From hockey ice to horseshow ring, and more
Olympian Beezie Madden, from Cazenovia, will be among the competitors this year
Syracuse's Oncenter complex is being transformed this weekend, into a horseshow arena for some of the world's top riders.
They worked overnight to take up the War Memorial hockey ice, and put in the footing (don't call it dirt!) that will allow equine superstars to jump five foot+ obstacles. The horses come in, starting Tuesday morning.
Show manager John Madden says there will also be more horses stabled at the OnCenter this year, which will let spectators see them more easily. That, plus many exhibits, the warmup ring and more than half of the Syracuse Invitational are free to watch.
Olympian Beezie Madden will be competing again this year, after sitting out last year due to shoulder surgery. She has a new horse, Coral Reef Via Volo (Via is the nickname) and John says she and the other Olympic-calibre riders who do well in Syracuse are a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup Finals next spring in Leipzig, Germany.
In addition to the international riders, there are competitions for local equestrians, and the National Horse Show, with hunter classes that include the Maclay Finals on Sunday morning (free to watch), showcasing the best young riders in the country.
Among those competing, Elizabeth MacWilliam of Cazenovia.
The Syracuse Invitational runs Tuesday - Sunday at the Oncenter complex.
