Production to Commence in April After Hurricane Delay

Grand Prix rider Karin Reid Offield and Offield Farms have been named Executive Producers of The Search for America’s Next Equestrian Star: Dressage, a television show conceived by six-time Olympian Robert Dover. The documentary style show will showcase the challenges of rising to the top in the Olympic sport of dressage. Six lucky contestants were chosen from more than 400 who auditioned for the chance to become Robert Dover’s Second Assistant Trainer, as well as receive a variety of other prizes and the chance to train for a future Olympics. The New York based television production company Brave St. Productions, who has produced shows for numerous networks, including VH1 and Comedy Central, is developing the show. An announcement regarding domestic and international distribution details will be forthcoming shortly.

For Offield, it was the opportunity to not only assist the young rider contestants in making their dreams come true, but also the chance to present equestrian sports to a larger audience. She said, “As someone who is keenly aware of what it takes to excel in the sport on all levels, I am thrilled to be a part of a project that gives these young riders a chance of a lifetime and to continue to expose sport in all forms on a national and international stage.” Offield has successfully risen through the ranks from training level competitor to CDI Grand Prix, the sport’s highest classification.

More than 400 young riders from around North America submitted audition tapes, which Dover personally viewed. Six fortunate finalists were chosen and invited to Florida to compete to become America’s next dressage star. The six finalists are:

• Jessica (JJ) Tate, 27, Walworth, Wisconsin
• Lindy Bowerbank, 18, Thousand Oaks, California
• Philesha Chandler, 24, Wichita, Kansas
• Brendan Curtis, 20, Silver Spring, Maryland
• Rebecca Vick, 25, Southern Pines, North Carolina
• Jamil Kassum, 16, Scottsdale, Arizona

“This is a dream come true for me,” Dover explained. “To be able to give back to the young people in my industry and really make an impact on several lives is such a terrific feeling. My goal is for this to become an annual event.”

Russell Best, Executive Producer and Partner for Brave St. Productions, added, “Working with a person of Robert’s stature is really exciting. We feel like we are in on the ground floor of the ‘making of an Olympic champion.’ We’re looking forward to beginning the project, watching these kids evolve and seeing how they deal with the strenuous daily regimen.”

While production was initially scheduled to commence in October, Hurricane Wilma intervened. Production will now begin on March 26, 2006 in Wellington, Florida. Competitors will be subjected to a variety of mental and physical challenges over the course of three grueling weeks. One by one the contestants will “ride off into the sunset,” until only three finalists remain. The final three challengers will battle it out for the ultimate prize in one last all-encompassing test on April 16, 2006. Dover has invited a virtual “Who’s Who” of equestrian athletes to participate as judges throughout the competition, including Anne Gribbons, Lendon Gray, Kathy Connelly, Katherine Bateson and Gary Rockwell.

Dover envisions the show as a cross between The Apprentice and American Idol. “It’s going to run like a true reality show,” he commented. “The purpose is get horses onto the networks and into the family rooms of America.”

Brave St. Executive Producer and partner Tammy Leech noted, “I’ve loved horses all my life and to be involved in a project like this with a renowned figure such as Robert is a great honor and personally fulfilling. The production will be one of the most interesting and gratifying challenges of my career.”

A promotional trailer will be available to view online later this month at www.americandressagestar.com.

Offield Farms is a FEI-level breeding, showing and training facility catering to the needs of discerning horse owners and riders. The farm’s mission is to serve as a significant catalyst for the advancement and promotion of the sport of dressage. Visit www.offieldfarms.com for more information.