Press Releases

Janet Nittmann
Dover Saddlery
Tel 978 952 8062 x 218
jnittmann@doversaddlery.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Growth of AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge Continues

May 22, 2006 -- The AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge will be offered at over 90 shows during the 2006 season and classes are becoming increasingly popular as young riders vie to win a visit to the Capital Challenge Horse Show in October. In addition to the Regional champions this season the AHJF and Dover Saddlery have broadened the invitation to include the Regional reserve champions and third and fourth place regional ribbon winners to a behind the scenes tour and educational clinic a The Capital Challenge Horse Show.

The AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge rewards the ability of young riders to present their horse or pony and is judged on hunter showmanship.

Regional winners are invited to attend the Capital Challenge where they meet with leading riders and trainers and watch show hunters compete at the highest level. At the 2005 Capital Challenge the regional champions Jacqui Myers of Lansing, Michigan and Laura Behrenbeck of Rochester, Minnesota were treated to a Grand Prix course walk with Olympian Mclain Ward " It was my pleasure to meet the winners of the 2005 AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge - their enthusiasm for the sport was apparent and I wish them well with their future riding" said Ward.

"I commend this program for providing the young rider entering the sport with an objective numerical scoring system" says Peter Fox who has judged this class several times. "the first time I judged this class it seemed a bit tricky, but after that it was very straightforward" he added.

More information on the AJHF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge is available at the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation website, www.ahjf.org. Junior riders can find a list of shows, by state, as well as details of the scoring system and the current regional standings at http://www.ahjf.org/ahjf-dover.shtml. Show managers can download a show application form as well as the Junior Hunter Challenge Logo and prize list text. Alternatively show managers wishing to participate can call the AHJF at (508) 835-8813.

About the American Hunter/Jumper Foundation
For more information on the AHJF and its programs, including the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, and the AHJF/Merrill Lynch 401k Profit Sharing Plan, contact the AHJF office at (508)835-8813 or www.ahjf.org. The AHJF is a non-profit member and sponsor supported organization, which strives to promote the sport of hunter-jumper competition and address the needs of the sport's participants.

About Dover Saddlery, Inc.
Dover Saddlery, is the largest direct marketer of equestrian products in the United States. Founded in 1975 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, by United States Equestrian team members, Dover Saddlery has grown to become The Source for equestrian products. Dover offers a broad and distinctive selection of competitively priced, brand name products for horse and rider through catalogs, the Internet and company-owned retail stores. For more information, please call 1-800-989-1500 or visit www.doversaddlery.com.