February 18, 2005 – St. Lazare, Quebec – Show jumping action returns to St-Lazare, QC, with two back-to-back competitions planned for the legendary P épinière Stables. The Pépinière Spring Show will be held May 19-23 while the St-Lazare Spring Show will take place May 25-29, 2005.

Following the passing of longtime show organizer and renowned horsewoman, Gladys Adam, P épinière Stables was purchased in December of 2003 by Angela and Mike Lawrence, who have continued the long-standing tradition of hosting one of the season’s first horse shows on the Quebec circuit. The 2004 competitions were a great success, and encouraged the new organizers to make the event even bigger and better in 2005.

“We were very pleased with the success of the show in our first year of management, and are happy to be able to continue the long-standing tradition of offering a quality horse show to start the Quebec season,” notes Mike Lawrence whose company, Comp étitions Eastwood Equine Inc., organizes the event. “We plan to continue to expand the show each year and make continued improvements, with the goal of restoring the horse show to its former glory, including once again making P épinière a regular stop on the Canadian World Cup Qualifying circuit.”

Already renowned for its grass footing, upgrades to the Grand Prix field include the addition of three natural obstacles - a grass tabletop bank, a permanent liverpool, and a dry ditch. For the Pépinière Spring Show, Chris Brandt of Alberta will act as the course designer in the Grand Prix ring while Benjamin Giguère of Quebec will set the hunter courses. The following week, David Ballard, course designer at the 1999 Pan American Games, takes over duties in the Grand Prix ring while Quebec’s Pierre Birch returns as the course designer in the hunter ring. The St-Lazare Spring Show will also see Quebec’s own Francois Ferland, who has judged the last three consecutive Olympic Games, officiating.

Highlights of the two weeks of competition include a $1,500 Talent Squad class during week one and a $2,500 Talent Squad class held week two, with the highest combined point winner following the two classes being awarded a Forestier saddle by Sandridge Saddlery, who also generously sponsor the equitation classes. Other classes sure to attract competitors and spectators alike include the $1,500 Gladys Adam Memorial Hunter Classic, Presented by Merial Canada Inc., a $5,000 Grand Prix, the $5,000 Molson Speed Derby and the grand finale, the $10,000 Metro International and Thermo King Grand Prix held on Sunday, May 29. Angela Covert-Lawrence is the defending champion of this event, having guided Louise and Marc Sabbah’s Tomboy Major to victory in 2004 following a three-horse jump-off.

For more information on the Pepiniere Horse Show Series, including the prize list, please visit www.pepinierestables.com.