A packed schedule of world-class show jumping competition, educational opportunities, vendors, exhibitors and children's activities comes to Syracuse's Oncenter Complex, October 29-November 1. The Sporthorse Tournament will feature the top-ranked U.S. riders, included appearances by all members of the 2008 Gold-medal Olympic show jumping team. An international field of competitors will all vie for the Budweiser World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse and the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup (featured broadcast on Animal Planet on January 10, 2009). In addition, the finest junior riders in the U.S. will contest the National Horse Show ASPCA Maclay Championship.

In addition to world class show jumping, each year the Invitational presents a host of seminars and clinics sponsored by Practical Horseman and EQUUS Magazine in the EQUUS Educational Arena or the Professional Development Seminar Rooms.

A schedule and details of Tournament events and seminars along with the complete competition schedule are available at: www.SyracuseInvitational.com.

Some highlights of events outside the competition arena include (free unless noted):

- Two presentations by Dr. Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation and Thinking in Pictures: and other reports from my life with autism (ticketed) partial proceeds to benefit the Facilitated Communication Institute at Syracuse University
- Practical Horseman Presents: Horse and Rider Potential—An Insider's View with: George Morris, coach of the Gold-medal Olympic team, and noted trainer John Madden (ticketed)
- Equine Industry Career and College Fair Program
- How do horses fly? Learn how horses travel through the friendly skies and experience their accommodations first hand
- Joseph Pentangelo of television's Animal Precinct will speak on how to spot horse abuse and neglect
- The Budweiser Clydesdales
- "Conversations with the Riders" will be held throughout the week during which audience members will get a chance to 'get up close and personal' with some of the top riders at the Tournament
- Cazenovia College Miniature horse drill team
- Meet local Gold medalist Beezie Madden at a Q & A session for fans
- The healing power of horses—a discussion and demonstration of therapeutic riding with an emphasis on its uses with autism. Session presented by NARHA premiere accredited EquiCenter with the support of Syracuse area NARHA member facility From The Ground Up Therapeutic Riding Center
- USEF Drugs and Medications Workshop with Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator of USEF's Equine Drugs & Medications Program (ticketed)
- A Journey through the Digestive System of the Horse with a live endoscopic exam (ticketed)
- Equus Foundation "Deal or No Deal" dinner (ticketed)
- Kids' activities, including the always-popular craft table, autograph sessions, and other activities
- The Horsin' Around program will again welcome children from local schools for field trips to the Tournament

The real action, of course, is in the War Memorial competition arena, with a full slate of intense show jumping and top-level riding. While competitions will be going on most of the day in the arena, the Tournament features some for which tickets are required. They are:

Wednesday, October 29 - Start time: 7:00 p.m.
- National Horse Show Opening Night Hunter Competitions

Thursday, October 30 - Start time: 7:00 p.m.
- Pasmore Stables Horsemans' Cup
- Regular Working Hunter Stake, presented by Brookway Stables
- Atlas Fence 1.40m Speed

Friday, October 31 - Start time 7:00 p.m.
- Syracuse Corporate Team Challenge
- CN Gambler's Choice

Saturday, November 1
Afternoon Session start time: 2:00 p.m.
- TK99 Speed Derby presented by BMW
- Empire Tractor Ride & Drive
- National Horse Show