New York City, NY - October 29, 2003 - Hunters and dressage started off the Metropolitan National Horse Show at Pier 94 and the Show Piers on the Hudson Complex in New York City, NY. The show runs from October 29 to November 2. Started in 1883, this is the 120th year for the National Horse Show Association of America.

In the regular conformation hunter division, Fakir Rouge owned by Meadowoods Farm and ridden by Scott Stewart took home two blues, a second and a third place. Westcliffe, owned by Molly Mullen and ridden by Ken Smith, and Admiration, owned by Mrs. Steven Clark and piloted by Sandy Ferrell, each won an over-fences class.

The green conformation hunter division was dominated by Tribute who earned three first place ribbons. Tribute is owned by Krista Weisman and ridden by Scott Stewart. Dudley MacFarlane's Authentic, ridden by Sachine Belle, also earned a blue ribbon.

The legendary Strapless, owned by All Seasons Farm, LLC/Clara Lind and ridden by Emily Williams, won the regular working hunter under saddle. In the same division, Ken Smith rode Christy Russo's Miracle to a blue ribbon over fences. Prove It, owned by Mimi Tashjian with Scott Stewart aboard, also jumped to victory.

In the first year green hunter division, winners included Titleist owned by Manhattan Mortgage, Dr. Sheila Buchbinder's Southern Lights, and Reese owned by Selma Garber. Blue ribbons in the second year green hunter division went to All Seasons Farm's Priceless, and Primo owned by ALR Farm, LLC.

Culminating the first day of the competition was the evening dressage exhibition. The Continental Cup was run as a musical freestyle team competition. Three teams each of four riders were represented by Grand Prix, Intermediaire, Young Rider, and Pony Level. Taking first place were Isabelle Leibler on Get the Picture, Elisabeth Austin on Hierarch, Silke Rembacz riding Connecticut, and Sue Jaccoma on Jellowa. Also riding were Rachel Chowanec, Julie McKean, Marissa Mastronardi, Michael Shondel, Katie Riley, Cesar Parra, Anne Gribbons, and Ashley Holzer.

Austin, of Williston, VT, was surprised by how enthusiastically the crowd received the dressage exhibition. "It was amazing to feel the support and excitement from the crowd. Some dressage movements that we take for granted absolutely awed them. I was a bit worried about my horse's reaction to the applause, but the highlight of the evening was during our extended trot when the audience cheered us on. This caused him to try even harder. He's the best and I couldn't be happier with our performance."

Appearing daily at the show is the internationally famous Mexican charro Geraldo "Jerry" Diaz. A charro is a skilled Mexican horseman, with the Charro tradition going back to roots in the 17th century. The charro, who developed the customs, dress, music and equestrian abilities later borrowed by the American cowboy, dresses in traditional costume. Diaz is an expert horseman and trick roper and offers fine family entertainment.

Movie stars Seabiscuit and War Admiral from the hit movie 'Seabiscuit' will also take a bow each performance. Spectators are invited to visit with them at their stalls, and Seabiscuit memorabilia is available nearby. This year is the 65th anniversary of the legendary match race between the two great champions.

Tickets for the Metropolitan National Horse Show may be purchased by calling (212) 956-3048. Ample parking is available on site for spectators. For those wishing to travel by subway, take the A, C, or E line to 50th Street. The M31, M11, M50 bus lines will also bring you to the action.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the National Horse Show Association of America, PO Box 386, Greenvale, NY 11548, telephone (516) 484-1865, e-mail NationalHS@aol.com, or by consulting the official website at www.nhs.org. Additional details may also be obtained by contacting show manager Bob Bell at bbell@classiccompany.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Hallie McEvoy at NationalHSNews@aol.com.