RAEFORD, NC - February 9, 2010 -The Professional Riders Organization will partner with the Carolina Horse Park to kick-off the first event in the 2010 PRO Tour Event Series at the Southern Pines II Horse Trials. PRO will offer prize money in the Advanced Division at this premier event.

The Southern Pines II Horse Trials are held over three days from March 19th to 21st at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina.  In its 10th year of competition at the Carolina Horse Park, the Southern Pines II Horse Trials showcases the top international event riders and offers many activities for spectators and families as well.

The 2010 PRO Tour Event Series is held at the Advanced and Three-Star levels throughout the United States. Event Riders and their horses will be vying for prize money at each destination with the ultimate goal of being on top of the end of year PRO Tour Riders Leader Board for a chance to win the PRO Tour Event Series Trophy and a substantial cash bonus pool award. The 2010 PRO Tour Event Series* will include:

          March 19-21 ~ Southern Pines II, Advanced Division (Raeford, NC)
          May 5-9 ~ Jersey Fresh, CCI3* (Allentown, NJ)
          August 5-8 ~ The Millbrook Horse Trials, Advanced Division (Millbrook, NY)
          November 5-7 ~ Galway Downs CCI3* (Temecula, CA)
          *Other Events to be added

"The PRO Tour Event Series is the first tour of its kind in the US, created by the sport's most recognized riders with the objective of bringing the excitement of renowned international competitions to US riders and spectators, " said Phillip Dutton, Olympic Gold Medalist and PRO Founder.  "We know how demanding and unique this sport is and we want to show new generations of spectators how exciting competitions can be when riders are given a stake in the process."

PRO was formed in 2009 by a group of leading professional event riders who felt they had a special obligation to and interest in strengthening the sport of eventing. In addition to representing the goals and objectives of professional riders, PRO is also dedicated to elevating the level of competition, contributing to ongoing rider education, improving standards of competition and promoting safety while working to raise the profile of the sport in order to introduce it to new fans, sponsors and participants.

The Southern Pines II Horse Trials will also feature several events for competitors and spectators alike, including:
          ·      Ring-side marquee for Patrons, Owners, Riders and Sponsors
          ·      Trade Fair
          ·      Luncheon Exhibition Special Event
          ·      Course Walks led by top professional

"We are thrilled to have the support of PRO this year, " said Jane Murray, Executive Director of the Carolina Horse Park. "We are excited to have been selected as the kick off event for the inaugural PRO Tour Event Series. This competition will showcase the key improvements we have made at CHP, energizing the Southern Pines community with such high quality competition and most importantly, to have the opportunity to continue our support of the Cancer Care Fund."

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Foundation of FirstHealth's Cancer Care Fund.

For more information on the Professional Riders Organization, please visit www.professionalriders.org