Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), the manager of the Winter Equestrian Festival, has released the finalized dates for the competitions commencing on January 13 and running through April 4, 2010. As in the past two years, the Festival will feature 12 weeks of AA USEF competition showcasing some of the world's top Olympic riders and awarding major prize money at one of the premiere equestrian facilities in the world.

Once again, the Festival will feature the Battle of the Sexes, the Nations Cup and as always, high-level grand prix competition, including a new grand prix on the grass at the stadium during week 10. Each week will feature a major night class including the Exquis World Dressage Masters, the World Championship Hunter Rider Spectacular and the United States Hunter and Jumper Association International Hunter Derby. ESP is working on a number of new events, including hunter competitions on the grass on the new Derby Field at the stadium, as well as a charity ProAm team jumping competition.

Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, stated "we are truly excited about our event line up for next year and are looking forward to delivering an even greater experience to all."

Sponsor contracts are currently being finalized and details will be announced shortly.

Winter Equestrian Festival
WEF 1: January 13-17 Speed Derby
WEF 2: January 20-24 CSI** Grand Prix
WEF 3: January 27-31 CSI** and Battle of the Sexes
WEF 4: February 3-7 World Dressage Masters CDI***** and CSI**
WEF 5: February 10-14 CSI W***
WEF 6: February 17-21 WCHR Hunter Spectacular and Jumper Derby
WEF 7: February 24-28 CSI**
WEF 8: March 3-7 FEI Nations Cup CSIO****
WEF 9: March 10-14 CSI W****
WEF 10: March 17-21 CSI** Grand Prix on Grass
WEF 11: March 24-28 CSI*****
WEF 12: March 31-April 4 USHJA International Hunter Derby and Young Horse Finals

ESP has scheduled further improvements to the facility, including replacing the footing in the Gene Mische Hunter Ring and the Rost Arena with a sand/felt footing. The overall drainage of the facility will be completed and well as further improvements to the wash racks and stabling areas. In addition, new food service areas are being developed that will significantly improve the variety of the food offered for both exhibitors and spectators. Stabling packages are now complete and will be available for distribution during the current week.

"We are really looking forward to next season. Our improvements will further enhance the show grounds which, without doubt, are now world class. Our competition schedule has taken into account comments from our customer base, including trainers, riders, owners and spectators," stated Michael Stone, Executive Director of Equestrian Sport Productions.

In addition, the AA-rated Holiday and Horses show will be held on November 25-29 with all competition for the day concluding by noon on Saturday so that the entire community may enjoy the Second Annual Palm Beach Steeplechase to be held on Saturday November 28 at the Stadium. The Holiday and Horses show will also include a Hunter Derby competition. A CSI World Cup Qualifier will be held on Friday evening, November 27 during which an exhibitor party will be held for both the horse show and steeplechase audiences.

Whether you are a spectator for the day or a seasonal competitor, the entire ESP team at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center welcomes you to the newly improved, exciting world of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

For more information, please call the ESP offices at (561) 795-0783 or visit www.equestriansport.com.