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The Chatsworth Horse Trials announced today that it will offer a total purse of $30,000 for the 18th running of the event, which this year hosts its first World Cup Qualifier (CIC-W***) and takes place from April 8-10h 2005 at Chatsworth, North Georgia. This is the highest prize money for any CIC competition in the country and will attract many of the top riders including Olympic team members.

Chatsworth is one of just five World Cup Qualifiers to take place in the country. Riders will be vying for a place in the final which this year is being held in Malmo, Sweden from August 11-14th.

The equine nutrition company, Nutrena <http://www.nutrenaworld.com/> , known for its generous support of equestrian sport, will once again sponsor Chatsworth’s signature water obstacle as well as the competitor’s dinner and dance which has become a feature of the event. Nutrena products are designed for Optimum Nutrition, Exceptional Health and World Class Performance. Among its well-known brand names are Empower®, Life Design®, Vitality®, FARR®, Triumph® and Horse Twik®.

Mike Dalton and Mauijim <http://www.mauijim.com/> sunglasses will be giving free sunglasses to the top six riders in the CIC-W*** class and to the top two riders in the other divisions. Known for their stylish designs, Mauijim has become synonymous with event riders as a result of their loyal support to equestrian sport across the country. This will be their third year of sponsorship at Chatsworth.

Event Director, Jack Pollard, said, “We’re particularly pleased to be awarded a World Cup Qualifier which endorses the caliber of this event and ensures a world class field of riders who no doubt will be attracted by the fantastic prize money on offer. We’re indebted to our generous sponsors for making this possible.”

The other divisions to feature will be Open Intermediate and Preliminary, which draws riders from the international CIC competition riding different horses.

Please visit the event website at www.bouckaertfarm.com <http://www.bouckaertfarm.com/> for more details and directions to the event.

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For more information, please contact Chris Stafford, Press Officer, at media@necomms.com or at (859) 552-5705.

NOTES:

A CIC event is a horse trials with the same format, i.e. dressage, cross-country and show jumping as the other divisions except that it is recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) as an international competition. The three star rating is the highest level of competition in international horse trials.

Belgium international event rider, Carl Bouckaert, established the Horse Trials in 1988. Bouckaert Farm is one of the premier equestrian facilities in the world, offering a wide range of opportunities for the eventing enthusiast. The farm is also home to international 3-Day Event riders Nathalie and Michael Pollard. Additionally, many well known advanced horses presently reside at the farm, including Welton Molecule, Mr. Mullins, The Boomer, Nero, On the Button, Pinnacle Springbok, and Oliver Edgecombe.