Hardwick, MA—July 30, 2004—Karen O’Connor of The Plains, VA, took the early lead in the Eventing World Cup Qualifier following the dressage phase on Friday, July 30, opening day of the Over The Walls Horse Trials at Great Meadowbrook Farm in Hardwick, MA. World-class competition continues with the cross-country phase on Saturday and concludes following the jumping phase on Sunday, August 1.

A two-time Olympic Medalist, O’Connor rode Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thompson’s Thoroughbred gelding Jokers Wild, her 2003 Pan American Championship individual Silver Medal mount, to a score of 42.1 penalties in the dressage phase. Following O’Connor in second place is Bruce “Buck” Davidson, Jr. aboard Idalgo with a score of 43.0 penalty points. Tied for third place with 43.4 penalties are Bonnie Mosser riding Jenga and Linden Weisman riding Primative Gold.

The 2004 Over The Walls Horse Trials also features a United States Eventing Association (USEA) Gold Cup Series event and the National Advanced Horse Trials Championship for the Jack Le Goff Trophy, as well as seven other Advanced, Preliminary and Young Rider division classes.

Leading the Advanced division of the USEA Gold Cup Series as of July 27 is Australia’s Phillip Dutton with 705 points. Behind him in second place is Jan Thompson with 500 points, and Darren Chiacchia sits in third place with 475 points. Points earned in the USEA Gold Cup Series event at the Over The Walls Horse Trials will be added upon completion of all three phases of competition.

Nathalie Bouckaert aboard Everest and Kim Morani with Test Run tied for the early lead in the Advanced division at this year’s Over The Walls with 37.08 penalties following the completion of the dressage phase. In a tie for third position with 37.92 penalty points are Gretchan Butts with Zydeco and Steven Bradley riding Stonehenge.

In addition to witnessing top-level horses and riders galloping over green fields overlooking the pristine Central Massachusetts Town of Hardwick, spectators at the 2004 Over The Walls Horse Trials can enjoy shopping at the event’s trade fair. Vendors are on hand, offering gifts for home, people and pets, plus horse supplies, tack and equipment, and everything for the horse enthusiast.

Over The Walls Horse Trials is open to the public with free admission and a parking charge of $5.00 per carload, which benefits Windrush Farm Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and includes a horse show program.

For more information, please contact Erik Fleming or Torrance Watkins at (413) 477-0040 or visit the Over the Walls website at www.overthewalls.com.