The 36th annual Budweiser American Invitational — a one-night event held at Raymond James Stadium — serves as the grand finale to the Winter Equestrian Festival and is considered to be one of the nation's most prestigious horse jumping events, with the best riders from around the world competing for a $200,000 grand prize. Among the invited participants are the defending Invitational champion, the current top four American Grand Prix Association riders and the top prize-winning riders from the Winter Equestrian Festival and Tampa Equestrian Festival tours. A portion of proceeds from the event benefits the Tampa Police Mounted Patrol. Sun., April 6, 6-6:45 p.m. course walk, 7 p.m. show, 4201 Dale Mabry, Tampa, $30-$45/$85-$140 family four-packs, 813-908-7722, stadiumjumping.com.
This article appears in Apr 2-8, 2008.