February 24, 2014–In a testament to their dedication to host one of the premiere preparation competitions ahead of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the Carolina International CIC Organizing Committee is pleased to announce exciting sponsorships and a list of distinguished international officials. The Cloud Eleven~Gavilan North LLC has signed on as Title Sponsor, while Karen Stives’ Stonehenge Farm will be the Sponsor of the CIC3*. The event will run at the CIC1*, CIC2*, and CIC3* levels in addition to hosting national level competition in Training through Advanced divisions at the Carolina Horse Park, March 20-23, 2014. $50,000 in prize money is being offered and the competition will be presided over by Ground Juries composed of high profile officials from Europe and North America.
“The Cloud Eleven~Gavilan North LLC is dedicated to supporting American eventers and the U.S. program in their pursuit of top finishes in championships and international competition for years to come,” said Jennifer Mosing. “We are honored to have our name associated with this premiere competition and look forward to being a part of this inaugural event that will be vital in preparation for the World Championships this summer.”
Cloud Eleven~Gavilan Farm is a 160 acre equestrian training facility in Hoffman, NC developed to provide the highest quality venue for the preparation of equestrian athletes at all levels. This facility features state of the art footing, a mile long galloping track, as well as cross country schooling and dressage arenas.
Karen Stives has deep roots in the history of U.S. eventing, including participation in numerous winning American efforts. Stives was the individual silver medalist and a member of the 1984 U.S. Team that captured Gold at the Los Angeles Olympics, feats that will be honored at the “Bring Back the Gold” celebration on the night of March 22rd.
“Having been a member of a Gold medal winning team, past Chair of the USEF Eventing Selection Committee and a longtime supporter of eventing in the United States, I understand how important top-class events are in the preparation for going head-to-head with the world’s best,” said Stives. “I am very excited for the Carolina International and look forward to watching many of the best horses and riders in North America compete.”
Adding to the excitement, competitors at the three-star level will have a unique opportunity to ride in front of a prestigious international judging panel. This panel includes Sue Baxter of Great Britain, who will be judging a the 2014 European Championships; Christian Landholt of Switzerland, a member of the ground jury at the 2008 Hong Kong Olympics and Roger Haller (TD) from the United States, designer of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Cross Country Courses.
“We are very pleased to have the support of Cloud Eleven ~ Gavilan North LLC along with Karen Stives’ Stonehenge Farm. To be partnered with their names is truly an honor,” said Robert Costello, Chair of the Carolina International CIC Organizing Committee. “Additionally, having such respected and knowledgeable officials at this event means we are set for world class weekend of competition in every way.”
To learn more about the Cloud Eleven~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International vist; http://www.carolinahorsepark.com/carolina-international-cic