2. 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 in
the impressive stadium scenery for the coveted title.
Equestrians and patrons favor the Invitational, often referring to it as the “Super
Bowl 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. Only
thirty riders qualify or are invited to compete.
Every year the Invitational kicks off with the traditional course walk that is open
to the public. Spectators revel in the experience and admire the sheer power,
speed and excellence needed to successfully navigate the jumps designed by
Olympic course designer, Steve Stephens.

3. Competition: Long recognized as the most prestigious equestrian event, the $200,000
American Invitational presented by G&C Farm makes its South Florida
debut at Sun Life Stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
Rider Field: 30 riders will be invited to compete. Invitations will be extended to 2013
American Invitational champion, riders who have accumulated the most
prize 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 available
for $4,000 – email matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com
Schedule of Events:
5:00 p.m. – Gates open and family fun activities begin
6:30 p.m. – Rider autograph signing and public course walk
7:00 p.m. – Opening ceremonies
8:00 p.m. – First rider is on course
Charity: Masked by the bright lights and exciting show jumping action, spectators
enjoying the action and entertainment is our true mission – giving back to the
community. Charity organizations are invited to participate in our philan-
thropic promotions. Please contact aprilw@stadiumjumping.com for
additional information on how your charity can get involved.
Sponsors:
QUICK FACTS

4. In 2013, the North American Riders Group (NARG) determined that events of
this caliber deserve special recognition for the essence behind each event is
the antithesis of the show circuit.
Among the select few, the American Invitational was awarded honors as one
of the top specialty events in the country. The NARG Board encouraged riders,
owners, and sponsors to support this worthy showcase of equestrian sport.

5. Sun Life Stadium is an American football stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., a
suburb of Miami. It is the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins and the University
of 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 the
second round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, WrestleMania XXVIII, and the
2010 Pro Bowl.

6. Show jumping is a beautiful and exciting sport that, because of the incredible
effort 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 directly
against each other. The horses are fit, strong and beautiful. Riders are strong,
athletic and wear the traditional attire that conjures up images of times gone
by. People of all ages can appreciate the athleticism of these teams.
At the highest level, horse and rider combinations jump over obstacles more
than 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 (usually
around 75 seconds).
Designing jumper courses is a technical art form with no two courses ever
alike. A diagram of the course is posted indicating the direction and sequence
the course must be taken. The rider has the chance to ‘walk’ the course prior to
each event to plan their best course of action. Each jump is numbered, and
flags are placed to indicate the direction the obstacle is to be taken: the red flag
is on the right and the white flag is on the left.
The rules are very simple and once explained, spectators can keep score and
track the outcome, much like in baseball. There are no style points-outcomes
are based on speed and execution. Scoring is based on a point system for
faults 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 equal
number of faults], jump-offs are conducted over a shortened, and usually raised
course. In the Jump-Off round, one horse and rider combination with the
fastest time and lowest number of faults will be declared the winner.
Show Jumping 101

7. Equestrian Demographics
Show Jumping is engaging, high profile and
fast-paced. Through various highly effective
media outlets, the American Invitational is
viewed throughout the state, nationwide,
and even internationally.
Equestrian consumers represent a discern-
ing and attractive marketing group; edu-
cated and affluent families that embrace the
equestrian lifestyle, and professionals that
drive purchasing decisions.
4.6 millions Americans are involved in the
industry as horse owners, service providers,
employees and volunteers. Tens of millions
more participate as spectators.

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