For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 27, 2000

OLYMPIANS TO COMPETE IN MORVEN PARK CCI* & ADVANCED HORSE TRIALS
PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND OCTOBER 5-8

Millions have been thrilled by the equestrian competition at the Olympic Games in Sydney. United States Equestrian Team member David O'Conner of The Plains captured the Gold medal in the individual three day competition, while the US Team won the Bronze medal. Olympic athletes will be competing once again at the Morven Park CCI* and Advanced Horse Trials according to Jeanne Fendley, Director of Equestrian Events at Morven Park in Leesburg.

"We are thrilled that some of the Olympic competitors are coming back to Morven Park for this event," Fendley said. Members of the United States Equestrian Team trained at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center earlier this year before going to Sydney. "The confirmations and entries are still coming in, she said. "Two of the three US individual three-day competitors are coming and we are hoping to get a member of Bronze medal team. One member of Australia's Gold medal winning team is scheduled to ride four horses during the competition," she added.

The Three Day Event, sanctioned by the United States Combined Training Association as a CCI*, will run in conjunction with the Advanced Horse Trials. The event features dressage competition on Thursday and Friday, October 5-6, beginning at 8:00AM. The popular Endurance Day, which features the thrilling cross-country phase will begin on Saturday at 7:00AM. The final phase, Stadium Jumping, will be held in Morven Park's new Grand Prix arena on Sunday, October 8th at 8:00AM.

"The excitement for this event continues to grow because of the coverage of the Olympics and the excellence of the US competitors," Fendley said. It has introduced the sport to a whole new audience and this will allow them to witness the action in a spectacular venue, " she said.

The public is cordially invited to attend. Tickets may be purchased at the gate throughout the competition. The cost is $5.00 per person per day or $10.00 for a week pass. Car passes admitting four people may be purchased for $10.00 per day or $20.00 for the entire event.

For More Information Contact:

Jeanne Fendley 703/777-2890
Morven Park International Equestrian Center

Paul Draisey 540/687-3772
KBK Communications, Inc.