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The first Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament was held Thursday through Sunday, October 29-November 2, 2003 in the OnCenter and War Memorial. 250 horses and 100-world-class riders competed for a five-figure prize money. Beezie Madden, of Cazenovia, a top-ranked rider participating in the tournament was presented a Senate Resolution, sponsored by Senator Hoffmann, honoring her for all her accomplishments throughout her illustrious Sporthorse career.
It was the first time the War Memorial or the OnCenter hosted such an event. The local turnout was tremendous, selling out the War Memorial on the final day of competition. Overall, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament boosted the local economy by over 1 million dollars. |
Signs in the OnCenter and on the War Memorial Marquee celebrate the Sporthorse Event. |
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Riders walk the course to determine how many strides the horse should make between jumps. |
Prior to the Syracuse Cup, the top seven riders saluted the audience from the ring. They are (left to right): Michael Whitaker, Chris Kappler, Beezie Madden, David Raposa, Todd Minikus, Margie Engle, Leslie Howard |
Sunday brunch and a charity auction were held in the Memorial Hall of the War memorial. The top seven finalists of the week's event and participants in the Sunday afternoon Syracuse Cup joined the guests for lunch and chatted about their horses. |
Michael Whitaker's horse was strained during competition, so he pulled out of the last round of jumps. Michael, who came to Syracuse from England, discusses his enjoyment of the event with organizer John Madden. In the background are tables and amenities for VIP guests. |
John and Beezie Madden accept the Senate Resolution, arranged by Senator Hoffmann, which honors Beezie for her accomplishments. Before the start of the Syracuse Cup, Beezie Madden was ranked No. 3 in the USET (United States Equestrian Team) rankings. |
Beezie Madden gets her horse ready to jump. |
John Madden interviews Chris Kappler, winner of the $34,500 Syracuse Cup on Sunday. |
Horses from the Budwiser 8-horse Clydesdale hitch perform at liberty in the arena following the competition. |