DerbyCross™, an innovative new equestrian sport, combines the speed and accuracy of show jumping with the bravery and endurance of cross country jumping. This year's DerbyCross™ event will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg, VA.

DerbyCross™ will showcase many of the world's best equestrian talent, in an action packed, high energy, spectator-friendly format.

DerbyCross™ was conceived and developed by advanced level eventing competitors, Rebecca Howard and Sinead Halpin, and Dana Voorhees, an avid amateur competitor and owner of Van Productions, a marketing and media company.

"Here's how it works…" says Howard, Equestrian Director for The Fork Stables, in Norwood, NC. "The course is a strategically designed combination of cross country 'questions' such as ditches, logs and water, and show jumps. It will ask the horses to be brave over cross country fences and then careful over the show jumps, against the clock."

The organizers are raising the total number of teams to seven this year – all vie for the top prize. Riders will incur four penalty points per dropped rail, four per stop at a fence and four per fall. The team with the fastest time and the lowest number of penalty points wins. And, there's a twist. Each team must include one show jump rider!

The cross country section of the course will be easier for these team members and will drop to the Training level maximum height of 3'3", but the show jump section will go up. Way up. From 3'9" maximum height for the eventers to 4'6" (Level 7) for the show jumpers.

Riders currently scheduled to compete in this year's competition are:
- Stephen Bradley (US Olympian; finished 2 horses in the top 10 at Rolex CCI this year)
- Allison Springer (top US event rider - finished 13th at Rolex CCI this year)
- Sharon White (top US event rider; won the CIC at Bromont 2008)
- Pato Muente (show jumper)
- Will Coleman (North American Young Rider Champion; top competitor internationally)
- Nate Chambers (top US Young Rider)
- Ashley Kehoe (top US Young Rider)

"We are excited about this change of format," says event co-founder, Sinead Halpin. "We tried it out this way for the DerbyCross we ran last winter in Ocala and it was a huge hit with the crowd so we thought we'd try it again for this summer's event."

There is a lot of excitement around the change of venue as well. "We are so pleased to be able to hold the event at Morven Park this year," states Voorhees. "We've really been greeted with open arms by the staff there and look forward to being able to provide such a fantastic setting for our spectators, sponsors and riders. It should be a great day."

Returning this year as MVP Sponsor is The Fork Stables in Norwood, NC. A welcome newcomer to the sponsor list is Tri-County Feeds, Etc. ...your complete shopping destination, in Marshall, VA who will be coming on board as a Silver Sponsor. Conveniently located in the heart of horse country, Tri-County Feeds, Etc.'s friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you need, offer an extensive selection of English and Western tack, horse apparel, riding and casual attire, boots, footwear, and accessories, jewelry, artwork, and gifts, feeds and supplements, hay and bedding.

There will be a select number of tail gate spots available for $200 to $350 (with tent), a VIP tent, title, presenting, gold, silver and fence sponsorship opportunities. General admission/car pass (up to 6 per car; $15) and VIP tickets ($60) will also be sold in advance and at the gate.

The DerbyCross™ competition will begin at 3:00pm. For more information and ticket sales visit: to www.derbycross.com.