The New England Equitation Championships (NEEC) will return to the Eastern States Exposition Coliseum in West Springfield, MA, October 15-18, with all the excitement, camaraderie and keen competition it is known for. Judges Bob Crandall, Mindy Darst, Jimmy Lee, Randy Roy, Christine Tauber and Andrea Wells will preside over this year’s competition as well as the ever-popular Challenge of the States sponsored by the friends and family of Grazing Fields Farm. Fran Dotoli and Dr. Kate Chope will judge the prestigious Katie Battison Horsemanship Award, which is presented to the junior exhibitor who best typifies the “all-rounded” horseperson and is sponsored once again this year by Volo Farm. And for the third year, Cookie DeSimone and Greg Prince’s Woodridge Farm will sponsor the ever-popular Junior Medal. The special Dinner and Video Celebration for Junior Riders in Their Last Year will be held on Friday evening, October 16. Friends and family who want to attend this special tribute at the Marriott Hotel are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as seating is limited. Simply click on “Dinner Tickets” under Juniors on the website. The Adult Party, sponsored by Riverwind and Charisma Farms, returns to the Salty Dog for a great night of fun on the 15.

The NEEC website has a whole new look. Internet visitors will be treated to a user-friendly experience with everything you need to know about NEEC from class schedules and where to qualify to downloading stall, hay and bedding forms. New this year, nominations for special awards such as the Sportsmanship Awards, Groom’s Award and Nicholas Award can be submitted online. Here is a perfect opportunity to nominate a horseman or horse you feel is worthy of special recognition. Click on “Awards” and you will find last year’s recipients, the criteria for each award and an opportunity to submit your nomination for 2009 with the click of a button. Newenglandequitation.com is a comprehensive site designed to keep New England equitation riders and trainers in-the-know and up-to-date with the latest news about this year’s finals competition.

If you need more information regarding any aspect of NEEC or would like to support this outstanding finals competition with a donation or sponsorship opportunity, please visit www.newenglandequitation.com.