WELLINGTON, FL - February 16, 2004 - The 32nd Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, kicks off the fourth week of competition with the Florida Classic/World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Spectacular CSI-W/Y CSI-Ch, February 18-22. The highlight of the week is the annual American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach, which will be featured under the lights in the Internationale Arena starting at 8 pm on Saturday, February 21.

Since its inception in 1997 the Hunter Classic has earned the reputation of being the class to be in for hunter riders. This event showcases amateur, junior and professional champion and reserve champion show hunter horses and riders who have qualified from preliminary competitions held during the five-day Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular.

"This was the original premier hunter event and it has served as a catalyst for other important hunter competitions," said Geoff Teall, AHJF President. "The Hunter Classic continues to be the one event that every show hunter rider sets as his or her goal."

The event takes place at night in the large grassy Internationale Arena at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. There is no admission charge at the spectator entrance gate and the event always draws a huge crowd. Fans fill both the grass berms surrounding the arena and the tented dinner, which is the AHJF's major annual fundraiser. In the Jockey Club, AHJF patrons will enjoy a buffet dinner. For table reservations call 508-835-8813.

Up to 26 riders qualify to compete in this prestigious competition plus last year's winner Emily Williams, who rode Strapless to first place honors in 2001, 2002 and 2003; Scott Stewart, who was the 2003 Monarch International's Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Champion Hunter Rider; Betty Oare, 2003 WCHR Amateur-Owner National Champion; and Nancy Amling winner of the 2003 WCHR Junior National Championship. These riders will be invited to compete on any horse they choose but must compete at the height for which the combination is eligible in this 'no entry fee' class. All entrants must be current members of the AHJF.

For the riders, this competition gives them a chance to win well-earned money in front of a large and enthusiastic group of spectators in a setting that is festive, glamorous and welcoming. The winner will also be presented with a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, the Dark Continent Perpetual Trophy courtesy of Jim Green, a cooler donated by Grazing Field's Farm, Inc. and a custom jacket by Personalized Products.

The AHJF was formed to further the development of the sport of show hunter 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 Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF 401k and Profit Sharing Plan, the Legacy Cup and the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge.
For information about the Hunter Classic contact the AHJF at 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, call 508-835-8813, fax 508-835-6125 or email ahjf@earthlink.net.

2004 WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
Show days for the 2004 Winter Equestrian Festival are Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 8:00 am. Ticket Prices: Wednesdays are free to everyone; Children 12 and under are admitted free every day; Young Adults 13 to 18 and Seniors are $5 on Thursday through Sunday; Adults are $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is located on Pierson Road off South Shore Boulevard. For additional information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 561-793-5867.

2004 WEF SCHEDULE OF COMPETITIONS
February 18 - 22 Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular CSI-W/Y CSI-Ch
February 19 - 22 Zada Enterprises, LLC Florida Dressage Classic
February 25 - 29 PDP Capital Wellington Masters CSI***
March 3 - 7 CN Wellington Open CSI-W
March 10 - 14 CSIO United States Cosequin Finale CSIO***
March 18 - 21 Zada Enterprises WEF Dressage Classic CDI***/Y
(Qualifier for Olympic Selection Trials)
March 24 - 28 Tampa Bay Classic CSI-W (Bob Thomas Equestrian Center)
March 30 - April 3 Tournament of Champions CSI-W (Bob Thomas Equestrian Center)
April 3 Budweiser American Invitational (Raymond James Stadium)

WEF 2004 MILLION DOLLAR GRAND PRIX SERIES
February 22 $60,000 Idle Dice Classic, presented by Palm Beach Post, CSI-W
February 29 $75,000 PDP Capital Masters Cup, CSI***
March 7 $75,000 CN Wellington Open presented by Estates of Wellington Green, CDI-W
March 12 $50,000 Samsung Nations' Cup, presented by CN, CSIO****
March 14 $100,000 Cosequin U.S. Open Jumper Championship, CSIO****
March 28 $75,000 Grand Prix of Tampa, presented by Kilkenny/ICH, CSI-W
April 3 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, presented by The Tampa Tribune

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