Rave Reviews!
The Atlanta Fall Classic wraps up two record breaking weeks to close out the 2012 season at the Georgia International Horse Park! As we celebrate Thanksgiving, Classic Company thanks you for your support!
Big numbers all around – prize money, entries and happy competitors – sum up the grand finale of the Classic Company’s 2012 show season which closed out Sunday, November 18 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia.
Forty five horse and rider combinations in Friday’s Welcome paved the way for the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix on Sunday with 34 vying for the win. Three rides went clean and the jump off saw world renowned riders Schuyler Riley and Darragh Kenney battling it out for the win. It was Riley of Wellington, Florida in the irons aboard M. Michael Meller’s Waterloo who captured the win in a double clear jumping effort of 38.660 seconds while Kenney rode Hays’ Investment Corp.’s Any Given Sunday to a second place finish with a time of 40.015 seconds and eight jump faults. Kenney also took third aboard Atlanta Equestrian Center’s User ID although after rails in the first two jumps of the jump off round, elected to retire.
Fourth place was awarded to Emily Short riding her own Grand Finale 3E, Sarah Scheiring riding William Upton’s Wec Quidam-Quidam finished in fifth place, sixth place went to Jay Land riding Taylor Land’s Happy Z, seventh place was awarded to Alex Granato riding his own Mad Season, eighth was awarded to Theo Genn riding Paradox, owned by Thomas Bruinsma, ninth went to Thaisa Erwin aboard her own Matilda, tenth place went to Wilton Porter riding Sleep P Ranch LLC’s Patriot, eleventh was awarded to Danielle Grice riding her own Boysterous and Georgina Bloomberg wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish riding her Perfect de Coquerie she owns with Stephex Stables.
Some of the top equestrians in the country competed at the Atlanta Fall Classics both weeks I and II and enjoyed beautiful crisp fall weather and colorful fall foliage. “We’ve never shown here before but thought that we would give it a try this year. We’re so happy we did because we just loved it,” said Matt Hollberg, Grand Prix Rider representing Churchill Farm from Charlotte, North Carolina. “We’ve had a great time. This is a really nice show and everyone here is so nice,” added his wife and Grand Prix Rider Thaisa Erwin.
Junior Equitation Classic Championship Finals
Bravo! Bravo!
Saturday evening featured the Junior Equitation Classic Champion Finals that took place under the covered arena with a complimentary dinner provided by the Classic Company for exhibitors, trainers and their families. Junior riders who qualified for the class were thrilled to have the opportunity to ride for bragging rights and the Championship leather baseball style jackets.
Matthew Bravo, fifth grade student at Eagle Nest Elementary in Charleston, South Carolina representing Brick Church Farm, rode Ever So Clever, owned by Katie Ketrell to a Reserve Champion finish. “It was an interesting course,” Bravo said, “There were two roll backs. I had to make sure I kept my leg on my pony through those roll backs. I did, and it set him up for some nice distances.”
Bravo has been showing for three years in the short stirrup division. “I was so excited to qualify for the Finals. The crowd was really supportive and enthusiastic,” he stated, “and the dinner was great – especially the cookies!” he added. Bravo aspires to be a great rider. “It doesn’t matter what division I end up riding in, I just want to ride well,” he said. “I want to thank the Sturgises, especially my trainer Karen Kelly, and Laura and Meredith Mateo too, for everything they have done for me.”
The EMO Horse of the Year Awards wrapped up the action packed two weeks of shows. “As we enter the holiday season, it’s time to look at what we are thankful for. And we at Classic Company would like to thank everyone for supporting our shows,” said Classic Company President, Bob Bell. “For many of you, this was your first experience showing with us in Atlanta. We loved having you and hope that you will put the Classic Company Atlanta shows on your 2013 calendar. Any suggestions on how we can make your experience better are appreciated. We hope we will see you this winter in Pensacola, Gulfport, and back in Atlanta in March, and until then, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays,” he added.
There is always something for everyone at Classic Company shows. From top competition and prize money, to well decorated rings and some of the best stabling anywhere to its award winning customer service, Classic Company produces the best hunter and jumper competitions in the country at the best locations. From lead line to Grand Prix, there is a class for everyone in your barn!
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on the Classic Company, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, the Southeast Medal Finals and their exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457