Shane Sweetnam, winner of the 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series Leading Rider Award. Photo By: Shawn McMillen Photography.
Lexington, KY – May 8, 2013 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are getting underway today at the Kentucky Horse Park, and one of the highlight events will be the kick-off of the 2013 Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series.
The Kentucky Spring Horse Show, held May 8-12, 2013, will feature the lead-off event on Thursday evening with the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. The top riders from across the nation will gather to compete over a challenging course and vie for the winning title and valuable points toward the $50,000 Leading Rider Award. The Kentucky Spring Classic, May 15-19, 2013, will host the second $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, May 16.
Later in the year, four more Hagyard Lexington Classic grand prix events will be held during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, the Kentucky Summer Classic, the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and the KHJA Horse Show. The Series concludes with the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner of the $50,000 Leading Rider will be announced and presented with the prize by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
“Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is very excited to be involved with the Kentucky Horse Shows once again,” noted Dr. Stuart Brown, President of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “We are happy to support a national level of competition through the Hagyard Challenge Series, and we are looking forward to watching the country’s top horse and riders compete during these events.”
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse for more than 130 years.
The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour ambulance and emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 133 years and is currently composed of over 60 experienced veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology.
Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: title sponsor MWI Veterinary Supply, and presenting sponsor Zoetis, as well as Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra HA, Johnson Horse Transport, Hallway Feeds, Kirk Horse Insurance LLC, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.
MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. is a leading distributor of animal health products to veterinarians in the United States and United Kingdom. We offer more than 30,000 products, sourced from over 500 vendors to more than 20,000 veterinary practices nationwide. Product lines include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, capital equipment, supplies, veterinary pet food and nutritional products. MWI, proud to the Title sponsor of the Hagyard Challenge Series, wishes good luck to all of the owners, horses and riders and says Thank You to equine veterinarians for their dedication to the health and well-being of the horse. For more information please visit https://www.mwivet.com/.
Hagyard Challenge Presenting Sponsor Pfizer Animal Health is now called Zoetis (zō-EH-tis). Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting you and your horses. Building on a 60-year history as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, such as WEST NILE-INNOVATOR, FLUVAC INNOVATOR, ZYLEXIS, STRONGID C 2X, QUEST and QUEST PLUS, DORMOSEDAN GEL and EXCEDE. Zoetis is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2013 Leading Rider Bonus Award. For more information, please visit http://www.zoetis.com/.
Dean Dorton Allen Ford provides unmatched knowledge and expertise in equine industry accounting, tax, technology and business consulting. The firm’s team of equine advisors offers experience, expertise, and proven leadership to clients seeking to successfully adapt to a continually changing equine environment. Dean Dorton Allen Ford is located in Kentucky, known for its world-class horse farms, racing, events and sales. As a result of the firm’s commitment to and experience in the equine industry, it serves equine industry clients throughout the U.S. and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ddafcpa.com.
Audi of Lexington offers many automotive products and services to our customers. From quality new Audis to used cars, we know anyone looking for a new or used car, in or around Lexington, will likely find what they want at our dealership. We carry a comprehensive line of Audi vehicles, including the A3, A4, A5, S5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, and TT models, making us a good choice as your Lexington Audi car dealer. Our services include trusted car repairs, original Audi parts, and auto financing help for our customers. Call Audi of Lexington at 866-862-AUDI, or come visit us. We’re conveniently located at 3000 Pink Pigeon Parkway, Lexington, KY 40509, and we are looking forward to helping you with your automotive needs. Audi of Lexington is proud to be a sponsor of the Leading Rider Bonus Award. For more information please visit www.audioflexington.com.
Hagyard Flex-tra HA – Hagyard Pharmacy is a nationwide leader in providing the equine industry with the highest quality pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. Backed by over 50 Hagyard veterinarians, Hagyard pharmacy offers excellence in service and expertise. We are conveniently located on the campus of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park or visit us online at www.hagyardpharmacy.com. Be sure to check out Hagyard Flex-tra HA equine joint supplement, available exclusively through the Hagyard Pharmacy. Flex-tra HA provides your horse the highest concentration of HA at the lowest cost. Help your horse achieve his peak performance with a brand you can Trust: Hagyard Flex-tra HA.
Hallway Feeds – For over 45 years Hallway Feeds has been a family owned and operated business devoted to providing the highest quality products and services to the equine industry. Combining our wealth of experience with the specific needs of customers has resulted in both a national and international reputation of excellence for Hallway Feeds. For many years, world renowned horse breeders within Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region have relied upon Hallway Feeds to care for their highly valued stallions, broodmares and growing horses. Hallway Feeds are a staple in the stables of the leading hunters, jumpers, eventers, racehorse trainers and other equine professionals. With a devotion to the horse industry and unwavering commitment to the most technologically advanced and nutritionally sound products, Hallway Feeds is poised to lead the specialty equine feed manufacturing industry for years to come. For more information, please visit http://www.hallwayfeeds.com.
Johnson Horse Transportation, Inc. has over 20 years experience. We provide top notch, state of the art equipment and experienced horsemen who take great pride in giving your horses the same love and care that they get at home. Our knowledgeable drivers and friendly staff help to set Johnson Horse Transportation, Inc. apart to be simply one of the best carriers in the business. Johnson Horse Transportation, Inc. has built a valued, lasting reputation with the horse community as well as being a respected member of the National Horse Carriers Association. Put your mind at ease and let Johnson Horse Transportation, Inc. be your first call. Visit www.johnsonhorsetransportation.com for more information.
Kirk Horse Insurance, LLC is an industry leader in providing horse related insurance, and the sponsor of the 2012 high point Thoroughbred Award. Over 30 years ago, the company began with the simple premise that horse insurance should be changed to offer broader and more straight-forward coverage for horse owners. Today, we continue to be firmly dedicated to providing the best possible coverage options for horse owners. Our staff is comprised of experts in both insurance and the horse business, and we take great pride in guiding you through the complexities of this very specialized area of insurance. For more information, please visit online at www.kirkhorse.com.
Pike & Preston (P&P) is an employee benefits company specializing in health, life and disability insurance for companies throughout the country. P&P has more than 65 years of combined experience in employee benefits. Through their exceptional knowledge of the benefits market, an experienced staff and a commitment to customer service, P&P is just the partner you need to develop a benefit package tailored to your company. For more information, please visit http://www.pikeandpreston.com/.
Stoll Keenon Ogden is a law firm dedicated to its clients. With seven offices in three states and more than 145 attorneys, SKO provides a spectrum of legal services to local, national and international clients. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help clients succeed, and we pride ourselves on raising the practice of law to an art. Learn more at www.skofirm.com.
For more information about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit http://hagyard.com.
For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to
www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
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