New Schedule Announced for National Horse Show Saddle Seat Championship

American Saddlebred Horses and Riders to Compete in ‘Good Hands’ Event

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (Sept. 13, 2000) – Plans for the National Horse Show Saddle Seat Equitation Championship Finals at Madison Square Garden, known as the “Good Hands,” were announced today. Junior riders, 17 years of age and under, compete all year in saddle seat equitation qualifying events throughout the country for the chance of a lifetime to compete at the “National.”

Approximately 25 riders are expected to qualify for the national finals. On opening night, Friday, Nov. 3, finalists will enter the ring for the first time in an evening performance for the rail work portion of the competition. The riders will compete on their high-stepping horses at the walk, trot, and canter in each direction.

On Saturday morning at the Garden all finalists will execute a required individual work. Based on scoring by a three-judge panel, the top riders will be chosen to compete in a ride-off during Saturday afternoon’s final to determine the national champion.

This year’s “Good Hands” is the only event at the 117th National Horse Show where the elegant American Saddlebred horses will compete with their riders judged on seat, hands, guidance and control of their horses. The performances of the horses in this event are only considered insofar as they display the ability of the riders.

For more information, contact Mark Riggs at 919-832-6300 x. 31.