Over the last few years, the Los Angeles National Grandprix has proven to be one of the most exciting show jumping events in the country. Victories have been posted from the ranks of seasoned professionals and from first-time-winning rookies. Who will win this year’s event Saturday night November 17th at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center is anybody’s guess.    

Paul Rohrbach won his very first ever show jumping Grandprix when he captured last year’s LA National in front of a packed house in the Equidome. A professional rider from Colorado, Rohrbach rode Mary Dunahay’s 11 year-old Belgian mare to one of only two double clear rounds over a very challenging Guillherme Jorge designed course.  

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          That second double clear in 2005 was earned by Hap Hansen of Encinitas,CA. He also placed second at this year’s Memorial Day Grandprix. Hansen is a multi-time winner of the L.A. National and one of the top title winning riders on the American Grandprix Association (AGA) circuit. During the 2005 season, Florida’s Margie Engle has moved ahead of Hansen, so he has an added incentive to add another first to his list of accomplishments.

          Hansen’s quest will not be an easy one. Local favorite Richard Spooner, also a multiple blue ribbon winner in the Equidome, is currently leading in the both the West Coast World Cup point standings, and in the Pacific Coast Rider standings for the sixth year in a row with over $160,000 in 2006 earnings. Spooner recently posted Grandprix wins in Del Mar and San Jan Capistrano. A victory on his home turf at LAEC has eluded him so far in 2006 -- a statistic he would like to change.

            Competition is always hot at the LA National Grandprix, explained event marketing director, Regina Antonioli. “In addition to being the final competition for riders to accrue points towards American Grandprix Association and PCHA Horse and Rider of the Year Titles, it is a World Cup Qualifying event. The top riders are all here trying to put their names in the record books, earn a chance to represent their country at the 2007 World Cup in Las Vegas next April, and take home the winner’s share of that $50,000 purse.”

              But the National is more than just hot competition. It’s exciting entertainment. This is Olympic style show jumping at its best. Horses and riders compete over a course of elaborately decorated fences 4’9’’ to 5’3” in height with spreads over 5 feet. Prior to the jumping there is a pre-show concert by singer/songwriter Bill Reveles. You may not recognize the name, but you’ve probably heard his work. Credits include Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, King of the Hill and MTV’s Daria and Undressed. Pre-show activities will also include the exciting, fast paced, and intricate maneuvers of the Rainbow Riders drill team presented by Asman and Associates.