2009 Challenge of the Americas Fast Facts
Equestrian News Release

EVENT: 2009 Challenge of the Americas (COTA)

WHAT: The opening ceremonies will feature Susan Jaccoma, who has long been one of America's leading dressage trainers, riding a patriotic freestyle performance. Following the opening ceremonies, champion dressage rider and trainer Pam Goodrich and western reining champion Jon Ingram will match up, riding against one another in an exciting exhibition. Other special presentations will include distinguished dressage rider Jane Hannigan showcasing an individual freestyle performance, and Olympians Ashley Holzer and Courtney King-Dye performing an impressive Pas de Deux.

Twelve horse-and-rider combinations on two teams compete in a one-of-a-kind international event that highlights the Olympic equestrian sport of Grand Prix dressage. The dressage riders compete in the Musical Team Quadrille, with the highest team score determining the winner. Team Purina Mills USA will include: Betsy Steiner, Pamela Goodrich, John Zopatti, James Koford, Chris Hickey, and George Williams. Team International The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch will include: Marco Bernal, Patrick Burssens, Heather Bender, Shannon Dueck, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, and Juan Matute.

The Challenge Gala, an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, will get underway immediately following the "The Challenge of the Americas" competition. An awards presentation will be featured and guests will have the chance to meet and socialize with riders and judges.

WHERE: International Polo Club Palm Beach, Wellington, FL

WHEN: March 7, 2009

ADMISSION: $25 Donation at the Gate to view The Challenge of the Americas

PARKING: Valet Parking at Spectator Entrance

BENEFICIARY: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

SCHEDULE OF FESTIVITIES

6:00 p.m. Patrons and Sponsors Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres

6:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies

"Tribute to America" - Susan Jaccoma

Dressage v. Reining Exhibition -Pam Goodrich and Jon Ingram

Individual Freestyle - Jane Hannigan

Pas de Deux - Ashley Holzer and Courtney King-Dye

Challenge of the Americas - Musical Dressage Quadrille

Awards Ceremony

8:00 p.m. The Challenge Gala - Grand Marque Tent (Reservations Only)

2009 Challenge of the Americas Teams

Team Purina Mills USA: Betsy Steiner, Pamela Goodrich, John Zopatti, James Koford, Chris Hickey, and George Williams.

Team International the Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch: Marco Bernal, Patrick Burssens, Heather Bender, Shannon Dueck, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, and Juan Matute.

RESERVATIONS: To make reservations for the Challenge Gala & VIP Box Seating, contact Mary Ross at 561-852-2591. General Admission tickets can be purchased at the gate on the evening of the event for $25.

For more information on Challenge of the Americas, please visit http://www.challengeoftheamericas.com.



Photo Credit: Riders perform a half pass during Challenge of the Americas Practice. Photo © 2009 Lauren Fisher/PMG. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.