Social Scene Sizzlers Set For 121st National Horse Show In Wellington

Wellington, FL – September 14, 2004 – For more than a century the National Horse Show has represented one of America’s most prestigious equestrian competitions as well as one of the country’s most popular social calendar centerpieces. With the 121st running of the National Horse Show scheduled for November 30 through December 5, 2004, in Wellington, Florida, that tradition of first-class competition with first-rate social events continues. Nightly parties, receptions and galas are set to sizzle for the 121st National Horse Show.

The evening social scene for The National in Wellington kicks off on Tuesday, November 30, with the Opening Party at the Palm Beach Equestrian Country Club. This after-show cocktail party is sponsored by Beverly Lake Wilkes and will give sponsors, riders, owners and other dignitaries involved with the event the opportunity to celebrate the opening day of the show.

Following the competition on Wednesday, December 1, John and Carroll Goodman will host a Welcome Cocktail Party in the marquee tent at their International Polo Club Palm Beach. Guests will include members of the National Horse Show Board of Directors, Ladies Committee, sponsors, as well as exhibitors and owners.

In keeping with The National’s ‘party every night’ tradition, on Thursday, December 2, after the show Mrs. William Redfern will host a Cocktail Reception at her Mallet Hill estate near the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. Mrs. Redfern, the sponsor of the Regular Working Hunter class at the 121st National Horse Show, will receive invited guests from the show roster including Board Members, Ladies Committee, exhibitors and owners.

“Jumping Under the Stars” on Friday, December 3, is the highlight of the social scene and the featured evening of exhibitions and competitions at this year’s National. A Black Tie Gala will be held in the Diamond Horse Shoe Club where guests can dine and dance under chandeliers as well as enjoy the feats of horses and riders on view in the Internationale Arena. Ken Rose Catering will supply the gourmet seated-and-served dinner. The featured competition is the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship. Exhibition highlights include The Parade of Breeds and, for the third consecutive year, the beautiful black ensemble of Frieze Frame Friesians. Adding pomp and circumstance to the event will be the ever-popular Belle Glade Marching Band.

The round of parties wraps up on Saturday, December 4, with the American Grandprix Association (AGA) Celebration Dinner. The annual dinner will be held this year in the new Oak Room at the Palm Beach Polo Golf House. The event includes a cocktail hour and seated-and-served dinner. On Sunday, December 5, competition winds up at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club with the prestigious $100,000 Budweiser AGA National Championship Presented By Chesapeake Petroleum.

In addition to the whirlwind of nighttime celebrations, the 121st National Horse Show also features exciting exhibitions and events on the show grounds during the daytime. In addition to the thrills in the competition rings, children and their parents will also enjoy the Children’s Fair Celebration on Saturday, December 4. Sponsored by Wellington Show Stables for the second consecutive year, the fair features the Western Moonwalk, 24’ Super Slide, Balloon Artist, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Rock Climbing Wall, Survivor Obstacle, and Pony Rides.

Also on Saturday, December 4, the National Horse Show will feature the Taste of Wellington with a fabulous selection of tastings from gourmet restaurants including California Pizza Kitchen, Anthony’s Pizza, Bamboo Club, Cake Boutique, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Macaroni Grille, Panera Bread, Charlie’s Steamers, Tree’s Wings & Ribs, and Galipette’s Catering Co.

With topnotch competition in the ring and superlative soirées scheduled outside the ring, this year’s 121st National Horse Show has all the markings of the best meet yet for this historic event.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden in New York City, the National Horse Show has now become one of America’s most prestigious outdoor horse shows. Produced by the National Horse Show Association, Ltd., the 2004 six-day event will be held for the third consecutive year at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. The 121st National Horse Show offers top hunter and jumper horses and riders the opportunity to earn national honors and also features the 3rd Annual Dressage At The National competition.

For more information, write to National Horse Show, PO Box 386, Greenvale, NY 11548. E-mail: NationalHS@aol.com; Phone: (516) 484-1865; Fax: (516) 484-1982. Web: www.nhs.org. For tickets to the competition, call 866-NHS-SHOW. For tables in the Diamond Horse Show Club at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club, contact the Special Events Office at (561) 753-3389.