New York, NY – August 9, 2004 – With a new floor plan designed by Blackburn Architects and décor from Tavern on the Green, an elaborate stage is set to showcase The Metropolitan National Horse Show in New York City from November 3-7, 2004, at Pier 94 and The Show Piers on the Hudson.

Dramatic modifications in ring sizes, seating locations, traffic patterns, and decorations will provide exhibitors and spectators with all the lavish Manhattan swank that this impressive show commands. “It’s a big difference – everything about the venue will be much more open. The new floor plan incorporates much more horse-friendly and people-friendly methods of getting to the rings and the seats,” explained Bob Bell, Show Manager of The Metropolitan National Horse Show. “Decorations from Tavern on the Green will totally change the look.” Tavern on the Green, the show’s official caterer, will furnish topiaries, flowers, plants and draperies as well as themed ornamentation from the renowned restaurant’s extensive collection.

VIP accommodations have been impressively stepped up. Viewed from the entrance door of Pier 94, the entire right hand side of the ring is devoted to the Diamond Horseshoe, which is the traditional name for the National Horse Show’s VIP section. The Diamond Horseshoe includes two sections, which will seat a total of 162 people; the large section consists of 24 tables of six (144 people) and the smaller section offers seven high-top tables of four (28 people). Complementing the VIP ringside seating is a full open bar and all-day gourmet dining catered by Tavern on the Green. Those with reserved tables may also choose to watch the action from the 940-seat VIP seating section at the far end of the ring. And located right behind it is the new tented 40’ x 50’ VIP Lounge, which is available to people who have reserved tables or seats in the VIP seating area. Tables in the Diamond Horseshoe are available at $5,000.

Located at the opposite end of the ring from the 940-seat VIP section is the 330-seat General Admission seating. These seats are closest to the entrance door to Pier 94.

And along with the intensive interior planning for spectators, the exhibitors will also find accommodations transformed. The competition ring is now 92’ x 240’ and the schooling area is 120’ x 60’. All stalls are located to the right of the front entrance to Pier 94. More than 600 horses will compete over the three days, with exacting scheduling in place for the 231 stalls available.

Vendors are playing a significantly bigger role at the 2004 Metropolitan – the number of participants has quadrupled from last year to 58. The vendors will be grouped at the opposite end of the venue from the stabling area. Merchandise available will be exclusively equestrian – from jewelry shops to tack and horse clothing. The vendor area also includes a large café catered by Tavern on the Green. The new floor plan has taken into account that exhibitors watch the schooling area even when they go to eat or shop, and that has been factored into the layout.

A new traffic pattern will also be in effect, separating the flow of horses and riders to and from the rings from the pedestrian traffic of spectators headed for the seating areas. All seating will load on the opposite side of the ring from the mounted traffic. “The whole venue will have a much cleaner look,” said Manager Bell. “Overall, it will be more organized for the exhibitors.”

Attracting major sponsorship is a top priority for the Board of Directors of the National Horse Show Association Ltd., which includes The Metropolitan and The 121st National Horse Show scheduled for November 30 through December 5, 2004, in Palm Beach, Florida. Several major manufacturers have pronounced interest in sponsorship – especially with the Board’s firm commitment to televise the prestigious ASPCA Maclay Championship, which is a highlight of The Metropolitan National Horse Show. “Pointing out that the Maclay will be televised has brought in more interest from the sponsors,” stated Bell. “Negotiations are going forward for putting the Maclay on national television.” The plan is to record a full three hours of the preliminary and final rounds. The footage will be edited to one hour and broadcast in early December. The popular HorseCity.com has agreed to load the one-hour TV program on its website so that viewers can also watch the Maclay on their computers.

“The Metropolitan National Horse Show is going to be a spectacular event,” stated Bell. “With over $300,000 in prize money offered and the caliber of riders who have contacted me already, this will be a highly charged competition. This time we have a year to put the show together. Everybody’s expectations are much, much higher – I’m sure the exhibitors’ are and ours are, and we plan to deliver an event above and beyond those expectations.”

Metropolitan Prize List On The Web

The Metropolitan National Horse Show Prize List is currently available on line at www.nhs.org. Under the heading “Show Information,” click “The Metropolitan” or “ASPCA Maclay,” and an Information Box will appear in the upper right hand corner of your screen – click “Prize List.” For your convenience, sections of the 2004 Prize List have been extracted and are listed separately, or click the PDF icon for “Complete Prize List Document.” Prize lists for The Metropolitan and the 121st National Horse Show will be mailed together in one package later this month.

Sponsor And Vendor Information

For information on sponsorship or vendor space at The Metropolitan National Horse Show, contact Carolyn Vincent, Executive Coordinator of the National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd., at (516) 484-1865 or via email at NationalHS@aol.com.

For information on sponsorship at The 121st National Horse Show in Wellington, Florida, contact: Steve Prescott or Caren Hunter at (561) 793-5867. For information on vendor space at the 121st National Horse Show, contact Jim Morrissey at (941) 915-3448.

Information is also available on the National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd. website at www.nhs.org.