Wellington, FL – August 12, 2010 – After a strong start with two shows in June, the Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) Summer and Early Fall Series will continue in August with the ESP Summer III show on August 27-29, 2010. The show is “A” rated and a 3* Jumper show. Following that are three shows in September and two shows in October. The Equestrian Sport Productions Summer and Early Fall Series are all USEF, North American League, and Marshall & Sterling League approved. These shows offer the perfect opportunity for hunter/jumper riders to compete at one of the world’s best facilities in a laid-back and inviting atmosphere.

Charlie Moorcroft, who has based his business in Wellington for the past five years, feels that the shows year-round are great for his students. “Most of my students are normal families that live in Wellington. Showing at the ESP series of shows gives us access to the best footing, rings, and show grounds and enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere what people all over the world come to just for the (Winter Equestrian Festival) circuit,” Moorcroft described.

What is also good for local horseman is the convenience of the competitions. “I love that I can come here 15 weeks out of the year and show, but still wake up in my own bed and the horses can go home for most days,” Moorcroft added. “I can trust the the horse show management to have a good schedule and deliver an amazing product that keeps me coming back.”

A young rider and his pony compete in the International Arena

At the final ESP Spring show, a special class was held for pony riders and it gave them the chance to compete under the lights in the International Ring, which is reserved for grand prix classes and special events during the winter season.

Moorcroft recalled, “That was an amazing opportunity to show riders what it’s like to compete under the lights and participate in a really special event. It was such a great way to give back to the year-round community.”

That opportunity is extended during the Summer/Early Fall series as well. The $20,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Grand Prix will run under the lights in the International Ring on Saturday, August 28 at 6 p.m.

All of the “A” rated shows will have a $10,000 Open Stakes class, while all of the shows will have a $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Stake. All of the equitation classes will count towards their respective finals, and offered at each show is a $500 Children’s/Adult Hunter Classic and a $500 Pony Hunter Classic.

This variety in the schedule is also what draws local equestrians. Alan Korotkin, who trains out of his Castlewood Farm in Wellington, brings hunter, jumper, and equitation students to the ESP shows.

After a break from traveling during the summer, Korotkin feels that the ESP shows are a “good way to get going again” and to prepare horses and riders. Being able to show at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) without the pressure of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is another plus.

“It definitely helps to bring young horses there early when there’s 1/3 of the people,” Korotkin said. “They can get used to the whole situation. It’s a way to get them broken in without the whole hustle and bustle.”

He went on to say, “It’s similar for students too. WEF can feel like a compeletely different show, and it’s good for kids to get in there and see it’s not that much different, just harder competition.”

If you would like the chance to compete at the PBIEC with the best footing, competitive prize money, and fun classes, turn in your entry forms today. There is a $30 stall discount for early stall reservations, which makes the ESP shows the least expensive show stabling in Florida. Get your reservations in early to save!

The remaining Summer and Early Fall Series dates are:
ESP Summer III – August 27-29, 2010 – “A” rated and 3* Jumpers
ESP Labor Day – September 3-4, 2010 – “A” rated and 3* Jumpers
ESP September – September 17-19, 2010 – “A” rated and 3* Jumpers
Florida State Fall – September 24-26, 2010 – “A” rated and 3* Jumpers
Rita & Irish Flynn Show – October 2-3, 2010 – “C” rated and 2* Jumpers
ESP October – October 8-10, 2010 – “A” rated and 3* Jumpers

The prize list is available for download here: http://www.equestriansport.com/exhibitors.html.

As always, the added convenience of online entries and live ring updates are available at http://esp.showgroundslive.com.

For more information on Equestrian Sport Productions and their horse shows, please visit www.equestriansport.com.