November 30, 2004 – Paris, France – The newest JustWorld International Rider Representative, Markus Fuchs of Switzerland, enjoyed great success at the CSI**** Paris Porte des Versailles Horse Show held November 26-28 in Paris, France.

Fuchs started the week by placing second in two competitions riding Royal Charmer, the 20,000 Euros 1.40m Speed competition and the Prix du Ceneca 1.45m competition, as well as finishing third in the Accumulator riding Narcossa Z. In Saturday night’s 25,000 Euros Generall Assurances Prix, Fuchs topped the field to claim the win riding La Toya III following an exciting 11-horse jump-off. France’s own Michel Robert was holding the lead when Ireland’s Jessica Kurten went even faster to overtake the top position riding Quibell. Fuchs then did the seemingly impossible, shaving every corner as close as he dared to emerge victorious.

“It was a very quick jump-off, I had to take all the risks,” noted Fuchs, a five-time Olympian who was cheered on loudly by the French crowd. “My horse was in a very good mood and the result went the right way.”

Fuchs and La Toya III returned to the ring for Sunday’s 75,000 Euro Paris Marionnaud 1.55m Grand Prix where they again posted a clear round to advance to the jump-off. There, an unlucky rail down at the second last fence on course cost them the victory, despite the fact that they stopped the clock at 47.65 seconds, almost three seconds faster than the winner, Toni Hassmann of Germany, who was double clear in a time of 50.44 seconds riding Camirez B.

“On Sunday, I was a little afraid that La Toya would be too hot, she is quite sensitive and after a crazy jump-off on Saturday night, I was worried that she would not be concentrating,” noted Fuchs of the Belgian-bred mare by Fortuin that he has been riding for more than three years. “The first round was not so easy, it was quite a big grand prix. In the jump-off, we had the second fence down, but without the rail we would have won the class and could have won more money for JustWorld!”

Placing fifth overall, Fuchs generously donated 25% of his Grand Prix prize money to JustWorld International.

“I believe that people in a comfortable position have an obligation to those people who do not live on the sunny side of life,” noted Fuchs. “JustWorld International is just one of my personal causes; I try to do many things in an effort to make the world a little bit better.”

“Markus is very committed to humanitarian efforts, which I am not sure many people are aware of, and I am glad that we can give him some recognition through JustWorld International,” stated JustWorld International Executive Director, Jessica Newman, who gave up her own Grand Prix riding career in order to concentrate her efforts on founding and directing the humanitarian efforts of JustWorld International. “I am truly honoured that Markus has joined JustWorld International. He is a man of real integrity and values and, despite his ranking as one of the best riders in the world, he remains humble and down to earth. As fierce, serious and focused as he is as a competitor, he is as kind, generous and compassionate as a human being. I am grateful not only for his monetary contribution, but for his moral support in acting as a spokesperson and encouraging others to get involved and help support our cause.”

There were numerous other ‘Jump for a Just World’ connections at the 2004 Paris Porte des Versailles Horse Show. Acting as course designer was Serge Houtmann of France, who is a member of the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Advisory Board. A JustWorld International signature fence, designed and donated by Frank Rothenberger and unveiled two weeks earlier at CSI***** Brussels, was a fixture in the ring, including during the Grand Prix.

JustWorld International Executive Director, Jessica Newman, presented the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Leading Junior Rider Award to Charlotte Leoni, daughter of French Equestrian Team member Philippe Leoni, who was riding Olympia, the former grand prix horse of Michel Robert.

“We wanted to award a trophy to the leading junior riders of this horse show in an effort to sensitize and educate equestrian youth about JustWorld International’s humanitarian efforts,” noted Newman. “We hope to encourage them to get involved, joining other fellow junior riders, who donate all, or a percentage of, their prize money to JustWorld and volunteer to help us raise funds and promote our work. Our professional rider ambassadors set an example and act as role models for the youth, who we encourage to follow in their footsteps.”

“I also want to publicly thank the Paris Horse Show President, Jean Morel, who is also a member of the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Advisory Board, for all of his support,” continued Newman. “Due to his commitment, JustWorld International was able to publicize its work and raise funds through this prestigious international event.

JustWorld International is a non-profit humanitarian organization that trains and empowers students to work for social justice. Current professional riders include Angela Covert of Canada, Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Olivier Guillon of France, Candice King of the United States, Titi Mills of Honduras, Eric Navet of France, Ray Texel of the United States, Gregory Wathelet of Belgium, and the newest member of the ‘Jump for a JustWorld’ initiative, Marcus Fuchs of Switzerland. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money or giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International, riders are able to support the organization’s projects and programs.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International offers fellowship programs for students from around the globe to learn leadership skills, the tools that they can use to make a positive difference in the world. With three project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras and Senegal, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International. For further information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

For additional information on the CSI**** Paris Horse Show, please visit www.salon-cheval.com/csi/index.htm.