Category Archives: Classic Company

Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Spring Classic I and Updates

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We started out this week in shorts and ended the week in sweaters.  I simply wanted a quick shower to wash some of the pollen off my car.  I always say be careful what you wish for… well we had some rain.  Not as bad as it was north and south of us but it was wild last night here in Conyers after the Grand Prix.

Our Cherry Blossom Grand Prix was won by On My Way MB, owned and ridden by Natalie Geller.

2. Tokade De Kalvarie, Natalie Johnson
3. Merlin, Frances Land
4. Sympa, Mrs. Charles Bostwick
5. Nepal, Jay Land
6. Urioso, Sara Ketcham
7. Fieona, Kelly Maloney
8. Lucky One, Lillian Hahn
9. Wonder Pomme, Parker Booth
10. Fabulous, Cheryl Ainsworth
11. Ruby Tuesday, Robert Donaldson
12. Cincinnati, Vicky Miller

Best Child Rider: Bergen Sanderford

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Gulf Coast Winter Classics Wraps with Circuit Awards, $25,000 Budweiser Grand Prix and a Bittersweet Farewell to Continental B

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Wilhelm Genn & Happy Z. ©Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS — Mar. 14, 2011 — “I want to thank the exhibitors, trainers, owners and my staff for the best winter shows we have ever had in Gulfport. Both Janet McCarroll [Co-Chair of the Winter Classics] and I are thrilled that our shows went so well and were so well attended.  It’s always sad when all the horse trailers and campers start leaving after a circuit, but all good times must come to an end… until next year,” Bob Bell of The Classic Company said Sunday evening as crews began the task of packing up.

This was the most anticipated week; exhibitors were on pins and needles awaiting the announcements for this year’s Circuit Awards. Aiken, SC based Daniel Geitner was the first recipient, taking the Grand Champion title in both the High Performance Hunters with the Robin Hughes owned Living Color and the Green Conformation Grand Hunter with Allison Mills’ Stature. Via text Geitner said he was thrilled with the news and had enjoyed the weeks of competition in the Gulf greatly. Jordan Siegel of the Flower Mound, TX based Summer Hill Farm garnered two Circuit Awards, beginning with the 1st Year Green Working Hunters partnered with Cherry Stone for owner Fallon Bock and later in the Performance Working 3’6-3’9 Hunters piloting Jetset for owner Castle Point Farm, LLC. And Memphis, TN based pro Phoebe Sheets grabbed a pair of Circuit Awards as well, first in the Baby Green Hunters with Jean Tuttle’s Ring Ling and in the Performance Working 3’3 Hunters aboard Casino for owner Cheryl Rubenstein.

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Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulf Coast Finale – Updates and Reminders

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I want to thank all the exhibitors, trainers, owners and my staff for the best winter shows we have ever had in Gulfport.   Both Janet McCarroll and I are thrilled that our shows went so well and were so well attended.  It’s always sad when all the horse trailers and campers start leaving after a circuit but all good times must come to an end.   We look forward to six weeks of fun on the Gulf next year.  The Harrison County Equestrian Center will start building the 500 new permanent stalls around April 1st.  I will keep you all up on the progress.

We had a great circuit and I would love to list the 45 Grand Champions but I am afraid it would make for such a long message, that no one would read the whole thing.  They will be listed in an ad we are making for the Chronicle of the Horse along with some great pictures of our five winners our Grand Prix events.  I will say that Lincoln Case was selected by the staff as the winner of the 2011 Gulf Coast Sportsmanship Award.  Congrats to Lincoln and thanks for the support for 13 years.

Today we also had a tribute to Continental B, a wonderful horse who was a great supporter of our events.  It was a great few minutes between rounds of our Grand Prix to remember the history of CB.  He looked great covered in all his champion ribbons and everyone ringside took the moment to remember all the classes he won.  We were proud to have the tribute at our show in Gulfport and that he will be taking it easy from now on in a pasture.

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It’s A Magical Time in the Gulf for Frances Land and Merlin – First National Victory in the $25,000 EquiFit Grand Prix

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Frances Land & Merlin ©Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS — Mar. 7, 2011 — “It’s a little surreal!” an amazed 16-year-old Frances Land said as the realization of her first national prix victory began to sink in. The duo bested a field of 22 prominent competitors in Sunday afternoon’s featured event, the $25,000 EquiFit Grand Prix.

The audience’s excitement combined with the level of competitiveness among the starters was the perfect recipe for a thrilling afternoon. Course designer Allen Rheinheimer’s 12 obstacle [15 efforts] test on the vast grass field had all the action spectators expected, including two sets of combinations, one being the triple at 4abc, an oxer into a vertical and out over another oxer that caught several riders early in the course.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13402

Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Celebration of Hunters – Gulf 4

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This week was the largest week that we have ever had in Gulfport.  The Celebration of Hunters was a giant success.  I would like to thank all the exhibitors who were part of this show.  The weather did not want to work with us on Friday or Saturday but it all worked out fine on Sunday due to great exhibitors and trainers.

