Wellington, FL - December 20, 2012 - The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) is 12 weeks of top hunter/jumper competition that runs from January 9 to March 31. With almost 5,500 horses and riders from 50 states and 33 countries around the world, the FTI WEF is truly a top-tier sporting event.

 

Equestrian sport rises to a new level at the FTI WEF with more than 70 divisions that cover the range of every rider's level. Show jumping will be as exciting as ever this year with increased prize money, additional FEI ROLEX world ranking classes, and top competitors from around the world. The best hunters and equitation riders will compete every week in a variety of divisions. To see all of what's offered at the 2013 FTI WEF, please download the prize list at www.equestriansport.com under the "Competitors" tab.

 

To keep up with press releases, news alerts, sponsor offers, and more, please "like" the FTI WEF Facebook page. Follow us on Twitter to get up-to-the-minute results during the shows. If you want to know more about the people of the FTI WEF, read our new blog with guest writers, exclusive photos, and special events at PBIEC at www.fticonsultingwinterequestrianfestival.com.

Throughout the upcoming season, management group Equestrian Sport Productions will thank and promote the entire range of FTI WEF sponsors, as the success of this event would not be possible without their generous support. Within our extensive group of corporate partners, there is a group of major sponsors whose support of the FTI WEF is exemplary and critical to the development of the sport. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize these major sponsors and their contributions to the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

 

FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting is the title sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Along with their week 12 (March 27-31) and $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI 5* title sponsorship, they are leaders in the industry by helping support the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments^� and the $100,000 FTI Consulting Rider Challenge, which honors the top four show jumpers of the circuit.

 

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

 

The Mar-a-Lago Club

The Mar-a-Lago Club will sponsor Week 1 of competition at the FTI WEF on January 9-13, which includes the opening $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix on Sunday, January 13, as well as the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes on January 12.

 

The Mar-a-Lago Club is also host to the $100,000 Trump Invitational on Sunday, January 6, which will benefit the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments^�. Mar-a-Lago, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate purchased and restored by Trump in 1985, is one of the most spectacular mansions in the world and in the national register of historic places and a designated U.S National Landmark. It will be the first ever equestrian event held on Palm Beach Island and will serve as an exciting kick-off to the 2013 FTI WEF. For more information, please visit www.maralagoclub.com.

 

Week two of the FTI WEF, held January 16-20, is proudly sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The week features the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*. They are also the presenting sponsor of the $150,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4* during Week 8. Wellington Equestrian Realty is also a First Founding Sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which will be held January 22 to April 14.

 

Wellington Equestrian Realty's attention to detail and their passion for outstanding client services drives them to succeed. They are demanding consumers themselves and wouldn't expect anything less when delivering their services to you.  They pride themselves on responding to clients' needs immediately and are always available anytime of the day or night to take your call and to discuss your farm needs in Wellington! For more information, please visit www.wellingtonequestrianrealty.com.

 

   Fidelity Investments^� joins the FTI WEF as the weekly title sponsor during week four on January 30 - February 3. They are the title sponsor of the $100,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix, CSI 2* along with their presenting sponsorship of the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge on January 26.

 

Fidelity Investments is one of the world's largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $3.8 trillion, including managed assets of $1.7 trillion, as of November 30, 2012.  Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms.  For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.

 

Adequan^� joins the FTI WEF again this year as the week five (February 6-10) title sponsor and sponsor of the $82,000 Adequan Grand Prix, CSI 2*. Adequan is also the overall circuit sponsor of the Young Jumper divisions for Five Year Olds, Six Year Olds, and Seven/Eight Year Olds. They are also the title sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which features two CDI-W, a CDI 3*, CDI 5*, and CDIO 3* competitions, as well as five national events. It is one of the world's largest international and national dressage circuits and offers more than $275,000 in prize money.

 

Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Animal Health Division based in Shirley, N.Y., markets Adequan^� i.m. and Adequan^� i.a. (POLYSULATED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN) for horses. The company is committed to advancing the cause of equine health. For more information about products from Luitpold Animal Health visit www.adequan.com.

