Organizers of the 2005 version of the FEI World Cup threw open the doors to the world. Although no competition was scheduled for Wednesday, both show jumping and dressage riders had scheduled schooling sessions in the Thomas & Mack Arena. Many spectators came out to get a preview of the horses and riders that will compete throughout the rest of the week. In addition to watching the horses and riders, spectators could wander through the expansive trade show. The local Las Vegas Pony Club even enjoyed a behind the scenes tour and got to spend a few minutes with dressage rider Debbie McDonald, who took time to graciously sign autographs and answer questions.

Although German dressage rider Isabel Werth had to withdraw her horse Anthony FRH, her spot was filled by Canadian rider Evy Strassner. Eighteen dressage riders will compete for the 2005 FEI World Cup title.

Competition for both dressage and show jumping gets underway on Thursday, and continues through the weekend. Go to www.worldcuplasvegas.com for more information.

The World Cup Finals feature five action-packed days of electrifying equestrian competition. The schedule for the Jumping Final includes a heart-stopping speed class on Thursday evening, a nail-biting jump-off class on Friday evening, the Grand Prix of Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon, and of course, the illustrious World Cup Final on Sunday afternoon.

The Dressage Final features the world’s best dressage riders locked in a four-day battle to determine who will be crowned this year’s FEI World Cup Dressage Champion. The schedule includes the impressive Grand Prix on Thursday afternoon, an exciting Grand Prix on Friday afternoon for horses not entered in the Final, and the crowd-pleasing Musical Freestyle on Saturday evening.

For more information on the 2005 FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals, please call Las Vegas Events, Inc. at (702) 260-8605 or visit the official website at www.worldcuplasvegas.com.