World Cup Equestrian Triathlon at Rebecca Farm July 22-25, 2010

East Coast Embraces West's Largest Competition

Kalispell, Mont. (July 19, 2010) -- 18 horses arrived at the Glacier Jet Center by charter plane today, were loaded into trailers, and transported to Rebecca Farm where the world's best horses and riders will compete in one of twelve stops on the World Cup tour at The Event at Rebecca Farm July 22-25, 2010, with free admission for spectators.

"Hosting our sixth World Cup event continues to define our presence on the world equestrian stage," said Rebecca Broussard, organizer of The Event. "While we enjoy helping riders in the West compete at the highest levels, we are especially excited about the riders from the east coast who have made a special journey by flying to Montana this summer. It's been a dream of the Rebecca Farm team to have these riders compete here and it marks a new high point for The Event."

For twenty five years before Rebecca Farm, Herron Park had hosted equestrian competitions, but over time, the competition outgrew the grounds. With this lack of space in mind, the Broussard Family had long envisioned creating a top equestrian facility for not only the Northwest, but the nation. After 16 years of Eventing at Herron Park, it was time to pass the torch.

The Broussard's purchased a 640-acre parcel of land in the vast valley north of Kalispell in 2000. Captain Mark Phillips, a world-renowned course designer, was flown in from England to design the cross-country course. The inaugural competition in 2002 was a huge success with over 150 competitors. In 2004, The Event became a USEF and USEA recognized Gold Cup Series and a Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Cup Eventing competition. During the first year as a World Cup Qualifier, The Event drew 380 competitors, a 200 rider increase from 2003. Today, 475 competitors are registered for competition and nearly 20,000 spectators will walk the grounds over the four days that span the competition.

Competitors will vie for more than $50,000 in prize money and over $30,000 in trophies and tack awards while they compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. In addition to the competition, a trade fair with arts and crafts is also offered throughout The Event with a wide range of food concessions. Spectators may walk the cross-country course along flagged alleys or watch the overall course from an elevated large grassy area with a great vantage point of the complex.

"The Broussard Family continues to contribute to this community by establishing a world class equestrian event that draws thousands of guests and participants to the Flathead Valley," said Tammi Fisher, mayor of Kalispell. "We are blessed to have the unique experience of watching Olympic athletes compete locally, and The Event at Rebecca Farm provides a much needed boon to our economy. Between taking in the combined majesty of the horses and riders that compete, and the surrounding beauty of the Flathead Valley, The Event at Rebecca Farm is just another reminder of how lucky we are to call the Flathead Valley home."

At each stop on the tour, the best riders earn points toward a piece of a valuable prize fund worth $180,000, awarded to the top 15 riders in the World Cup Eventing standings at the end of the tour. They can also begin qualifying for top spots such as selection to the World Equestrian Games held in Kentucky in September or the Olympics in London in 2012.

"The Event at Rebecca Farm is truly world class," said Jim Wolf, executive director of sports programs for the United States Equestrian Federation. "The facilities, the footing, and outstanding organization combine to create a premier World Cup event."

The sport of Eventing is best described as an equestrian triathlon with historic military ties meant to replicate what a horse and rider would go through in the cavalry. The horse and rider compete as a partnership in all aspects of horsemanship to complete the three tests as a team, with their cumulative performance determining their final standing.

Dressage is designed to test obedience and the harmony between horse and rider. Cross-country is designed to test endurance with horses running long distances at high rates of speed. It also tests courage, boldness, confidence, and stamina of both horse and rider. Show jumping examines precision, agility, and technique while jumping over high obstacles and turning when the rider commands it. It is also a test of condition and focus after completing the dressage and cross-country phases.

As part of the FEI Global Education Program to expand and raise the quality and experience of Eventing Officials worldwide, Rebecca Farm will host officials from both Ireland and Australia. Phillips has again redesigned the nine cross country courses that include three water complexes and 150 different jumps.

To access Rebecca Farm, from the junction of Highways 93 & 2, travel 2 miles north on Highway 93 to West Reserve Drive and go west 2 miles to Springcreek Road, then south on Springcreek. The entrance is 3/4 mile on the right.

Schedule of Events

July 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The USEA Spalding Labs Young Event Horse Series gives owners and breeders the opportunity to showcase the potential of their four- and five-year-old horses. The USEA Future Event Horse Series focuses on yearlings, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds.

July 22, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dressage, all FEI Levels. Dressage, National Horse Trial Levels.

July 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dressage, all FEI Levels. National Horse Trial Levels Dressage continues. Cross-Country phase begins at 8 am. National Horse Trials Novice and Training Levels.

July 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cross-Country phase all day. All FEI Levels. National Horse Trial Levels continue.

July 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Show Jumping phase, all levels. Awards ceremony at end of each division.

The major sponsor of the CIC3*W is HSBC which is headquartered in London and is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world. The Event operates under the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules and the rules of the United States Equestrian Federation. For more information on The Event, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.

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