Wellington, FL - February 9, 2004 - Week 3 of the 32nd Winter Equestrian Festival kicks off on Wednesday, February 11, and runs through Sunday, February 15, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL. Kilkenny/ICH Internationale is the title sponsor of the five-day show, which features the $50,000 Kilkenny/ICH Internationale Cup, CSI***, a Member Event of the AGA Grand Prix Series, on Sunday, February 15. The Winter Equestrian Festival runs through March 21 in Wellington, and from March 24 through April 3 in Tampa, FL.

"Kilkenny Insurance is basically confined to show horses - show jumpers, hunters, and dressage horses, that's our market," said Michael Whitlow, President of Kilkenny Insurance Agency, Inc. "I have superb underwriters for the agency who handle claims in a wonderful and expeditious manner."

This will be the ninth consecutive year of sponsorship for Kilkenny Insurance Agency at WEF. "The sponsorship is very much part of our marketing," said Mr. Whitlow. "It is a privilege to work with these wonderful riders and trainers and their wonderful horses. Naturally we never want to have a claim, however, in the event of a claim we want to get the owner the money back as soon as possible. That is the purpose of insurance - to indemnify the owners for the amount of money they've got out and in the horse and get them back in the saddle as soon as possible. The idea of insurance is a very good idea because for a very small percentage of the value of the horse you will guarantee that you will get all of your money back in the event of a tragedy. Furthermore, we have a wonderful major medical plan that will help financially take care of illnesses, injuries, and accidents - the things that may befall horses from time to time. It's a joy to do it and to be in the business."

Mr. Whitlow launched the insurance agency with his wife Laura in 1994, three years after they moved to Wellington and became full time residents. The Whitlows operate the business out of their home, which is located across the street from the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds. "I frequently say the world-wide headquarters of Kilkenny Insurance is also the tack room in our 16-stall barn," said Michael. He describes Laura as "the greatest asset of the insurance agency. She handles the hard part - the paperwork, renewals, applications, invoicing, and banking - and she handles that absolutely beautifully." The Whitlows are both riders. Michael enjoyed open range riding as a boy growing up in Montana, but later moved on to the jumpers while Laura rides hunters. Michael began competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in 1989 when the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds first opened.

"What is good for Stadium Jumping, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the general horse industry in South Florida is good for Kilkenny Insurance. It's just that simple," said Michael. "The large number of high quality horses that come here in the winter time is my market and without the Winter Equestrian Festival, Gene Mische, and Stadium Jumping, this business of mine, which is wonderfully successful, would not exist, so it is my privilege to be a sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the grand prix. Not only does that give us excellent visibility and general marketing but it also gives us an opportunity to put money back in the industry where it will do the most good."

2004 WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
Show days for the 2004 Winter Equestrian Festival are Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 8:00 am. Ticket Prices: Wednesdays are free to everyone; Children 12 and under are admitted free every day; Young Adults 13 to 18 and Seniors are $5 on Thursday through Sunday; Adults are $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is located on Pierson Road off South Shore Boulevard. For additional information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 561-793-5867.