base_template

Some of the countries leading international riders head a strong cast of competitors for the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, April 8-10th at Chatsworth, North Georgia, USA. The event, now in its 18th year, will be hosting its first FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) alongside Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions to offer a total purse of $30,000.

Athens Olympic silver medallist, Kimberly Severson, Scottsville, VA, and Linda Wachtmeister’s 12 year-old English Thoroughbred gelding, Winsome Adante, will present a tough challenge to fellow Olympic team bronze medallists; (Kim and Winsome Adante are pictured at the right jumping into the water at Southern Pines.) Darren Chaicchia riding Windfall 2, Springville, NY, (Darren and Windfall are pictured at the left below jumping into the water at Red Hills.) and Amy Tryon, Redmond, WA aboard Poggio II in the FEI World Cup Qualifier. Severson, who took the title here in 2002 aboard Winsome Adante, has also entered her second string, Royal Venture. Tryon will be defending the Chatsworth title that she claimed in 2004 with her other international partner, My Beau.

Additional contenders for a ticket to the FEI World Cup Final in Sweden later this year are Pennsylvania-based, Australian, Phillip Dutton aboard Bruce Duchossois' Hannigan and Mrs. Annie Jones' The Foreman. Dutton is always highly competitive, which he proved earlier this year at the first FEI World Cup Qualifier in the US at Red Hills Horse Trials when aboard The Foreman he edged out Darren Chiacchia and Windfall in the show jumping phase to win. Dutton won the CIC*** at Chatsworth in 1998 (Fair Dinkum); 2001 (House Doctor) and 2003 (Simply Red). (Phillip is pictured below at the right at the fence before the water at Red Hills.)

Seasoned campaigner and former Olympian, Karen O’Connor, The Plains, VA, will return to Bouckaert Farms with Jokers Wild and Upstage to take on fellow Virginian, Sara Kozumplik (As You Like It), as well as several other young contenders including Will Faudree (Antigue & Wild Frontier); William Coleman (Fox in the Bnight, Ratzi & Second Hope) and Canadian, Penny Roland (Windswept).

Chatsworth has become an important event in the spring calendar for many of the leading riders and horses, which makes for a spirited competition. The distinctive hospitality at Bouckaert Farms, which includes the popular party after cross county on Saturday night, trade booths and other attractions, assures visitors a warm welcome and fun weekend of sport in North Georgia.

Please visit the event website at www.bouckaertfarm.com for more details and directions to the event.

* * * * *

For more information, please contact Chris Stafford, Media Director, at media@necomms.com or at (859) 552-5705.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The FEI (International Equestrian Federation) World Cup event is a series of qualifying competitions, which take place around the world, including four in the US. This year’s final will be held in Malmo, Sweden, August 11-14th.

A CIC event is a horse trials with the same format, i.e. dressage, cross-country and show jumping as the other divisions except that it is recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as an international competition.

Belgium international event rider, Carl Bouckaert, established Chatsworth Horse Trials in 1988. Bouckaert Farm is one of the premier equestrian facilities in the world, offering a wide range of opportunities for the eventing enthusiast. The farm is also home to international 3-Day Event riders Nathalie and Michael Pollard. Additionally, many well known advanced horses presently reside at the farm, including Welton Molecule, Mr. Mullins, The Boomer, Nero, On the Button, Pinnacle Springbok, and Oliver Edgecombe.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------