The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are pleased to announce that their first week of competition, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show CSI3*, May 9-13, 2012, has been designated by USEF as a 2012 U.S. Show Jumping Team Observation Event. The jumper highlights in the Rolex Stadium during the first week will include the $35,000 Welcome Cup on May 9. This will be followed on Friday, May 11 by the $50,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic and on Sunday, May 13 by the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix. These two major competitions are Observation Events for the U.S. Show Jumping Team. Following the US Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in Wellington, Fla., in March, riders named to the long list must compete at two of the four designated observation events, one of which will be the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. In addition to the long listed riders many more top horse and rider combinations are expected to gather at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows to vie for the winning title in these challenging events.

Chef d’Equipe George Morris commented, “I think that Kentucky is a premiere facility, they have hosted trials before, they know how to do it. It’s a lovely time of year, great footing, so it has to be a hit. The whole area is very horse friendly and very natural.”

Mark Leone is also a member of the Selection Committee, and will be attending the Kentucky Spring Horse Show to observe the long listed riders. “Hosting the Observations at Kentucky is an excellent choice for our horses and riders,” he said. “It’s a top international facility, especially after having the World Equestrian Games there. We are trying to determine that type of championship quality horse, so it’s a perfect venue to solidify our candidates for London.”

In addition to the three major jumper classes during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, the competition will continue with the Kentucky Spring Classic CSI2* held May 16-20, 2012. The $32,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic will be held on Thursday, May 17, as riders try to accumulate valuable points for the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus. On Saturday, May 19, riders will compete under the lights in the Rolex Stadium during the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington.

Each year, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show boasts high-level grand prix action, as well as the nation’s top hunters with a USHJA International Hunter Derby. New highlights during this year’s events will include the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series with Leading Hunter Rider Bonus. The Kentucky Spring Classic will also be a WCHR Member event, where riders can earn points towards year-end awards.

While competing at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, exhibitors and their families can also explore downtown Lexington, which features fine dining and shopping. The beautiful Lexington area offers numerous hotel accommodations near the horse show facilities and the main downtown area.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit  www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.