/points to count.
Riders
at the Grand Prix level will be presented with the exceptional opportunity
to compete in two back-to-back $100,000 Grand Prix, first at the
Marshall & Sterling National Indoor Finals, September 17-21
in Worcester, Massachusetts, and a week later at the King Shavings
US Grand Prix League Invitational Finals.
WHERE: HITS Commonwealth Park, Culpeper, Virginia
CATEGORIES:
$15,000
Low Jr./A-O Jumper Invitational
$25,000 High Jr./A-O Jumper Invitational
$100,000 Invitational Grand Prix
$25,000 Pre-Green Hunter Invitational (sponsored by Stillwell-Hansen
and Four Winds Farm)
DIRECTIONS:
From Route 495 (Capitol Beltway) to Interstate Route 66 West. Exit
at Gainesville to Route 29-211 South to Warrenton. Continue on Route
29 thru Warrenton approx. 25 miles to 2nd Culpeper exit (Rt. 3 -
Mineral). Proceed to left on Route 3 about 1/4 mile. Right on Route
522 South. Go 3.5 miles to Commonwealth Park on the left.
From
Route 81 to 64 - Route 64 to Route 29 North to 3rd Culpeper exit
(Rt. 3 - Mineral). Proceed right on Route 3 approx. 1/4 mile and
go right on Route 522 South. Go 3.5 miles to Commonwealth Park on
the left. From Route 81 to 66 - Route 66 East to Gainesville/Route
29-211 exit, South on Route 29, thru Warrenton for approx. 25 miles
to the 2nd Culpeper exit (Rt. 3 - Mineral). Proceed to the left
on Route 3 about 1/4 mile and go right on Route 522 South. Go 3.5
miles to show grounds on the left.
From
Route 95 - Route 95 North or South to Route 3 exit (Fredericksburg).
Route 3 to 522 South. Left on 522 South, 3.5 miles to Commonwealth
Park on the left.
PARKING: Parking is free Wednesday through Sunday
ADMISSION: No admission charge Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday
admission is $5 per person, children under 12 free. Admission proceeds
benefit local charities.
SHOW GROUNDS: 900 permanent stalls and six permanent all-weather
hunter, jumper, and equitation show rings including a Grand Prix
field with grandstands located on 92 acres of Commonwealth Park.
FOOD: Specially catered by HITS staff, a complete and diverse menu
of food and beverages is available at the Showday Caf, the snack
bar, and the pavilion.
SHOPPING: Vendor Courtyard features 15 to 20 shops offering horse-themed
gifts, clothes, art, antiques, and jewelry.
MAJOR CORPORATE SPONSORS: Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Great
American Insurance Companies, Corona/Lexol Products, Home Box Office,
Charles Owen Helmets, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. and Four Winds Farm,
The Equestrian Shop, Rio Vista Products, Purina Mills and State
Line Tack.
HISTORY: The first Culpeper Horse and Colt Show was held at Monte
Vista park in 1897 and it continued for the next 54 years. In the
1980s, show jumping returned to Culpeper in a grand fashion with
the opening of Commonwealth Park, one of the finest horse sport
facilities in the country. Some of the richest show jumping events
in America have been held at Commonwealth Park, including the $200,000
U.S. Cup, the grand finale for the United States Grand Prix League
in 1986. HITS purchased the Commonwealth Park in 1997 and began
restoring the grounds to its former glory. In 1998, HITS reintroduced
the United States Grand Prix League and presented the $75,000 Cosequin
Invitational Grand Prix at Culpeper as the grand finale for the
summer show jumping series. The USGPL has grown in size and popularity
since 1998, and this year HITS will present the $100,000 King Shavings
Invitational Grand Prix.
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