West Coast Active Riders Organization Celebrates Wins and Plans Big Future Event

San Diego, CA - November 9, 2004 - The West Coast Active Riders organization's support (WCAR) has been rewarded by the success of their members. There have been wins at recent events in California, and the riders look forward to other big shows that will be held this fall. The results are in from the Nutrena Jumper Finals and the Foxfield Derby, and the FEI Childrens' International Jumping Final looks to be a huge event for young west coast riders.

The Nutrena Jumper Finals was held October 14-17 at the Showpark Fall Festival in Del Mar, California. The event was a big success, thanks to the young riders participating and the wonderful sponsor, Nutrena Feeds. The Childrens/Amateur Adult division champion was Aurora Griffin and Green Sleep's Classic, with Pam Buie and her horse, Sir Henry, coming in a close second place. Kate Wilson and Edesa's Garcon were the winners in the Junior/Amateur Modified division, edging out Katrina Montinola and Mercury Rising. Caren Kelley and The Journalist were first place finishers in the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner division, with Cassie Frost and Truly a Babe receiving second place. The WCAR applauds their success!

The Foxfield Derby was another popular event for WCAR riders. Held October 10th in Westlake Village, California, the show included two derbies that had a great turnout. The beautiful weather and terrific lunch held for the riders made the day complete. Anne Frankel and her mount Here and Now won the Junior/Amateur Owner Derby, while Jesse White and Another Cat won the Foxfield Derby. The two classes included jumps different from those found in normal competitions. The jumps have names like the "Tiger Trap" and "Sunken Road," and consist of ditches and banks that can prove to be difficult for horses that are used to jumping regular poles. WCAR correspondent Aurora Griffin, Nutrena Jumper Final champion, reports," There was everything from open waters, bank combinations, jumping in and out of rings and flying banks. The scenery was beautiful and the competition was incredible."

Young competitors that showed at the Nutrena Jumper Finals and the Foxfield Derby are looking forward to the F.E.I. Childrens' International Jumping Final. The event will be held for the first time in California on November 22-28 at the Hummingbird Nest. The gorgeous equestrian facility is owned by David and Suzanne Saperstein, and they will host the event in its ninth year. The F.E.I. wants to promote the sport of show jumping among children at an international level by increasing their opportunities to compete around the world. Previous host countries include: Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, and Canada. Over 17 different nations will participate, bringing 32 riders between the ages of 12 and 14 together for a week; promoting a sense of friendship, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. The F.E.I. Childrens' International Jumping Final promises a week of top-level sport, fun, celebration, and plenty of entertainment.

The week of competition for children around the world is hosted by the Sapersteins' Hummingbird Nest, a world class 140 acre equestrian facility located in Simi Valley, California. The world class facility boasts breathtaking mountain views, beautiful landscaping and a spectacular 15,000 square foot clubhouse overlooking the International Grand Prix arena. Extensive enhancement since the start of 1999 has preserved the archaeological and historical significance of the property and has restored it to its original splendor. The Simi Valley Parks District surrounds the beautiful facility with thousands of acres of preserved land. There will be countless activities for the whole family, including art classes and exhibitions, a vintage car exhibition, games for kids, wagon rides, rodeo activities, breathtaking skydiving shows, a Fun and Craft fair, marching bands, and musical performances. The jumping final also benefits the Mattel Childrens Hospital at UCLA, and with 10,000 visitors expected, the event looks to be a huge success.

As United States is the host country, all qualified West Coast riders are asked to bring two horses for the competition, but there remains a shortage of horses. The WCAR asks for help from other west coast residents in donating great horses that can jump 1.10-1.20 meters for the week of November 22-28. WCAR executive director, Gabriella Salick, states," It's a great way to help the competition, and a super demonstration of California generosity and team spirit. It's also a perfect opportunity to showcase a sales horse to a big audience and group of people who may have never seen your terrific horse before!"

The WCAR also wishes to congratulate their members who are showing on the East Coast in the big indoor finals. WCAR Board Member Joie Gatlin won the Regular Working Hunter Championship and the Grand Hunter Championship on Jane Fraze's Mandarin at the Washington International Horse Show. Georgia Spogli's Round Midnight also did very well in the First Year Green Hunters at the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

Successful events, brand-new opportunities, and wins at east coast shows are all proof that the West Coast Active Riders organization is furthering the sport for riders on the west coast. The Nutrena Jumper Finals and Foxfield Derby offered great competition, while the F.E.I. Childrens International Jumping Final will be a ground-breaking event. All of these show that the west coast is on the forefront of showjumping, with the WCAR behind them all the way.

For further information about West Coast Active Riders, visit their website at www.westcoastactiveriders.com.

For information on tours, clinics, fundraisers, and/or sponsorship opportunities, contact: West Coast Active Riders, 3830 Valley Center Drive, #705 PMB 805, San Diego, CA 92130. Fax: (805) 373-1092. E-mail: info@westcoastactiveriders.com.

For more information on the Foxfield Derby and their summer camp, please visit www.Foxfield.com.

For information about the F.E.I. Childrens' International Jumping Final and sponsorship, competitions, purchasing tickets, and/or VIP tables, please contact Connie Churchill at (310) 271-7469, or visit www.hummingbirdnestranch.com.

For questions or ideas about donating a horse for the F.E.I. Childrens' International Jumping Final, contact Richard Padilla at (805)341-5831.