Hampton Falls, NH - Fans of the Olympic sport of equestrian show jumping will have the unique opportunity to meet with some of the nation's top riders and Olympic medalists coming to the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic in Hampton Falls, NH, September 15-19.

The popular 'Elite Shavings Meet and Greet" to be held Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the SmartPak Equine Rider's Tent on the show grounds of the Silver Oak Equestrian Center is a free event open to the public. Here you will meet a panel of elite riders who will answer questions about the sport, their horses, challenges and successes while the audience enjoys a buffet of hors d'oeuvres provided by Bonta Restaurant of Hampton Falls and a selection of beverages including wine and locally crafted Smuttynose beers.

While spectators at the show enjoy a close up view of the top horses and riders competing in the Grand Prix field, the Elite Equine Meet and Greet makes it possible for fans and the media to talk with the star athletes who are headlining this sport in the U.S. and abroad. Posters featuring the winner of the 2006, 2007, and 2009 $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix - Kent Farrington - will be given as souvenirs and will be autographed by the full panel of riders.

"Giving back to the fans is something the riders are happy to do each year by participating in the Meet and Greet. It's a tradition we started several years ago, and it has gained in popularity with our fans who come to enjoy meeting them in a casual atmosphere," said Melissa Lovasco, CEO and President of the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic. The SmartPak Equine Riders' Tent is the perfect venue for the panel of riders to address the audience, right next to the Grand Prix field, making it convenient and close to where all the action is at the show.

Infusing the New England area with a zest for this sport - which is typically only seen on television at this level of competition - has been a goal for the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic management team. Together with local media, the show reached out to children, with a coloring contest for ages 4-15. The 2009 contest was so popular - with over 50 entries of elaborated colored drawings of a horse submitted to the Seacoast Media Group - that it was offered again this year, with a special invitation to the winners to attend the Meet and Greet. The winners will also receive tickets to the show on Sunday, the day of the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix and $15,000 Equine Insurance Services Speed Stake, where the top riders will compete over jumps averaging 5'3" in height.

The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic is New England's largest international Olympic-level show jumping event featuring five full days of equestrian competition, 60 classes and unequalled prize money in the region. The show offers not only spectacular entertainment including WERZ 107.1 Family Day on September 18, but also boutique shopping, gourmet dining and two charity luncheons to support local horse rescue Lucky's Legacy, New England Equine Rescues and the UNH Therapeutic Riding Program. The final day is Sunday, September 19 and here you will see some of these great riders competing for over $100,000 in prize money.

Please join us at the Elite Shavings Meet & Greet where we will also be giving out a signed "Sapphire" Breyer Horse by Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward, a saddle pad autographed by all the top riders and two tickets to the Derby Bank on Sunday to the guests who ask the best question.

For more information, visit www.jumperclassic.com or call (978) 283-7708.

ENDS