FEI World Cup™ Finals Omaha 2023 Monday’s Update

The FEI World Cup™ Finals Omaha 2023 is finally upon us! In addition to top-notch sport in Dressage, Jumping, and Vaulting, the biggest equestrian event of the year is a horse lover’s dream from start to finish. In the Demo Arena, located inside the CHI Health Center Convention Center Hall B, spectators can enjoy a jam-packed schedule of exhibitions and clinics to delight fans of all ages.
Highlighting the exciting lineup is Dr. Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin has numerous accolades to her name, such as national bestselling author, one of Time Magazine’s 100 “Most Influential People in the World” in 2010, and National Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee in 2017. She also is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and a renowned Autism advocate. Dr. Grandin will present on her experience with horses as a child and adolescent and why she claims, “Horses were my salvation and saved my life!” Dr. Grandin will also discuss the horse-human bond and, more generally, the animal-human bond. This must-see presentation takes place on Friday, April 7, at 1:00 p.m. CST and is immediately followed by a book signing at 2:00 p.m. CST.
Tuesday, April 4, kicks off the thrilling week with a multitude of breed displays including Saddlebreds, Fell Ponies, Paints, Fjords, Friesians, Missouri Fox Trotters, Thoroughbreds, and more. Plus, meet Luke Skywalker, the tallest horse in Nebraska, who is more than six feet tall at his shoulders! Then later, see Luke take on Killer the miniature horse in a David vs. Goliath obstacle course. The day concludes with the Omaha Equestrian Foundation Welcome Party, open for all to attend.
Wednesday, April 5, marks your first chance to see a clinic with U.S. Olympic Jumping gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor as she talks about horsemanship principals from foundational to advanced. Also, throughout the day enjoy demonstrations of various disciplines, such as Side Saddle, Barrel Racing, and Reining. Learn more about equine nutrition with Purina’s “What’s for dinner in the barn?” presentation.
Photo courtesy of Omaha Equestrian FoundationDemonstrations by international Dressage rider Karen Pavicic as well as U.S. Olympian and FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final Gothenburg 2003 champion Debbie McDonald headline the schedule on Thursday, April 6. Stick around for a Vaulting demonstration and another chance to see Melanie Smith Taylor. Be sure to see the exhibition by Brooke USA, the leading national nonprofit focused on alleviating the misery of working horses, donkeys, and mules and the people they serve in vulnerable communities worldwide.
In addition to Dr. Grandin’s presentation, Friday’s schedule also features another opportunity to see and learn about the many different horse breeds. Catch an in-hand jumping demonstration, a Western Dressage display, or see the benefits of steaming hay with HayGain.
Saturday’s final day of activity on April 8 wraps up a week of fun with a demonstration by the Omaha Mounted Patrol. It’s also the last chance to see Melanie Smith Taylor or meet Luke. With so much to do and see, start planning your week now!
Press release Omaha Foundation