Wellington, FL - February 14, 2011 - The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is bigger and better than ever in 2011, with more prize money and more opportunities for the world's best horses and riders to excel in the specialties of their sport. The World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Hunter Classic Spectacular will be held for the 15th straight year at the FTI WEF beginning on February 18.

The Spectacular first debuted in 1997 as an expansion of the popular World Championship Hunter Rider program. The Spectacular was created as a premier Hunter Classic, and is part of the member event series for the WCHR program, which culminates with the WCHR Finals at The Capital Challenge Horse Show in October. This special anniversary brings a few changes to the Spectacular, which are sure to enhance and showcase the talented riders of the WCHR.

During the sixth week of competition at the FTI WEF, running February 16-20, 2011, exhibitors will have the opportunity to display the very best in show hunters on center stage. On February 18, the WCHR Professional Hunter Classic Spectacular will begin in the International Arena under the lights at 7 p.m. February 20 will feature the WCHR Junior/Amateur Hunter Classic Spectacular, following the Peggy Cone Adult Hunter Classic, which begins at 8a.m. in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring.

Qualifying for both Spectacular events will be held through weeks 5 and 6 at the FTI WEF.

The $5,000 Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Hunter Classic (NAL) was established by Carol Cone in memory of her sister Peggy. Peggy Cone was an accomplished songwriter, singer, performer and equestrian. Peggy passed away from liver cancer in February 2001.

Tailored Sportsmen is proud to sponsor many special awards at the WEF 6 WCHR week, including the prizes for the Peggy Cone Classic.

Spectators will have the chance to watch the classes in "Spectacular" style by purchasing tables of six for dinner during Friday's class in the International Club and tickets for brunch on Sunday overlooking the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter ring. Table and ticket sales benefit the USHJA Foundation, which provides funding for equestrians in need of urgent financial relief due to injury or illness through the Horseman's Assistance Fund, educational scholarships, and programs of the USHJA which include the WCHR, Emerging Athletes, Trainer Certification and Zone Programs.

For table reservations or ticket purchases please contact Keeley Gogul at 440.289.4514 or [email protected] or Whitney Allen at 859.225.6707 or [email protected].

About the WCHR:
In 1995, the inaugural World Championship Hunter Rider Pro Finals were held as the culmination of an awards program of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation to recognize and celebrate the hunter rider. WCHR program participants qualify at member competitions held throughout the year to compete in these finals. In 1997, the WCHR Spectacular was added to the qualifying menu and quickly became one of the premier events which exemplifies the high standards set for the WCHR program. In 2010 the American Hunter Jumper Foundation transferred its assets and programs to the USHJA in an effort to further their vision for our sport. The USHJA is excited to showcase the WCHR program to its members as it continues to grow in popularity. For more information, please visit www.ushja.org.

ENDS