United States Eventing Association

New Partnership with Stuart Horse Trials Debuts July 10-12, 2015

Victor, NY—On the heels of a highly successful 25th anniversary season last year, the Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials are taking another step into the big league, thanks to its new partnership with Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), organizer of the Rolex Kentucky Four-Star Three-Day Event. Rolex Kentucky is the only equestrian eventing competition of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Rolex Kentucky’s four-star designation is shared uniquely with the Olympic Games, World Championships, and six annual events around the world. EEI’s Rolex event attracts the world’s top competitors and their horses, as well as between 75,000-100,000 spectators.

This year’s Stuart Horse Trials —the “triathlon of equestrian sports”—takes place July 10-12, 2015, on 100 acres of Victor’s rolling hills, drawing approximately 250 local through Olympic competitors and their horses from throughout North America. Thanks to numerous close-up vantage points, spectators witness the sport’s athletic power and grace from just a few feet away.

This year’s competitive divisions range from Beginner Novice through CIC2*. (Eventing star ratings are taken from the French Concours International Combiné.) The physical and mental strength and endurance of each horse and rider pair are tested in the three distinct and demanding phases of dressage, cross country, and show-jumping.

EEI has added $5,000 in prize money for lower divisions (upper levels compete for $12,500 in prize money). Stuart’s new management partner is also offering tailgating and Finger Lakes regional food and drink vendors to enrich the much-loved Stuart experience for both spectators and competitors.

“Tailgating is one of the most popular aspects of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and something we believe will be just as popular for Stuart,” said Lee Carter, executive director of Equestrian Events, Inc. “A day at Stuart Horse Trials is already an ideal outing for family and friends; tailgating will only enhance that.”

Between 10-12 tailgating spots will be available for Saturday, July 11, during the excitement of cross country day. Individual spots can be purchased for $75, each of which includes six admission tickets (children 12 and younger are free). To purchase, call 859-254-8123, after May 1. Details can be found at stuarthorsetrials.org/tailgating.

Additionally, Stuart’s popular boutique area will expand to include an increased focus on the bounty of Finger Lakes products, especially food and drink.

The 2015 competition schedule is as follows:

Friday, July 11:

• 8 am-4 pm: Dressage for all levels
• 3 pm-conclusion: Show-Jumping for upper level divisions (CIC1* and CIC2*)

Saturday, July 11:

• 8 am-conclusion: Cross Country for all levels

Sunday, July 12:

• 8 am – conclusion: Show-Jumping for Beginner Novice through Intermediate divisions

(Events are weather-dependent so spectators should check stuarthorsetrials.org before heading out.)

The courses have been meticulously designed by acclaimed course designer Derek di Grazia to challenge the athleticism of horse and rider as well as bring this extreme sport close up to the approximately 15,000 spectators. Since its inception, Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials has evolved from a local event to one drawing local through international world champion competitors, both human and equine.

Admission to Stuart is $5/person/day. Children 12 and younger are free. Daily competition begins at 8 am. Stuart Horse Trials are sponsored by Cosequin of Nutramax Labs.

“We’re so excited for what our 26th year will bring,” said Heidi Vahue, Stuart event organizer for the last three years. “We know our partnership with EEI will produce positive growth to our event.”