Some of the countries leading international riders head a strong cast of competitors for the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, April 8-10, in Chatsworth, GA. The event, now in its 18th year, will be hosting its first FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) alongside Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions to offer a total purse of $30,000.

Athens Olympic Silver medallist, Kimberly Severson, of Scottsville, VA, and Linda Wachtmeister’s 12-year-old English Thoroughbred gelding, Winsome Adante, will present a tough challenge to fellow Olympic Team Bronze medallists Darren Chaicchia riding Windfall 2, and Amy Tryon, aboard Poggio II, in the FEI World Cup Qualifier. Severson, who took the title here in 2002 aboard Winsome Adante, has also entered her second string, Royal Venture. Tryon will be defending the Chatsworth title that she claimed in 2004 with her other international partner, My Beau.

Additional contenders for a ticket to the FEI World Cup Final in Sweden later this year are Pennsylvania-based, Australian, Phillip Dutton aboard True Prospects Farms, Hannigan and The Foreman. Dutton is always highly competitive, which he proved earlier this year at the first FEI World Cup Qualifier in the U.S. at Red Hills Horse Trials when aboard The Foreman he edged out Darren Chiacchia and Windfall in the show jumping phase to win. Dutton won the CIC*** at Chatsworth in 1998 (Fair Dinkum); 2001 (House Doctor) and 2003 (Simply Red).

Seasoned campaigner and former Olympian, Karen O’Connor, of The Plains, VA, will return to Bouckaert Farms with Jokers Wild and Upstage to take on fellow Virginian, Sara Kozumplik with As You Like It, as well as several other young contenders including Will Faudree aboard Antigue and Wild Frontier; William Coleman on Fox in the Night, Ratzi and Second Hope; and Canadian, Penny Roland on Windswept.

Chatsworth has become an important event in the spring calendar for many of the leading riders and horses, which makes for a spirited competition. The distinctive hospitality at Bouckaert Farms, which includes the popular party after cross-country on Saturday night, trade booths and other attractions, assures visitors a warm welcome and fun weekend of sport in North Georgia.

For more information, visit www.bouckaertfarm.com.~~~