On Friday we hosted the USHJA International Hunter Derby.  We started the day with a breakfast for everyone sponsored by Adequan.  The class had 50 entries and it was great to watch.  Not only did Allen Rheinheimer and Paul Jewel build a challenging course, but the morning had rain and strong winds that added to task of a good round.  The results of the class were as follows:

Official Results for the 2011 Gulf Coast $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

1st Yes Indeed with Sarah Mechlin for owner Olivia Weaver

2nd Primera with Catherine Rinehart for owner Helen Gilbert

3rd Ovation with Courtney Calcagnini for Taylor Reid

4th Corazon with owner-rider Patrick McGinnis

5th Carson with Courtney Calcagnini for owner Kristen Blomstrom

6th Figaro B with Holly Shepherd for owner Linda Bobrik

7th Dress Up with owner-rider Jana Rodes

8th Carlano with Will Roberts for owner Andrea Ramirez

9th CR Carolato II with Jordan Siegel for owner Buddrus Equine, LLC

10th Dolce with owner-rider Sue Takata

11th Marquis with Daniel Geitner for owner Lee Cesery

12th Damocles with Daniel Geitner for owner Janet Peterson

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Sarah Mechlin and Yes Indeed Win Gulf Coast Winter’s USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Sarah Mechlin & Yes Indeed ©Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS — Mar. 5, 2011 — A very positive minded 23-year-old Sarah Mechlin of Cincinnati, OH partnered with Yes Indeed took the top spot over 50 competitors in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the fourth week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics.

Fifty equine athletes were being braided before dawn and began lunging at 5:30 Friday morning in preparation for their first big test, the official presentation and jog before the panel of judges: Mike Rosser, Ray Francis, Betsy Perry, Tucker Erickson, and show veterinarian Juan Gamboa. Once soundness was established, riders donned Shadbelly jackets, shined their boots and mounted up for one last trip in the warm up ring before entering the arena to take on the first round course of 10 obstacles [12 efforts], comprised mostly of natural materials such as logs, brush, and gate planks, all from the creative minds of co-designers Paul Jewel and Allen Rheinheimer. Within the track riders encountered four optional fences offering a height choice up to 4’ which provide the opportunity to score bonus points, as well as bending and broken lines, an in and out, at least one line with an unrelated distance, and a fence with a long approach. The two panels of judges’ scores were combined to determine the top 12 who would be invited back for round two.

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Atlanta Spring – Summer – Charleston Summer

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Just some updates… Atlanta Spring (March 23 – April 3) – I know so many of you are in the middle of your winter circuits but if you are planning to attend, we need to hear from you about stall reservations.   843 768 5503

Atlanta Summer (June 15-26) – Lots of new classes and much more prize money this summer.   We will have a $25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby this summer again in the Grand Prix ring. We will also have two $35,000 Grand Prix classes.  We will have several clinics including a Water Jumper Clinic, a Pony Model Clinic, and an Ask the Judge Clinic.  This will be along with the 2nd Annual Freestyle Class in the Grand Prix.  Lots planned for the Summer Show in Conyers.  The prize list will be out around the 1st of April.

Charleston Summer Classic (July 13-23) – The new schedule is on the web and the prize list will be out around the 1st of April.  This will be another fun filled two weeks on the coast.  Remember, it’s time to get your condos reserved.

We are now on Facebook: www.facebook.com/classiccompanyltd.

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

Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulfport Winter III – Updates and Recaps

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We had a great week in Gulfport again.  Incredible weather, giant party, and a bunch of horses for good competition.  We are setting all time records here in Gulfport.  Next week will be the biggest show we have ever produced on the Gulf Coast.

Please make sure you read the bottom paragraph if you are in Gulfport next week.  Important meetings and events.

So, this week again we hosted a USHJA National Hunter Classic.

Congrats to the winner The Admiral, Jamie Jarvis and show to the win by Will Roberts.

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Mardi Gras Fun Highlights Third Week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics

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Daniel Geitner & Living Color. ©Flashpoint Photography

No Worries for Devin Ryan in the $25,000 Adequan Grand Prix

Gulfport, MS — February 27, 2011 — Exhibitors at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics got a taste of Mardi Gras along with scrumptious local cuisines during week three, courtesy of the fine folks from Harrison County, who served well over 1200 pounds of crawfish (boiled right on the spot), 500 pounds of shrimp, 400 pounds of spiced blackened chicken, another 400 pounds of fried catfish, and more extras than a small army could consume. Friday evening’s party even had a mini Mardi Gras float that show co-chairman, Janet McCarroll, created with her golf cart to toss the infamous beads and special treats from. And to top the night off live music kept toes tapping. “Southern Hospitality” is this community’s heritage and one they relish sharing with exhibitors each year.

“’Tis the season!” laughed co-chairman Bob Bell, adding, “Every year this is the party we all anticipate most and every year Mike McMillan [Director of the Harrison Co grounds] just seems to outdo himself again. Great food and fun, that’s our reputation here.”  After having seconds or even thirds, many took to the dance floor swaying the night and extra calories away.

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Gulfport Winter Classic Offers “Lagniappe” for All!

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Holly Shepherd & Figaro B. ©Flashpoint Photography

Gulfport, MS — Feb 20, 2011 — A Cajun expression Lagniappe (lan-yap), “small extra gift”, describes best what Mother Nature left as a token on her visit to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Not only did temps continue to heat up, but so did the rivalry for supremacy in both the Hunter and Jumper divisions.

Beginning in the Hunter Divisions where for the second week several of the top horse-rider combinations turned in stellar performances. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL rode Figaro B for owner Linda Bobrik to the Championship in the 1st Year Green Working and top place in the USHJA Hunter Classic, while Hillsboro, VA based Tom Brennan picked up the tri colors in the 2nd Year Green Working aboard Lynn Rice’s Purple Heart. And taking the Championship title in the High Performance Hunters for week two was Cincinnati, OH resident Sarah Mechlin paired with Olivia Weaver’s agreeable horse Yes Indeed.

Over in the jumper rings the theme was “Les Bon Temps Rouler”, let the good times roll, and in Friday afternoon’s Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH kept on enjoying the good times with his mount Copyright 3 taking the victory.

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