There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular PSGAG in horses. The safe use of Adequan^� i.m.  in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

 

Spy Coast Farm is the week six title sponsor on February 13-17, the Spy Coast Farm Breeding Week. Along with their weekly title sponsorship, they are the presenting sponsor of the $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W. Spy Coast Farm, owned by Robert and Lisa Lourie, has been a major supporting sponsor at the FTI WEF and started the Spy Coast Farm Young Horse Show (YHS) Series in 2011 in partnership with the North American Studbook. There will be two YHS shows during the FTI WEF at The Stadium on March 2 and 5. The 2012 Young Horse Show Finals will be held on January 5-6.

 

Spy Coast Farm specializes in the breeding and development of top quality performance horses. With bases in Setauket, NY, Lexington, KY, and Wellington, FL, they attempt to take advantage of the best the U.S. has to offer by way of climate, veterinary services, show facilities, training, and riding talent. Along with owning top show jumpers and a show horse operation, the Louries have created a breeding operation in Kentucky and young horse training program in Setauket. Their show horse operation spends summers in Kentucky and winters in Wellington. It is led by trainers Ali and Shane Sweetnam of Sweet Oak Farm, and the Lourie's daughter, Julia, is a top jumper rider. Their five-star facilities feature new barns, state-of-the-art equipment, and dedicated staff. For more information, visit www.spycoastfarm.com.

 

Herm�s

Joining the FTI WEF as a new weekly sponsor this year is Herm�s. During week seven, they will host the $50,000 Herm�s Jumper Derby at The Stadium on Sunday, February 24. Other major events during the week include the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix and the USHJA/WCHR Hunter Spectacular of Palm Beach, the premier event for hunters, on Saturday, February 23. Herm�s will also have a boutique open throughout the FTI WEF centrally located on the International Promenade. Please visit www.hermes.com for more information.

 

G&C Farm is the week eight (February 27 - March 3) sponsor at the FTI WEF, which encompasses the presenting sponsorship of the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup on Friday, March 1, during the CSIO 4* week. They sponsor the $35,000 G&C Farm Puissance on Saturday, March 2, and are also the title sponsor of the G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper division, which will host multiple FEI ROLEX ranking classes with increased prize money during the circuit. Also held during week eight is the Nations Cup Series for Children's, Juniors, and Young Riders sponsored by Hollow Creek Farm on March 2 as well as the $150,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSIO 4* on March 3.

 

G&C Farm is a sponsor at the $100,000 Trump Invitational, a FEI-rated grand prix event held at the stunning Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL, on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 12 p.m., which will benefit the 2013 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments^�.

 

G&C Farm, which was established in Wellington in 2009, has fully embraced the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, establishing themselves as a leading sponsor who is not only promoting their own team, but all riders in North and South America, to be the best in the world. G&C Farm brings exceptional horses and top jumper riders to the highest levels of competition. Their state-of-the-art, full-service facility is located in Wellington, FL. The vision of G&C Farm is to improve the instruction and training of their top jumper riders and horses in order to seek a place at all high level tournaments and top competitions, including the World Equestrian Games and Olympic Games. G&C Farm sponsors Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa, as well as other up-and-coming riders. For more information on G&C Farm, please visit www.gandcfarm.com.

 

The Bainbridge Companies brings their title sponsorship to week nine of the FTI WEF on March 6-10 and will be the presenting sponsor of the $300,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix, CSI 5*-W. This will be the first time in FTI WEF history that two five-star events have been held during the same circuit. Other major events during the week include the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9, the $20,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Team Event, and the $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

 

As one of the most highly recognized and respected companies in the luxury rental apartment development, ownership and management industry, Bainbridge is all about building community. As an active equestrian himself, Chairman and CEO Richard Schechter became very involved in the horse show. Bainbridge is headquartered in Wellington, Florida, and Bethesda, MD, a suburb of Washington, D.C., where Schechter began the business in 1993. For more information please visit www.bainbridgecompanies.com.

 

Horseware Ireland joins the weekly title sponsors during week 10 of the FTI WEF on March 13-17. They will be on hand for the $82,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix, CSI 3* on March 16 as well as four other FEI ROLEX world ranking classes during the week.

 

Horseware^� Ireland is the maker of the Rambo^�, Rhino^� and Amigo^� lines of quality stable wear. In 1985, the horse rug industry was changed forever with the establishment of Horseware^� Products Ltd. by Tom and Carol MacGuinness. Tom's determination to produce a rug that didn't leak, didn't make the horse sweat, and didn't slip led to the creation of the Rambo^� Original - the first fully waterproof and breathable Turnout that really worked. Visit www.horseware.com for the dealer near you.

