U.S.-Based International Jumping and Dressage Horses Arrive for 2015 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas

April 12, 2015—It was another exciting day in Las Vegas as an additional fourteen top international jumping and dressage horses arrived by jet this afternoon at McCarran International Airport to compete at the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final and LONGINES FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final at the Thomas & Mack Center, April 15-19.

Laura Graves disembarks the plane with her horse ‘Verdades’ | © Ken Braddick/ Dressage-News.com

The horses and professional grooms landed in Las Vegas at approximately 2:00 PM. All horses arrived safe and sound, and have made their way to the high-security stabling set up just outside of the Thomas & Mack Center. As this was a domestic flight and the newly arrived horses have been based in the U.S., they did not have to undergo the same quarantine procedures as the horses that arrived from Europe yesterday, who remain in quarantine until tomorrow.

The valuable cargo of equine athletes included the 2013 FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion Simon, who will be looking to reclaim the title with U.S. rider Beezie Madden.

The Dutta Corporation, who has been transporting horses globally for 26 years and flies 5,000 horses per year, handled the travel arrangements for today’s valuable shipment of horses as well as yesterday’s.

“Our team performed like clockwork to deliver the horses in the finest condition so the riders, grooms and owners can focus on what they are here for – to compete at the highest level of the sport,” said Tim Dutta, Chairman and CEO of the Dutta Corporation. “We do this every day with our own team, and a network, that enables us to take care of everything from start to finish. I owe thanks to everyone who helped make this such a success.”

U.S. dressage horse Verdades, also on board, is set to make his first FEI World Cup™ Final appearance with rider Laura Graves. The pair successfully competed at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and won two FEI World Cup qualifiers in 2015.

2013 FEI World Cup Jumping champion ‘Simon’ | © Ken Braddick/Dressage-News.com

“All the horses shipped really well, and the plane was kept really comfortable,” said Graves. “This is the third time Verdades has flown on a plane, but the first time he has flown in this type of plane which is an open container – they build the stalls around the horses which is awesome because they can all see each other which is really comforting for them.”

“I have this amazing horse who is my partner,” commented Graves about Verdades. “We are so excited about being part of the Finals – we are going to bring it!” she said with a big smile.

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