Johns Island, SC — July 24, 2011 — The final week of the Charleston Summer Classics held at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center was much like an adventure packed vacation itinerary. One moment you’re enjoying the sport with friendly competitive rivals, then shopping together for the social gatherings.
This was also the week where the Wee Warriors of the Pony divisions battled for the coveted titles of Grand Pony Kahuna and the glory of being named Most Supreme Pony Kahuna. “I started the Kahuna competition as a fun method for our pony riders to prepare for the USEF Pony Finals, the scoring uses the same numerical judging system with daily accumulated points moving forward to their respective division Classic rounds. We award a Supreme Grand Kahuna in each of the six divisions and an overall Most Supreme Grand Kahuna Champion. The prizes are nice – Essex Classic Shirts, custom Cooler, featured in an Ad – but the best reward is the knowledge and experience they can take into Pony Finals,” Classic Company president Bob Bell said.
The 2011 Most Supreme Grand Pony Kahuna is Paige Parker partnered with Champlain Sovereign, owned by The Hill Farm. This marked Paige’s second occasion as top Pony Kahuna having won the title in 2009 with Cherrybrook Skye Blue.
Johns Island, SC — July 17, 2011 — How often during the heat of summer can an exhibitor in the Southern portions of the US say they enjoyed horse showing? While much of the equine community is experiencing uncomfortable temperatures, participants at the Charleston Summer Classics are being treated to a resort like atmosphere.
Week one at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center welcomed riders with a vacation sensory overload – from pleasant ocean breezes billowing across the beautiful grounds – to put them in a beachy frame of mind to tropical drinks under the ringside tent each afternoon. “Exhibitors are enjoying a resort escape that just happens to include a horse show! Everyone is having a ball,” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said. The Charleston Summer Classic is one of Bell’s Boutique Shows, which he defines as: “Boutique (boo teek)-noun- A horse show that is fashionable and unique. Always held at wonderful venues with excellent accommodations for special horses, owners, and riders. Always includes parties, trendy classes, and fun events. Always has stylish trophies and rewards for Grand Champions. Always has Mimosas on Sunday mornings.” Bell even designed class schedules to allow exhibitors and their horses more time for fun on the multitude of white sandy beaches, a mere 10 minutes away.
We have some exhibitors arriving early so they can enjoy the beach…. We are ready. Just a few things:
1. Somehow the USHJA Hunter Classic was left off the prize list. We offered it last year and this year it was somehow deleted. We are offering the Hunter Classic the third day – last class of each show. You can add this class when you arrive at the show. Sorry for the problem.
2. Parties. There are five parties over the two weeks. The first week will have a party during the Hunter Classic and there is one at Red’s Ice House. The second week will have one again during the Hunter Classic, one at Tissy’s House plus the party at the Club at Seabrook Island.
3. Fishing and boat rentals. If anyone needs help booking fishing charters or boat rentals during the days off you can call Bohicket Marina for Charters, 843 768 1280, or speak to Robin Stoney when you get to the show and she will help guide you.
Call with questions or for stall reservations: 843 768 550.
See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
Thank you to all the exhibitors that made such a wonderful two weeks in Conyers this year. We had two sold out shows, great weather and wonderful competition.
On Tuesday we offered two USHJA Clinics free of charge.
A Pony Model Clinic with Bibby Hill and a Water Clinic with Wilhelm Genn. Thanks Bibby and Wilhelm for donation of their time, I know the exhibitors and trainers alike enjoyed the clinic.
Thursday after the show, Practical Horseman sponsored a “Just Ask the Judges” clinic with Betty Oare, Scott Fitton and Barry Lobel. It was a great experience with good questions. I am sure Classic Co will pair with Practical Horseman again for another “Just Ask” clinic.
Friday the show offered the Atlanta Cup Equitation Challenge. The class was won by Taylor Adams. This class was open to Jr Hunters.
Friday also offered the USHJA National Hunter Classic; this week was won by Julie Curtin aboard Vince, owned by Greg Burrow.
Samuel Parot and Costa Real Win Outback Steakhouse Gamblers Choice; Taylor Ann Adams Named Grand Puba Junior Champion; Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z Triumphant in $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix
Conyers, GA — June 26, 2011 — The Atlanta Summer Classics wrapped up competition at the Georgia International Horse Park, awarding nearly $300,000 in prize money and raising thousands for local charities over the two week run. “We’ve had some of the best riders in our sport joining us; it’s been a remarkable series and I couldn’t be happier,” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said.
Starting off the finale week was a couple of highly anticipated clinics on Tuesday, beginning with a member of the $1 million dollar club, famed Grand Prix pro Wilhelm Genn, sharing his secrets of mastering water jumps. Sponsored by the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Genn used the covered arena to set a mini course of six jumps, two with water hazards and utilized approximately ten horses to demonstrate proper and improper approaches. Speaking over a wireless microphone to riders and trainers for nearly two hours, Genn answered questions and provided helpful tips to “boost a horse’s confidence” when confronting water obstacles. Following was a very informative Pony Model Clinic with one of the foremost experts in this area, Bibby Farmer from Ocala, FL. She carefully explained to the young exhibitors not only what judges look for, but how to get the best from their ponies. Covering all the essentials from the pony’s stance to where the exhibitors’ attentions need to be when a judge is walking about them. On Thursday evening it was the judges who found themselves in the proverbial hot seats for an open forum called Just Ask the Judges, sponsored by Practical Horseman magazine. Three of the most respected names in judging, Betty Oare, Scott Fitton, and Barry Lobel, fielded questions from exhibitors and provided insight on scoring in the Hunter/Jumper disciplines. The panel also shared several of what they referred to as Judges’ Pet Peeves, which included overly short releases, especially in the Equitation divisions. All the experts agreed a restrictive release interferes with the horse’s jumping style, but pointed out that that doesn’t imply they want to see the opposite extreme with the infamous overdone throwing of the arms release. Another peeve they described was the exaggerated tour taken upon entering the ring, stating that if a rider needs to show their mount the ring and/or the fences then the rider appears unprepared. Questions were asked on a wide range of subjects and guests left the forum armed with a lot of valuable information. “The clinics were a giant success and we [Classic Company] will be introducing more of these throughout out show schedule,” Bell commented.
