Syracuse Sport Horse Tournament

A packed schedule of world-class show jumping competition, educational opportunities, vendors, exhibitors and children's activities comes to the Oncenter Complex, October 31-November 4. New additions to this year's Sporthorse Tournament are a Halloween Extravaganza for kids and equine professional development opportunities for the more serious-minded, all this on top of equestrian competition that gets fans into the action. One of the nation's premier international show jumping competitions, the Sporthorse Tournament will feature the top-ranked U.S. riders and international competitors who will all vie for the Budweiser World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse and the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup presented by Time Warner Cable. In addition, the finest junior riders in the U.S. will contest the National Horse Show ASPCA Maclay Championship. The action will take place at the Oncenter Complex in downtown Syracuse.

Kids' Activities at the Tournament
Free organized crafts and activities in the convention center with special appearances by Cazenovia College's miniature horses, Clippety the Human Horse, jugglers, musicians and face painters. (Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)

For Horse Lovers and Professionals
Frank and Beezie Madden Auditing Clinic (October 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in War Memorial–preregistration required)
A rare auditing clinic is being offered by Cazenovia's Beezie Madden and her brother-in-law, Frank Madden, who will share some insights that have led to their success in riding and training horses, the "Madden Way." In a unique opportunity, the Syracuse Invitational will host "Raising the Bar: the Madden Way," an auditing clinic with Frank Madden and Beezie Madden, presented by EQUUS on Wednesday, October 31 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This auditing clinic pairs two of our countries best—a Gold-medal Olympic rider and one of the foremost hunter/jumper trainers and clinicians—as they present a fast paced, educational, and fun clinic for riders and trainers of all levels. Tickets for adults are $25 and youth (15 and under) are $15. Preregistration required through the tournament office (315) 655-4721 or at www.syracuseinvitational.com.

Professional Development Seminars
As the Sporthorse Tournament continues on its mission to raise the level of horsemanship and better the sport of show jumping, a professional seminar series has also been added to the Tournament offerings for 2007. Dr. Kathleen Young of Purina Feeds will be discussing the new feeding guidelines for horses recently released by the Nutritional Research Council (NRC). Dr. Lyda Denney, DVM, of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will be joined by others to discuss disease prevention, biosecurity, and the National Animal Identification Program. Both seminar sessions are on Thursday, November 1. Each seminar is $25 ($15 for youth/student) with a discounted rate for those attending both seminar sessions. Preregistration is required through the Tournament office at (315) 655-4721 or through the website.

Free Horse-Related Educational Clinics daily at the Tournament, sponsored by Equus Magazine:

Thursday
2:00 p.m.: Dr. Tracy Turner with Bates Saddles will discuss back problems in the horse
5:00 p.m.: Linda Tellington-Jones will discuss her world-famous perspectives and insights into horses' personality and behavior

Friday
2:30 p.m.: Susan Harris will present "Anatomy in Motion the Visible Horse" while "Anatomy in Motion, the Visible Rider" will be presented by Peggy Brown
4:30 p.m.: Dr. Tracy Turner with Bates Saddles will discuss saddles and saddle fit from a veterinarian's perspective

Saturday
10:00 a.m.: Beezie Madden will discuss and demonstrate the importance of partnership with horses
11:30 a.m.: Panel discussion about equine degrees offered at colleges in NY and how to continue to ride and show while earning a degree
1:00 p.m.: Olympic rider Leslie Howard talks about life as a top international rider
6:00 p.m.: Meet the Budweiser Clydesdales and learn about their life and their fascinating history

Sunday
10:00 a.m.: Ever wonder how horses fly on airplanes? Come find out.
12:00 p.m.: Equus Live Conformation Clinic with commentary from John Madden who will share what John Madden Sales looks for in potential top international level horses
1:00 p.m.: Meet the Budweiser Clydesdales clinic (repeated)

Other Tournament Happenings
Free Autograph Signings by riders on Friday following the close of the CN Gambler's Choice and Syracuse Corporate Team Challenge and on Saturday night following the Budweiser World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse with U.S. medalists and other top international riders

Thursday is Barn and College Night. College students get 50% off the price of admission with a valid college ID at the box office. Groups of 20 or more members from a single barn or college can purchase advance tickets to have five members from that group walk the course in advance of the Thursday evening competition with one of the Syracuse Invitational riders or trainers.

Have a Bud with the Buds. Thursday night from 5:30-7:00 p.m., have a draft with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales

Sale of New and Used Tack. Saturday, following Beezie Madden's clinic. Proceeds benefit the Tournament beneficiaries, Vera House and Cornell University Equine Hospital

In the Competition Arena
The main event at the Tournament is always the world-class show jumping. Riders from around the country and around the world will come to Syracuse to compete in five days of intense show jumping action. Beezie Madden, competing on her top horse, Authentic, along with other highly ranked international jumping stars such as McLain Ward, Margie Engle, Peter Wylde, Laura Kraut and others will all use the Tournament as a chance to position themselves for a place on the Olympic team.

Schedule of Ticketed Performances

Thursday, November 1
7:00 p.m. Pasmore Stables Horseman's Cup; Atlas Fence 1.40 m Speed

Friday, November 2
7:00 p.m. Syracuse Corporate Team Challenge; CN Gambler's Choice

Saturday, November 3
2:00 p.m. TK99 Speed Derby; Empire Tractor Ride & Drive presented by Pin Oak Farm; National Horse Show ASPCA Maclay Final Round

7:00 p.m. Budweiser World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse

Sunday, November 4
2:00 p.m. Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup presented by Time Warner Cable

Ticket information: Tickets for the Madden auditing clinic and the Professional Seminar Series are available through the Syracuse Invitational website at www.SyracuseInvitational.com or by calling (315) 655-4721. Tickets for featured Tournament competitions (Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m.) range from $7.50 to $25.00 and go on sale September 1 through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and at the Oncenter Box Office starting September 4 (315-435-2121). Admission to all other events and to the Oncenter Exhibit Hall is free. Visit www.syracuseinvitational.com for full details and to learn of updated events and times and clinic and educational program schedules.

Each fall the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament welcomes the top-ranked equestrians from across the U.S. and the world to downtown Syracuse to compete at the War Memorial Arena in the Oncenter Complex. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Syracuse Invitational benefits Cornell University Equine Hospital and Vera House. More information is available at www.syracuseinvitational.com.

Source: www.usef.org