By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com

Lexington, KY - September 26, 2011 - The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that Martha Jolicoeur has graciously agreed to join forces with this year's event as sponsor of the MJ Leading Lady Rider Award for 2011. The award will be presented to the female ride who earns the most points in the highly competitive, big money Open Jumper division at this year's show.

The Alltech National Horse Show CSI-W 4* will be staged at the Alltech Arena at the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, site of last year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Martha Jolicoeur was first known throughout equestrian circles as a world class competitor, and now she has established herself as a top notch realtor, one who caters exclusively to the equestrian clientele list that she has developed through years of competition and competent real estate service. As an equestrian she was named the 1985 AGA Rookie of the Year and won numerous national titles. As a realtor, Martha Jolicoeur, has become one of the equestrian industry's most trusted brokers.

Jolicoeur obtained her real estate license in 1991 and since then watched her business soar. "I get as much enjoyment out of working in this business as I did when I was competing," she said. "It is great to see the process, knowing the amount of work that is done behind the scenes and seeing a positive outcome. It is as exciting as waiting to see if you won the class. Now my aim is to win the respect of my clients. I want my clients to know that I will work hard to earn this respect and treat them honestly and fairly," she added. 

Working with Illustrated Properties, an established independent real estate brokerage firm, Jolicoeur is the 'go-to' broker in the Village of Wellington. Recognized as the leader in preferred properties in the Palm Beaches since 1975, Illustrated Properties generates over 1.2 billion dollars in sales annually. In addition to being an exclusive affiliate of "Christie's Great Estates," the premier luxury real estate network.

"We're very excited to offer this exciting award to our top women competitors at this year's Alltech National Horse Show," said National Horse Show Association President, Mason Phelps, Jr. "We are very grateful to Martha Jolicoeur for stepping up to the plate for this exciting sponsorship."

"Since I was a child, the National Horse Show has been one of those shows that I aspired to compete in and to support, and that aspiration has not changed. This year, I'm pleased to sponsor the Leading Lady Rider award in memory of Dale Lawler, a good friend and my mentor in the real estate business."

"The National Horse Show, now sponsored by Alltech, has always been a showplace of tradition as far as American horse shows go. I'm proud to support this year's show, and hopefully in years to come too. Best of luck to all the competitors this year, you are fortunate to compete at this important and historical show," Jolicoeur remarked.

This year's show, designated CSI4*-W, will feature a complete schedule of 'AA'-rated hunter divisions, including the Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter section. Also on the agenda, a big money Open Jumper division highlighted by the Sasco Creek Farm $50,000 Welcome Speed Class, the $75,000 Double H Farms Thursday's Jump-Off class, the $60,000 Spy Coast Farm Faults Converted Speed class on Friday and of course, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifying event. $100,000 will be up for grabs for the Junior and Amateur Jumper divisions, including the $50,000 SJHOF Junior/Amateur Championships, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, Chansonette and Deeridge Farm. The final Sunday is highlighted by the signature event of the National Horse Show, the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, presented by C.M. Hadfield's Saddlery.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America's oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association's primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.