Top Riders Create Impressive Lineup At Garden State

AUGUSTA, NJ—April 19, 2002— The Garden State Horse Show has all the components of a high caliber equestrian competition – a great venue at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ; carefully chosen officials; and of course, top athletes. This year’s show, held May 1-5 is once again anticipating some of the country’s best show jumping riders to grace the show grounds. The expected lineup of United States Equestrian Team veterans is sure to make the $50,000 Garden State Grand Prix held on Saturday, May 4, one of the most exciting events of the year.

Some of the riders expected to compete include Anne Kursinski of Flemington, NJ. Kursinski was a member or alternate member of four consecutive U.S. Olympic teams, including the 1988 Seoul and 1996 Atlanta squads that each won a team Silver Medal. In 1998 she became the first American and first woman rider to win the $450,000 Pulsar Crown Grand Prix in Monterrey, Mexico. Kursinski is also a four-time winner of the American Gold Cup, and in 1983 she won the individual and team Gold Medals in the Caracas, Venezuela Pan-American Games

Brothers Mark and Peter Leone are also expected to return to Garden State. Mark, of Franklin Lakes, NJ, has found repeated success in the ring at the Sussex Fairgrounds. He picked up the blue at the Garden State Grand Prix in 1997 on Loro Piana Karat, and is a two-time winner of the Sussex County Grand Prix held in August in the same arena.

His older brother Peter of Greenwich, Connecticut, was second in the Garden State Grand Prix in 2000 and, like his brother, is a two-time winner of the Sussex County Grand Prix. Peter has been competing successfully on the grand prix circuit for two decades. He achieved a lifelong dream in 1996 when he represented the U.S. Equestrian Team in the Atlanta Olympic Games and helped the U.S. win the team Silver Medal.

Nona Garson of Lebanon, New Jersey, is the defending champion at Garden State, having won the grand prix last year on Rhythmical. Garson was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in Sydney, Australia and has ridden for the U.S. Equestrian Team on numerous occasions.

Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, who is also expected to compete took an impressive 3rd place in the Grand Prix of Aachen, Germany last year and started 2002 off with a win in the $5,000 AmeriChoice/NAL Open Speed Challenge followed by a victory in the $10,000 Cosequin 1.50m Classic both held at the Cosequin Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.

These riders and many more make up the spectacular field which graces the rings at Garden State. In addition to the thrill of power and speed found in the jumper classes, spectators can watch some of the country’s best hunters perform. From pony hunters to amateur-owners, beauty and talent are abundant.

In addition to witnessing top athletes, spectators can enjoy the numerous shopping and dining opportunities available. Admission is free except for Grand Prix Saturday. Saturday’s admission is $10.00 a carload. Gate proceeds go to the Sussex County 4-H. For more information on the Garden State Horse Show call (508) 698-6810.

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