There will be many notable changes in 2012 and we expect that you will be as excited about them as we are. Jumper Exhibitors will be pleased to find that each of the three weeks will feature a $5,000 Welcome Class in addition to a $25,000 Grand Prix. Hunter Exhibitors will be equally excited to find that each week also features a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic, in addition to the usual division classics. The $5,000 Equitation Classic will be an additional highlight of week 2, and should be a distinctive complement to the circuit’s standard classes. Week 3 will not be outdone with special class offerings, but the spotlight will likely be stolen by the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. We are delighted to be the host of this distinctive class for the second year in a row. Additional offerings of week 3 include the $5,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, $500 Circuit High Point Hunter & $500 Circuit High Point Jumper. You might also take note that the World Cup Qualifier is missing this year; however, we strongly feel, and expect that you will agree, that this change will allow us to switch the focus back to our main exhibitors and provide a smooth schedule jam packed with special offerings and prize money galore!
We have been fortunate enough to work with the Wounded Warrior Project this year and are anticipating a great success with this worthy cause. The Wounded Warrior Project was began to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. Saturday, January 21, 2012, Week 2 of the Jacksonville Winter Series will be held to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This will be an exciting event, featuring the $25,000 Brumos Motor Cars, Inc. Grand Prix and a BBQ dinner catered by Jimmy Weeks BBQ and Sweets by Holly. Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. We are very excited to work with such a special program that is so close to many of our hearts. Please feel free to visit the Wounded Warrior Project website <https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=167> as well. We are very excited to work with this very special charity that is so close to all of our hearts.
There will also be a silent auction on Week 1 of the Winter Series to benefit the Clay County 4-H. There will be many special items up for drawing as well: a Vespa with matching helmet, a golf cart and a big screen TV! Be sure to get your tickets before the drawing.
Arm bands will again be available for purchase in the horse show office and will grant you access to all of the week’s hospitality. They will be available to purchase weekly, or for the entire circuit.
We are also thrilled to announce that the Jacksonville Winter Series has gone mobile. You will be able to opt into a texting service to have daily results, updates, weekly events, schedule changes and class counts texted to your phone. We are confident you will find this new service a great convenience and will be yet another reason to make your trip to Jacksonville a pleasurable one!
We truly hope that you, our exhibitors, will appreciate and enjoy the changes and special offerings we have arranged for 2012. As always, we look forward to seeing familiar faces and to making new friends.
Please visit www.nfhja.com, www.classiccompany.com or email rindal@bellsouth.net for additional information.