Wellington, Florida – February 24, 2003 – Gene Mische, President of Stadium Jumping, Inc., has reached out yet again to help a group of underprivileged/challenged children and adolescents: this time, it’s Horses ‘N Heroes of South Florida. Mr. Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc. produce and manage The 2003 Winter Equestrian Festival currently being held at The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington through March 9, 2003.

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Mische, several Horses ‘N Heroes participants will be able to compete at The Festival without cost, with stabling, feed, shavings and entry fees provided by Stadium Jumping.

Horses ‘N Heroes of South Florida is an 8-year-old horseback riding program for children and adolescents who are underprivileged, mentally or physically challenged, or abused, regardless of economic circumstance. Based at a stable in Delray Beach, Florida, these young people come to Horses ‘N Heroes for training in all levels of horsemanship, including the care of the horses they ride. They bathe and groom the horses, muck and bed their stalls, keep their water buckets clean and take care of all of the horses’ needs.

The 15 horses stabled with Horses ‘N Heroes were donated by generous owners, together with saddles, bridles and other equipment. The facility is self-maintained, as all the participants take care of the stable’s daily needs. Palm Beach Equine of Wellington provides veterinary care at cost; South Florida Shavings donates all the bedding; and blacksmith Colin Morrow shoes the horses at a discount.

Working with horses provides a multitude of benefits to underprivileged, challenged and abused children. Through the program, they develop a sense of compassion, discipline, accomplishment and physical ability … as well as having a lot of fun.

For further information, please contact founder and director Mindy Nolan at (561) 498-4140.

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 daily)

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.