Conyers, GA — June 19, 2011 — There’s more than one reason exhibitors use the phrase “I’m showing in Hotlanta”; just ask Elizabeth Boyd who picked up some “hot” cash in Friday evening’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby or Chasen Boggio who’ll be depositing a big check from Sunday’s $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix.
Kicking off a huge week at the Georgia International Horse Park, the Hunter riders took center stage on Friday evening as 30 determined horses vied for the spotlight in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by the Classic Company. It had the feel of a red carpet extravaganza with competitors donning Shadbelly jackets, shiny boots, braided manes and tails – all those special touches to further impress the panel of four judges: Mike Rosser, Betsy Perry, Leo Conroy, and Mike Lowrey. Beauty aside, what the judges really wanted to see was the talent used to negotiate the 12 obstacles brought to reality from the imagination of designer Allen Rheinheimer. Making use of the expansive Olympic arena, Rheinheimer created a track that traversed its entirety including the sizable bank along the back wall. Additionally riders encountered 4 options with height choices of 3’6 or 4’ as well as bending and broken lines throughout. Only the top 12 scores would be invited back for the handy round two. Continue reading Atlanta Summer Classics Awards over $160,000 in First Week→
June 18, 2011 – We had a terrific week in Conyers for our first show. The show was sold out for stalls, the weather was cooler than it’s been in years and the parties were lots of fun for all. We do have a few stalls open for week two – call 678 374 5900 for the show office.
Highlights this week:
USHJA National Hunter Classic was won by Status Quo and ridden by Clair Kellner.
2. Ramano, Martin Schlaeppe
3. Vince, Greg Burrow
4. Snowday, Triple Creek Farm
5. Happenstance, Natalie Sterrett
6. Premonition FR, John Gillen
7. Breaking News, Fit to Print Farm
8. Julian, Amanda Forad
9. Solitaire, Kira Epstein
10. Concierge, Nestledown Eq Svc
11. Tatan, Greener Pastures
12. Excurs, Terry Russell
USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby was won by Brunnello, owned by Mrs. Janet Peterson and shown to the win by Elizabeth Boyd. We added Brunnello to the Jack Geitner Memorial Trophy that was donated by the Wellington Show Stables many years ago.
Just a reminder that the Atlanta Summer Classic is just two weeks from today. We have lots planned and should be a great two weeks in Conyers.
Week One – $25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby
$35,000 Grand Prix
$2,500 USHJA Hunter Classic
USEF Emerson Burr Grant competition for Pony Riders
Tuesday between the shows – USHJA Clinics – No Charge
Pony Model Clinic – 11am – Under the covered Arena
Water Jump Clinic – 1 pm – Under the covered Arena
Week Two- $2,500 USHJA Hunter Classic
$3,500 Gamblers Choice & Outback Steakhouse Charity Dinner
$35,000 Grand Prix
USHJA “Just Ask the Judges” Clinic – Thursday after the show.
Call with questions or for stall reservations; we still not are sure about the tent this year: 843 768 5503.
See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
Just a reminder that both Summer Shows are coming up soon. The Atlanta Summer Classic (June 15-26) prize list is online. This show will have a new format; lots of money has been added along with a new schedule. The show will have a $25,000 Hunter Derby and two $35,000 Grand Prix classes along with two USHJA Hunter Classics and a Gamblers Choice. We will also have two free clinics between the shows, one for pony models and one for jumping water.
The Charleston Summer Classic (July 13-23) prize list is also online. This show has a new 5 day schedule to allow more time at the beach and to enjoy the low country. If you need help with condo or house rentals, let us know.
To reserve stalls, call Tissy at 843 768 5503.
See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
First I want to thank you for a wonder set of winter circuits. We started in January in Green Cove Springs, followed by a week off and then Gulfport followed by another week off and Conyers. A great 12 weeks all over the corners of the southeast. Thanks for making this a great winter of horse shows.
Second, I want to thank all the sponsors who help to make the circuits possible along with Equestrian Travel who make our housing simple and cost effective.
We had lots of fun this winter and we still have lots in store for you in our summer shows that are listed at the bottom of this message. We have made some giant changes to our summer shows in Atlanta and Charleston due to requests from our exhibitors and trainers.
This week in Atlanta ends our 12 weeks together and it was a wonderful week. I do want to thank Southern States for the donation of 500 lbs of Southern States Feed. It was won by Leah Heithold of Denver, NC. Congrats. I also want to thank Southern States for the Dipin Dots they brought to the show last week too.
