In keeping in the tradition of promoting the best in equestrian sport, the Capital Challenge Horse Show is pleased to announce the addition of an expanded $45,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper division.

Celebrating its 15th year, the 2008 Capital Challenge kicks off on September 27 and runs through October 5 in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Manager Oliver Kennedy said of the expansion, “We have always had a great turnout of junior/amateur-owner riders from across North America, and by expanding this division it will give them an increased level of competition and one of the highest purses ever offered for the junior/amateurs.”

The division will consist of three phases. The first two $10,000 table II, sec 1., classes will be held on Thursday and Friday afternoon in the Show Place Arena. The final phase will be held Saturday night—the $25,000 class will be held in a grand prix format. The overall highpoint score of the three classes will be presented with the Ariat Congressional Cup.

Last year’s winner of the $50,000 Ariat Congressional Cup Grand Prix, Kent Farrington, said of the newly expanded division, “I think it’s great that there will be an expanded junior-amateur division with an interesting and challenging modified world cup format.”

The new class will give the juniors and amateurs the opportunity to compete indoors over courses designed by world-renown Conrad Homfeld. Homfeld was a Team Gold and Individual Silver medalist at the 1984 LA Olympics, as well as the Team Gold and Individual Silver medalist at the 1986 World Championships in Aachen, Germany. Homfeld was also a two-time winner of the World Cup Finals and has designed the courses at two World Cup Finals. He was also just named course designer for the 2010 World Equestrian Games to be held in Lexington, KY.

Homfeld will also design the courses for the children’s/adult jumpers. The $10,000 Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Challenge will take place on Thursday night in the Show Place Arena.

To keep updated on the latest Capital Challenge Horse Show news please visit the official website at www.capitalchallenge.org. To watch footage of last year’s show jumping action visit www.equestriansport.tv. For more information call (301) 260-2467.