Festive Traditions Flourish In Florida At 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival

Wellington, FL – November 10, 2004 – Parties, receptions, and galas highlight the upcoming 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival set for November 30 through December 5, in Wellington, Florida. Produced by the National Horse Show Association, Ltd., the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival will be held for the third consecutive year at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden in New York City, the National Horse Show has now become one of America’s most prestigious outdoor horse shows. The six-day event features top hunter and jumper horses and riders vying for national honors and also presents the 3rd Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC Dressage At The National, December 3-5. Following tradition, the show maintains a century-old custom of celebrating the competition with nightly festivities. The soirees will be held at a variety of luxurious venues surrounding the show grounds, providing guests with the opportunity to experience all that Wellington has to offer to the horse world.

Competition kicks off in the rings at the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival on Tuesday, November 30, and will be celebrated that evening at the Opening Party. Beverly Lake Wilkes of Palm Beach is sponsoring the cocktail party, which will be held at the lovely Palm Beach Equestrian Country Club with its exotic Florida décor and intimate atmosphere. Invited guests include exhibitors, sponsors, committee and board members, and other dignitaries involved with the show.

John and Carroll Goodman of Wellington will host the next evening’s party on Wednesday, December 1, at their International Polo Club Palm Beach. This Welcome Cocktail Party in the marquee tent overlooking the main polo field will treat guests to the remarkable environs of the high-goal set. Exhibitors, sponsors, committee and board members, and dignitaries will be welcomed in style to the National.

Mrs. William Redfern of Wellington will generously provide the setting for the third fete of the horse show in a very personal way. She will host a Cocktail Reception on Thursday, December 2, at her fabulous Mallet Hill estate. Mrs. Redfern is also sponsoring the Regular Working Hunter class at the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival. She will receive invited guests including exhibitors, sponsors, and officials, as well as board and committee members, and dignitaries.

The ultimate party night of the horse show is on Friday, December 3, when “Jumping Under the Stars” features an evening of exhibitions and competitions along with a Black Tie Gala in the Diamond Horseshoe VIP tent. The blue décor of the Winter Equestrian Festival’s Jockey Club will be completely re-decorated for the event in the National Horse Show’s traditional orange and black colors. The gala features a seated dinner as well as a spectacular view of the competition. Guests will dine and dance under chandeliers as well as enjoy the feats of horses and riders ‘jumping under the stars’ in the Internationale Arena. A three-course gourmet meal, featuring roast Cornish hen, will be served by Ken Rose Catering at this glamorous seated-and-served affair. The highlight of the competition is the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship presented by Chesapeake Petroleum. Exhibition highlights include The Parade of Breeds, Frieze Frame Friesians, and the Belle Glade Marching Band. Following the awards ceremonies for the $100,000 National Horse Show Jumper Championship, a Studio 54 after-party will be held in the Pavilion to benefit the Equestrian AIDS Foundation.

Mason Phelps, Jr. is the Chairman of Jumping Under The Stars for the second consecutive year, joined by Co-Chairman Victoria McCullough. Eugene R. Mische and Dr. Sheila Johnson are the Honorary Chairmen. Mrs. Betty Jane Henry is the Grand Marshal. Tables of six in the Diamond Horseshoe are available to be reserved for the week of the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival. Prices for tables include seating for the entire show, November 30 through December 5, and the Jumping Under The Stars gala. Table prices are $3,500 (front row) and $2,500 (second row). Tables are not available for Friday not only reservations.

Wrapping up this whirlwind social scene on Saturday, December 4, is the prestigious American Grandprix Association (AGA) Celebration Dinner. Held annually, this feast honors some of the top riders in the United States who compete at the highest levels of show jumping and have earned honors for theor efforts. The elegant dinner will be held in the new Oak Room at the Palm Beach Polo Golf House, starting off with a mix-and-mingle cocktail hour. The dinner is fittingly scheduled to precede the AGA competition finale, which takes place on Sunday afternoon, December 5. The $100,000 Budweiser AGA National Championship Presented By Chesapeake Petroleum will wrap up the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival with Olympic caliber competition.

Complementing the evening festivities and the daily competition in the rings, the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival also features exciting daytime exhibitions and events. Children and their parents will enjoy the elaborate Children’s Fair Celebration on Saturday, December 4. Sponsored by Wellington Show Stables for the second consecutive year, the fair features the Western Moonwalk, 24-foot Super Slide, Balloon Artist, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Rock Climbing Wall, Survivor Obstacle, and Pony Rides.

Also on Saturday, December 4, the National Horse Show & Family Festival will feature the Taste of Wellington, providing attendees with the opportunity to sample selections from a plethora of local gourmet restaurants including Bamboo Club, Cake Boutique, California Pizza Kitchen, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Macaroni Grille, Panera Bread, Charlie’s Steamers, Tree’s Wings & Ribs, Anthony’s Pizza, Galipette’s Catering Co., and many more.

With some of the nation’s finest horses and riders competing daily and outstanding festivities lighting up every evening, this year’s 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival promises to be an exceptional event on every level.For more information about the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival, write to National Horse Show, PO Box 386, Greenvale, NY 11548. E-mail: NationalHS@aol.com; Phone: (516) 484-1865; Fax: (516) 484-1982. Web: www.nhs.org.