Source:  News Release/Leg Up

West Coast Indoor League Heralds New Era in Show Jumping

The sport of show jumping continues to advance, and this year we have another reason to get excited about our forward progress. Starting this year, riders from the West Coast and beyond can look forward to the new West Coast Indoor Circuit. "We, as organizers, have been trying to do something like this for a couple years, but it's easier said than done," commented Robert Ridland of Blenheim EquiSports. "We wanted to put together a circuit that would parallel what the East Coast has been doing for generations. Larry (Langer), Dale (Harvey), and I all feel that for the sport to get stronger, all sections of the country have to play their role. It's time we have two strong indoor circuits, one on the East Coast and one on the West."

The West Coast Indoor Circuit comprises four high caliber horse shows and three World Cup Qualifiers. For the first time, three different horse show managers are working together to create an end-of-year indoor series: Langer Equestrian Group, Blenheim EquiSports, and Dale Harvey. "Growing up in the East, the show year always ended with the Washington International, Harrisburg, Madison Square Garden, and Toronto," Larry commented. "This is the first time ever that the West has had an equivalent year-end indoor series to rival that."

The circuit kicks off with the Del Mar National (Oct 24-28), continues with the National Preview (Oct 31-Nov 4), followed by the LA National (Nov 7-11), and concludes with Las Vegas National (Nov 13-18). The circuit will attract riders from across the Western United States, Canada, and Mexico with the promise of four consecutive weeks of high-level competition. The $50,000 LEGIS Jumper Rider Bonus and qualifying classes for the HITS Thermal Million provide additional incentive to attend all four shows. Hunter and equitation riders also have plenty of special classes throughout the four-show circuit. “While we have really ramped up the jumper division,” stated Larry, “there are many special classes and championships for hunters and equitation riders.”

"All four of them are great shows," Dale remarked. "I think the three of us coming together on this circuit is great. This is a collaborative effort to provide a series that will be attractive and feasible for people to come and show all the weeks. With the four shows back to back, it will make it more worthwhile for people to come from further away. California is such an isolated market that any effort to encourage outside people to come to the shows is a benefit for everybody. It helps raise the level of the sport here."

By working together, these three show managers hope to create shows that are even more exciting and a special way to end the competition year. The combined power of their resources and creativity add up to better shows for all. "I'm excited about the direction the sport is going in our country," Robert added. "Anything we can do to help the sport in all aspects, from grass roots to the Olympics, will raise the level of riding across the country."

The West Coast Indoor Circuit will wrap up this year’s show schedule beginning in late October and ending just before Thanksgiving. Information on each show can be found on their websites at www.jumpdelmar.com, www.langershows.com, and www.showpark.com.

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