Upper Marlboro, MD – September 27, 2004 – The 11th annual Capital Challenge Horse Show will open on Saturday, October 2 showcasing the best equitation riders in the country in the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine North American Equitation Championships. The Capital Challenge, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, will continue through Sunday, October 10 offering spectators the opportunity to witness excellence in the hunter and jumper arenas.

Nearly every day the exciting World Champion Hunter Rider Finals, challenge classes and classics can be seen in the Show Place Arena. In addition, other featured classes include the Show Circuit Magazine National Children’s Medal Finals and the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals. The Show Circuit NCM Finals are being held on Sunday, October 3 and the ARIAT NAM Finals will take place on Friday, October 8 in the Show Place Arena.

For the fifth year the Capital Challenge will showcase the industry’s up-and-coming equine talent in the Future Hunter classes. Held indoors and out, this unique division offers trainers the opportunity to give young hunters valuable show experience. The Future Hunter division is divided into six sections: Thoroughbred; Non-Thoroughbred; Five & Under; Six & over; Mares; and Colts & Geldings. The top five in each section will qualify to compete in the $20,000 Added North American Future Hunter Championships. The Championship class, held Wednesday, October 6, will feature a base purse of $20,000 with $50 added for each horse that competes in the future hunters section. The Future Hunter division boasts prize money of over $38,000.

The excitement at the Capital Challenge will peak on Saturday, October 9 as the evening session draws top show jumping riders from across the country to compete in the $40,000 Ariat Congressional Cup Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup Qualifying class presented by Arwen Stables, Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., and Woodrun Farm. Past winners of the Congressional Cup include Olympic gold-medalist Joe Fargis, Olympic veteran Margie Goldstein-Engle and United States Equestrian Team veteran Leslie Howard will return to defend her long-held title after winning the 2002 and 2003 ARIAT Grand Prix riding Clover Leaf and Cocu, respectively.

While you’re at the show don’t forget to stroll through the boutique areas. Pick up your holiday gifts early from shops offering unique one-of-a-kind gift items, artwork, the finest jewelry and a variety of quality equestrian equipment. The expanded shop area on the concourse will feature over twenty vendors.

Admission and seating is free throughout the week. The schedule, daily results, and photos can be found on the Capital Challenge website: www.capitalchallenge.org. For more information on the Capital Challenge Horse Show call (301) 260-2467 prior to the show or (301) 952-7944 during the show.