Medieval Times Show Director Leigh Cordner Named Equestfest Show Producer

BUENA PARK, CA--(Marketwired - December 11, 2015) - The Tournament of Roses® Equestfest Committee named Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Director of Shows Leigh Cordner this year's show producer. Presented by Wells Fargo, Equestfest provides a sneak preview of many of the equestrian units that will participate in the Rose Parade on New Year's Day. It will be held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on December 29.

"We're thrilled to have Leigh return as our producer," said Ellen Swagerty, chair of the Equestrian Committee for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. "We also welcome Medieval Times as a treasured partner in this very special equestrian event."

Cordner, a 28-year veteran of the medieval jousting and sword-fighting dinner show, writes and directs the program for all nine Medieval Times castles in North America. He oversees everything from costuming to lighting.

"I'm honored to have been invited back to produce Equestfest for a third year," said Cordner. "Equestfest always has been a 'coming together' of a diverse group of equestrian teams and organizations. The Equestfest lineup is like no other in the equestrian show circuit. I'd challenge anyone to find a single venue where you can see a larger variety of horses and horse acts anywhere in the world on a single day."

During the show, Equestfest horses and talented riders perform drills and dances, and demonstrate trick riding and roping. Attendees also can shop in the vendor court, talk to the riders, and learn about the many different breeds featured in the show. In addition to the Medieval Times knights and Pure Spanish Horses (PRE), the Rose Parade will feature the Anheuser Busch Budweiser Clydesdales, Los Hermanos Bañuelos, Dakota Thunder Shires, and the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard.

"I can promise Equestfest guests an afternoon of incredible horses and fun-filled acts," said Cordner.

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is located at 480 West Riverside Drive in Burbank, CA. Gates open at 10 a.m. The two-hour show begins at noon in the Equidome, rain or shine. Advance tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company for $15 general admission or $40 VIP tickets (includes Preferred Reserved Seat, an Official Souvenir Seat Cushion and other surprises). Children 5 and under receive free general admission. Tickets also may be purchased at the venue beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the event, pending availability.