The 2008 Charlotte Jumper Classic will be held on April 11-13 at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It promises to be one of the biggest and best show jumping events in the United States this year for juniors, amateur owners and international open jumpers. The top international show jumpers in the nation will be vying for a purse of $500,000 and will show why the Charlotte Jumper Classic is one of America's premiere equestrian competitions.

The biggest class of the week is the $500,000 Grand Prix of Charlotte, CSI*****, for the Charlotte Bobcats Cup. It will be held on Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. The class has the highest international show jumping rating given in the world, which makes it an important class for show jumpers who want to earn points towards their international ranking. The class will be held as a two-round format, and the winner of the class will take home the lion's share of the prize money.

The international jumpers will battle for $100,000 in prize money in their first three classes of competition at the Charlotte Jumper Classic. The $50,000 Charlotte Welcome Stake, CSI runs on Friday, April 11, at 8 p.m. Their second class, a speed competition for $25,000 in prize money, will be held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Their accumulator class, which also offers a $25,000 purse, is on Saturday at 8 p.m. In addition to the prize money that riders can win in competition, the Leading International Rider will win a trophy and $7,500, as will the Best International Horse. The reserve horse award will win $2,500.

The junior/amateur owner jumpers will compete for an amazing $80,000 in prize money. This includes a $15,000 speed class on Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. and a $15,000 accumulator class on Saturday evening. Their final class is the $50,000 Charlotte Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic on Sunday at 1 p.m., which rivals in prize money many of the grand prix events held around the country.

For equestrian competitors, the Charlotte Jumper Classic is a must on their travel schedule, not only for the incredible prize money, but for the great venue and top-notch competition. This year, the Charlotte Jumper Classic offers an expanded competition ring along with a well-appointed stabling area and schooling ring, including a live broadcast of competition inside the schooling ring area.

The Charlotte Jumper Classic is a signature fundraising event for the Bobcats Youth Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children and youth in the community. The upcoming 2008 Charlotte Jumper Classic will benefit the Bobcats Youth Foundation's three signature initiatives: building reading and technology centers, resurfacing outdoor basketball courts and supporting the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser, a mobile health clinic providing needed healthcare to disadvantaged children.

The Charlotte Jumper Classic will host more than 200 horses in Uptown Charlotte and features $700,000 in prize money. For more information on the Charlotte Jumper Classic, please visit www.charlottejumperclassic.com.