Leopoldo Palacios Jugo is one of the most respected course designers in show jumping. He has served on Olympic Games and has course designed in more than 40 countries. He is known for his innovative, challenging, and humane approach. His passion is to create the optimum technical sport conditions in combination with an artistic presentation. As a course director of FEI, he is a co-founder of the Aachen School of Equestrian Arts. He produces master plans for equestrian venues and serves as footing expert and adviser for tournament organizers and equestrian teams.
“Nowadays there are more rings in the middle of cities and in places that don’t fit with horses,” he said. “When you’re getting old you tend to be more romantic about your life. I’ve had this sport in my life my whole life. My family are farmers. Horses need to be in nature. A place like this gives a lot for the sport; everywhere you look there are nice trees and nature. Here, its green, green, green! It’s beautiful. The designers of this property used the topography and landscaped it very well around nature, and this is a very important aspect for me.”
“I’ve worked 22 years at Spruce Meadows and we’ve tried to maintain all grass rings,” he continued. “Natural fences and banks are so important for the sport. When I’m building for theOlympic Games, I like to make my fences very green with a lot of flowers. I like things to always be near nature. In this sport, I understand the young people want to be in the cities, but I’m a country man. What can I do?”
Exciting show jumping in the midst of beautiful natural green surroundings in the Grand Prix Arena Saturday at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City kicks off at 9 a.m. Highlights of the day include the $7,500 NAL Low Junior Amateur/Owner Jumper Classic and the $2,500 Sport Horse Saddlery Modified Children’s Adult Jumper Classic.
For more information or to view schedules, please visit www.stadiumjumping.com or www.greatlakesequestrianfestival.com.
Source: Press release
