Upperville, Va. – June 2, 2019 – The 2019 Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS), presented by St. Bride’s Farm, is set to kick-off tomorrow, June 3, and will run through Sunday, June 9. Continuing its legacy since 1853 as a world-class show jumping competition dedicated to hosting the top level of equestrian sport, the UCHS is looking forward to welcoming some of the world’s highest ranked equestrian athletes and loyal equestrian sport fans. Among the star-studded list of competitors is each member of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ U.S. gold-medal team, including McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Devin Ryan and Adrienne Sternlicht.
Featuring many Olympic gold medalists, the historic horse show will draw crowds from far and wide to watch as the athletes vie for top podium placings in disciplines ranging from show jumping, hunters and equitation to local ponies, in-hand breeding and sidesaddle. Ward, one of the world’s top placed athletes on the Longine FEI Jumping Ranking List, is a long-time supporter of the UCHS, accumulating many grand prix wins under the watchful eyes of spectators filling the stands.
Of the crowd-pleasing events to take place, the most anticipated is the $208,200 Upperville Jumper Classic CSI4*, presented by Lugano Diamonds. Defending champion of the class, Ali Wolff, and defending reserve champion, Kevin Babington, are both part of the list of competitors to take on the 2019 track. Also taking center-ring is the $30,000 Upperville National Grand Prix, presented by the Palm Beach Masters Series.
“There are so many horse shows we can choose from these days, and we’re so lucky to have that, but that way you can be a little picky and you can choose quality,” expressed Wolff. “[The Upperville Colt & Horse Show] has quality standings and quality footing, high standards, and they treat horses and athletes amazing.”
This year’s event will also play host to many other elite equestrian competitors as they continue their summer tours throughout the country. Fans can expect to see international riders from across the world put forth their best efforts, including top Canadian rider Erynn Ballard, Amanda Derbyshire to represent Great Britain, Israeli rider Daniel Bluman, Brazilian Olympic gold-medalist Rodrigo Pessoa and up-and-coming American riders Lillie Keenan and Taylor St. Jacques.
As the excitement builds for the CSI4* event, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show is completing its final preparations to make this year’s event the best yet. The well-known and highly-anticipated show is looking forward to celebrating the 166th anniversary, with exhibitors and spectators that have traveled from far and wide to the heart of horse country in Upperville, Virginia.
To learn more about the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, please visit www.upperville.com, and be sure to tune in to USEF Network each day for live coverage of the event!