New York City, NY - November 1, 2003 - The exciting Metropolitan National Horse Show wowed a packed crowd of interested families and horse aficionados with children riding ponies expertly over fences and women jumping their mounts in side saddles. In the evening money was at stake for the final phase of the $2500 Metropolitan Cup, the second day of the $2500 Liberty Cup and the exciting $5000 Hit and Hurry Jumper Stake.

Saturday was the fourth day of the Metropolitan National Horse Show which runs through Sunday. Taking place at Pier 94 and the Show Piers on the Hudson Complex in New York City, NY, this is the 120th year for the National Horse Show Association of America.

In the Small Junior Working Hunter 15 & Under division, the Championship went to Double Cinco owned and ridden by Lexy Reed. The Reserve tri-color ribbon was awarded to L'Azure, owned by Shalanno Farms and piloted by Addison Phillips.

For the Small Junior Working Hunter 16-17 division, Bucky Dent came out swinging with owner and rider Christina Mangano to take home the Championship. Clara Lindner and the legendary Strapless took the Reserve Championship.

Rio Bravo jumped brilliantly to capture the Large Junior Working Hunter 15 & Under. Rio Bravo is owned by WGHR Farm and Sale Johnson and ridden by Daisy Johnson. Bellingham Bay made owner and rider Stephanie Danhakl's day with the Reserve Championship.

The Large Junior Working Hunter 16-17 division was conquered by Saloon, owned and ridden by Whitney Roper. Best Seller took the Reserve Championship for rider Megan Edrick and owner Emily Horner.

In the Ladies Side Saddle Hunter division, Count On Me and Danielle Buchheit dominated the competition and brought home the Championship ribbon. The Reserve Championship was awarded to Silver Lining and Sandra Litvin.

The Metropolitan Cup was run as a three-phase competition in a modified World Cup format. In an exciting finish to the competition today, the overall winner was Elena Lusenti.

The second day of the Liberty Cup saw Summer Salute and Barbara Rockford back in the winner's circle. Second place went to Havana and Polly McTaggart.

The Junior and Amateur Owner Hit & Hurry Jumper Class went to a speedy Lara Gay and her flashy jumper Campezino. Campezino is owned by RCG Farms.

Top dressage rider George Williams wowed the crowd on his talented mare, Rocher in a musical freestyle ride. After his performance, fans mobbed him at an autograph session. At this year's Dressage World Cup in Goteborg, Sweden, Williams and Rocher placed sixth in the Grand Prix Kur standings against the best riders in the world.

On Sunday, November 2, the fifth and final day of the show, the prestigious American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Maclay National Horsemanship Championship showcases the top junior riders from the U.S. and Canada. Sunday's ASPCA-Maclay Finals has long been the proving ground for future top international stars. Such notable equestrians as William Steinkraus, Frank Chapot, Conrad Homfeld, Leslie Howard, Peter Wylde, Ray Texel, and Nicole Shahinian-Simpson won the ASPCA-Maclay National Championship prior to going on to international equestrian success.

Other equestrian action also continues Sunday afternoon with 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 who offers fine family entertainment.

Movie stars Seabiscuit and War Admiral from the hit movie 'Seabiscuit' will also make an appearance Sunday afternoon. 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.