Sunday, November 27, 2005

Animal Planet Chanel Debutes Three Great Shows About Horses in 2006

Horse Power: Road to the Maclay Medal Finals - World Premiere: Six-part series premieres Wednesday, February 1, 8-9 PM
(ET/PT)

Welcome to the inside world of junior riders, where America’s top teenage riders, their trainers, their horses and their families engage in the daily drama of the high-powered horse show circuit. These teens are the best of the best – the Michelle Kwans of the riding world – and they’re out to prove who’s number one. As the horses and riders compete for the Maclay Medal Finals, one of the biggest junior equestrian competitions of the year, we explore what it takes to make it both in high school and in the ring, the pressure and sacrifices of the riders’ families, the athleticism and bravery of the horses, the dedication and ambition of the coaches, and above all, the emotional bond between horse and rider. From farm girls to Park Avenue princesses, untrained ponies to $500,000 champion horses, follow the drama as they compete with each other and themselves for the ultimate junior title.

Trail Mix - World Premiere: Sunday, January 29, 8-10 PM (ET/PT)

From record labels to horse stables, TRAIL MIX highlights the special bond that some of today’s top musicians have with horses. Host Linda Eder, a passionate equestrian and singer herself, goes on location with each artist and presents fascinating stories about the emotional connection between the musicians and their horses. From rock stars to pop singers to opera virtuosos, celebrated artists like country sensation LeAnn Rimes, Grammy-winning singer Mary Chapin Carpenter, Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and renowned tenor Ronan Tynan talk about their passion, explain how horses rejuvenate their art and share their most compelling stories about the horses they have known, to reveal surprising details about their own personal lives. Each interview culminates in a one-of-a-kind music video featuring a montage of exclusive footage and outtakes of the singers and their horses.

Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup - World Premiere: Monday, March 6, 8-9 PM (ET/PT)

Discover the thrill and danger of Olympic level show jumping up close and personal at the ANIMAL PLANET SPORTHORSE CUP, a premiere event in equestrian competitions. Animal Planet takes you behind the scenes to experience riding like you’ve never seen it before, from inside the competition ring. Find out what the horse see as it flies over a series of jumps more than five-feet high. Explore what it takes to be the best in the world in the only sport where human and animal are equal partners. Get an inside look into the relationships the riders have with their horses and what it takes to be a winner. Watch 30 of the best horses and riders from around the world spend four days competing for one of equestrian riding’s top prizes -- the ANIMAL PLANET SPORTHORSE CUP.