International Reining Celebrity Challenge at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Final

Las Vegas, NV – The 2009 Rolex FEI World CupTM Finals in Las Vegas present the world’s best horses and riders in show jumping and dressage. It will also showcase some of the world’s best riders competing in a reining demonstration on April 18.

Participating in the reining demonstration are dressage riders Anky Van Grunsven, nine-time World Cup dressage Champion and three-time individual Olympic gold medalist; and Charlotte Bredahl-Baker, Olympic Team bronze medalist and USEF “S” judge and FEI “C” judge; as well as show jumping riders Rodrigo Pessoa, Olympic gold medalist, three-time World Cup show jumping Champion and World Equestrian Games World Champion; and Will Simpson, Olympic Team gold medallist.

These four world-class riders will test their skills in the sport of reining, famous for its sliding stops and quick spins, along with the guidance of two reining experts; Rick Weaver – National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) President, NRHA Professional, NRHA Futurity Open Division Champion and multiple NRHA World Champion and Ann Fonck – NRHA Professional, NRHA Open World Champion and accomplished dressage competitor.

Riders will be placed into teams, with each team consisting of one dressage rider, one show jumping rider and one NRHA professional. They will be given a “crash course” in the sport of reining aboard experienced reining horses provided by Tom and Kirstin Foran, David and Becky Hanson, Mike Boyle and a group of generous owners. Teams will then come together on April 18 to compete in the International Reining Celebrity Challenge.

Further information about the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping and Dressage Finals, including information on purchasing tickets, is available at the official website at www.WorldCupLasVegas.com.