New York City, NY - November 2, 2003 - On the final day of the Metropolitan National Horse Show, Mathew Sereni of Los Altos Hills, CA jumped up to finish on top in the prestigious American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Maclay National Horsemanship Championship at the Metropolitan National Horse Show. Courtney McKay of Ocala, FL won the Reserve Championship.

The ASPCA-Maclay Championships were held at the Metropolitan National Horse Show at Pier 94 and the Show Piers on the Hudson Complex in New York City. The show ran from October 29 to November 2, 2003. This new venue for the 120th anniversary of the National Horse Show provided an intimate setting where spectators could mingle with the riders and horses, and a large show arena provided ample space for interesting and challenging courses.

When asked if he thought he would win the Maclay on his mount, Fareniente, Sereni said simply, "I had faith in my horse." Then his eyes welled up with tears. Archie Cox, his trainer explained, "he's very sympathetic to horses and horses like him. To him a horse is not a machine." Sereni fondly calls his mount Floho, which means lazy in Spanish.

Regarding the course he commented, "It all just fit together. At first my heart started beating faster and then I got moving and I knew Floho could do it."

McKay's Reserve Championship was slightly bittersweet as she commented that this is her last year in the Junior division. "She's very dedicated and will ride any horse in any weather," commented her trainer Christina Schlusemeyer. Her 11 year-old Irish Warmblood had been trained in upper level dressage before he was redirected towards jumping. "He learned fast," McKay said. "He's so smart."

The ASPCA-Maclay Finals have 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. A listing of the top ten ASPCA-Maclay finalists follows this release.

In other events of the day Casey Green of Westport, CT won The Wayne Carroll Sportsmanship Award. The coveted Best Child Rider on a Horse award went to Daisy Johnson of New York City, NY.

Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD had a stellar day taking home three major honors. She was named Best Child Rider on a Pony, won the Medium Pony Hunter division with Northwinds Onyx, and was Reserve Champion on Halcyon Hawthorn in the Small Pony Hunter division.

My Little Dickens and Emma Lipman of Bedford, NY galloped away with the Small Pony Hunter Championship. In the Medium Pony Hunter division, Simply Magical and Katherine Newman of Upperville, VA won the Reserve Championship.

In the Large Pony Hunter division, Land's End Mad Hatter and Linden Miller of Atlanta, GA took home the top tri-color ribbon. Land's End Mad Hatter was also declared the Grand Champion Pony Hunter. Paris Sellon of Los Angeles, CA and Newsworthy were Reserve Champions.

Carolyn Tribble of Lake Bluff, IL galloped to victory on her horse, Candido, in a thrilling finish to the three-day long Liberty Cup. Taking second place was Barbara Rockford of New Jersey and Summer Salute.

Each of the five days of the Metropolitan National Horse Show included performances from 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' were on site throughout the show. Spectators visited with them daily at their stalls and many brought home complimentary posters and Seabiscuit memorabilia. This year is the 65th anniversary of the legendary match race between the two great champions.

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. Those wishing to look at photos from the horse show may go to www.flashpointphotography.com. Media inquiries can be directed to Hallie McEvoy at NationalHSNews@aol.com.

ASPCA-Maclay Final Results
Metropolitan National Horse Show - November 2, 2003, in New York City, NY