CULPEPER, VA (September 13, 2001)-The fifth annual Cosequin® U.S. Grand Prix League Invitational Finals will be held from September 26 to September 30 at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia, showcasing the top show jumping horses and riders in the League nationally. On Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30, competitions will decide the national League champions in four classes:

$25,000 Pre-Green Hunter sponsored by Stillwell-Hansen & Four Winds Farm, Sept. 29 $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Low, Sept. 30 $25,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High, Sept. 30 and $100,000 Cosequin® Grand Prix Sept. 30, starting at 1:00pm

In celebration of these high stakes classes, Horse Shows In The Sun is presenting special festivities throughout the day on Sunday, September 30. Spectators can enjoy: Free pony rides for the kids presented by Sassy's Party Ponies - 10:00am to 1:00pm

Dog Agility Test Performances by Family Dog Club, Virginia's largest Dog Agility Center. Bring your dog and test his agility abilities on the equipment! 9:30am to 1:00pm Art Show presented by Windmore Foundation for the Arts Circuit Awards Presentations in the Grand Prix field Drawing for a free photo with the winner of the $100,000 Cosequin® Grand Prix Cavalry Demonstrations Autograph Session with Grand Prix riders

The Pavilion will be open starting at 8:am and guests can enjoy a variety of food and entertainment. Tables of eight or half tables of four can be purchased by calling 845-246-8833 or 540-825-7469. The Pavilion Party includes:
Continental Breakfast
Champagne Brunch
Wine Tasting presented by Prince Michel Winery
Music by the Rappahannock Quintet

Prior to the start of the $100,000 Cosequin Grand Prix at 1:00pm, Peter Suto will sing the National Anthem accompanied by members of the Rappahannock Quintet.

HOURS: For the Finals Week, Commonwealth Park will be open to spectators Wednesday through Sunday, from 8am until approximately 4pm. There will be two Marshall & Sterling League Semi-Final classes held on Friday evening, September 28.

ADMISSION: No admission charge Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday admission is $5 per person, children under 12 admitted free. Admission proceeds for the Finals week will be donated to Windmore Foundation for the Arts and Salem Ruritan Club. PARKING: Parking is free Wednesday through Sunday.

DIRECTIONS: HITS Commonwealth Park is located on Rte. 522, 3.5 miles south of the junction with Rte. 3 in Culpeper, Virginia. During HITS Culpeper horse shows, telephone 540-825-7469 for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Hilton, HITS Media & Public Relations Director, 319 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477, Phone: 845-246-8833, Fax: 845-246-6371. E-Mail: hiltonhits@cs.com.