The American Invitational is highly regarded as a legacy show jumping event.For over four decades an international lineup of Olympians, past champions,and some of this country’s most celebrated riders, compete under the lights inthe impressive stadium scenery for the coveted title.

Equestrians and patrons favor the Invitational, often referring to it as the “SuperBowl of Show Jumping,” as it is this country’s only NFL football stadium set-ting for a major championship. Sun Life Stadium delivers a distinguished at-mosphere challenging both the horse and rider individually and as a team. Onlythirty riders qualify or are invited to compete.

Every year the Invitational kicks off with the traditional course walk that is opento the public. Spectators revel in the experience and admire the sheer power,speed and excellence needed to successfully navigate the jumps designed byOlympic course designer, Steve Stephens.

Competition: Long recognized as the most prestigious equestrian event, the $200,000American Invitational presented by G&C Farm makes its South Floridadebut at Sun Life Stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2014.

Rider Field: 30 riders will be invited to compete. Invitations will be extended to 2013American Invitational champion, riders who have accumulated the mostprize money in various qualifying classes, as of Friday, March 28, 2014.

Winner’s Share: $66,000

Defending Champion: McLain Ward, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist

Tickets: Available at Ticketmaster and www.stadiumjumping.com$29 - Adults/Children$24 - Seniors

VIP Hospitality: Ringside VIP tables of six in the Wells Fargo Private Bank Club are availablefor $4,000 – email matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com

Schedule of Events:5:00 p.m. – Gates open and family fun activities begin6:30 p.m. – Rider autograph signing and public course walk7:00 p.m. – Opening ceremonies8:00 p.m. – First rider is on course

Charity: Masked by the bright lights and exciting show jumping action, spectatorsenjoying the action and entertainment is our true mission – giving back to thecommunity. Charity organizations are invited to participate in our philan-thropic promotions. Please contact aprilw@stadiumjumping.com foradditional information on how your charity can get involved.

Sponsors:

QUICK FACTS

In 2013, the North American Riders Group (NARG) determined that events ofthis caliber deserve special recognition for the essence behind each event isthe antithesis of the show circuit.

Among the select few, the American Invitational was awarded honors as oneof the top specialty events in the country. The NARG Board encouraged riders,owners, and sponsors to support this worthy showcase of equestrian sport.

Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., asuburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins and the Universityof Miami Hurricanes football team.

Since its construction, the stadium has hosted five Super Bowls, two World Series,and four BCS National Championship Games. The stadium served as host for thesecond round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, WrestleMania XXVIII, and the2010 Pro Bowl.

Show jumping is a beautiful and exciting sport that, because of the incredibleeffort and heart of the horses involved, has the ability to capture a broad audi-ence. it is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete directlyagainst each other. The horses are fit, strong and beautiful. Riders are strong,athletic and wear the traditional attire that conjures up images of times goneby. People of all ages can appreciate the athleticism of these teams.

At the highest level, horse and rider combinations jump over obstacles morethan five feet high and six feet wide. In an average course there are at least thir-teen obstacles that must be completed in a very limited amount of time (usuallyaround 75 seconds).

Designing jumper courses is a technical art form with no two courses everalike. A diagram of the course is posted indicating the direction and sequencethe course must be taken. The rider has the chance to ‘walk’ the course prior toeach event to plan their best course of action. Each jump is numbered, andflags are placed to indicate the direction the obstacle is to be taken: the red flagis on the right and the white flag is on the left.

The rules are very simple and once explained, spectators can keep score andtrack the outcome, much like in baseball. There are no style points-outcomesare based on speed and execution. Scoring is based on a point system forfaults in jumping. Faults include knocking a rail down, a refusal to jump the re-quired obstacle, or exceeding the time limit. Electronic timers are used to accu-rately record time. In the case of a tie after the first round [clear, clean or equalnumber of faults], jump-offs are conducted over a shortened, and usually raisedcourse. In the Jump-Off round, one horse and rider combination with thefastest time and lowest number of faults will be declared the winner.

Show Jumping 101

Equestrian Demographics

Show Jumping is engaging, high profile andfast-paced. Through various highly effectivemedia outlets, the American Invitational isviewed throughout the state, nationwide,and even internationally.

Equestrian consumers represent a discern-ing and attractive marketing group; edu-cated and affluent families that embrace theequestrian lifestyle, and professionals thatdrive purchasing decisions.

4.6 millions Americans are involved in theindustry as horse owners, service providers,employees and volunteers. Tens of millionsmore participate as spectators.

"This one's just something unique and special. When I grew up, the Invitational was the mostimportant class to win. This is what we coveted. I think these are the kind of classes that ourcountry, not only the athletes and the sponsors, but also the Federation really need to rallybehind. It's like when they grandfather a building. This should be very important because it'sspecial to us. The Invitational is an institution for this country and this sport.” – McLain Ward