 

Artisan Farms

The FTI WEF is proud to have Artisan Farms, LLC as its week 11 title sponsor for the 2013 show circuit on March 20-24. The final $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix will be held on Sunday, March 24. Artisan Farms is the motivating factor behind the creation of the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series presented by Dutta Corporation in association with Guido Klatte. The series will have three $15,000 grand prix classes and a $20,000 team event throughout the circuit. The $101,000 Pennfield Grand Prix, CSI 4* on March 24 at The Stadium and the $100,000 Suncast 1.50 Championship Jumper Classic Final under the lights on March 23 are two other major events in week 11.

 

 

Rolex

Rolex serves as the "Official Timepiece" of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, which comprises the show grounds for the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

 

Rolex will be a sponsor partner at the PBIEC, which covers the range of ESP's many varied equestrian events that take place on the show grounds, including 40 weeks of horse shows. Multiple permanent specially branded Rolex clock towers, famous all over the world for their impeccable timing and classic look, will be placed in prominent positions at the International Arena on the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Stadium grounds.

 

 

Suncast is also a major sponsor at the FTI WEF. They are the title sponsor of the Suncast^� 1.50m Championship Jumper Series, which offers a 1.50m class during every week at the FTI WEF, along with a $100,000 1.50m Final during week 11 under the lights on Saturday, March 23. In its third year, Suncast^� will present the $50,000 Leading Horse/Rider Combination Award. The award will be presented to the Horse/Rider combinations who gain the most points from the Suncast^� 1.50m Championship Jumper Series. Suncast^� is also a sponsor at the $100,000 Trump Invitational on Sunday, January 6.

 

Suncast^� Corporation manufactures home and outdoor storage products in the United States. It offers resin sheds, deck boxes, hose reels, and patio accessories, as well as garden products. The company sells its products through retailers. Suncast Corporation was founded in 1984 and is based in Batavia, Illinois. For more information, please visit www.suncast.com.

 

Ruby et Violette is joining the FTI WEF as a major sponsor this year of the WEF Challenge Cup Series, a Thursday grand prix that is offered in all 12 weeks of the circuit. The series will offer increased prize money this year during week 6 ($50,000), week 9 ($125,000), week 11 ($50,000), and week 12 ($50,000), in addition to their regular $30,000 and $33,000 classes.

 

Ruby et Violette is a New York City-based online bakery that specializes in handmade, small batch, gourmet chocolate chunk cookies, brownies and cookie dough ice creams. Hailed by O, The Oprah Magazine as "transcendently luscious," Ruby et Violette is a New York City-based online bakery that specializes in handmade, small batch, gourmet chocolate chunk cookies, brownies and cookie dough ice creams. Their exquisitely detailed, award winning gift boxes are shipped all over the country and are popular favors for large celebrations and corporate events. Chocoholics throughout the country can order via the web at: www.RubyetViolette.com

 

 

Other major event sponsors include:

$55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes (January 12): www.nespresso.com

A fun exhibition pits men versus women in three rounds of exciting competition: Match Races, a speed class, and a six bar. Come see if the women will retain their title!

 

Hollow Creek Farm Nations Cup Series for Children's, Junior, and Young Riders

 

Three new FEI Nations Cup competitions will be held for Children 12 to 14 years old, for Juniors 14 to 18 years old and for Young Riders 16 to 21 years old during Week 8 of the FTI WEF alongside the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm. As well as a team competition, there will also be an individual class for the three levels, all of which will run under full FEI rules giving the riders an early experience of top level international competition.

 

$101,000 Pennfield Feeds Grand Prix, CSI 4* (March 23): www.pennfieldequine.com

This top level grand prix event is always well-attended and lauded by show jumpers for great competition on the fantastic grass derby field at The Stadium.

 

Equestrian Sport Productions would like to extend their sincere thanks to these sponsors for their support of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. More information about all of the FTI WEF sponsors will be announced this winter.

 

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) has 12 weeks of world class competition running from January 9 through March 31, 2013. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. All 12 weeks are "AA" rated and Jumper Rated 6, with approximately $7 million in prize money awarded.