The Classic Company’s Atlanta Summer II wrapped up on Sunday, June 24, 2012 and the hunters were out in full force! The Classic Company had an overwhelming popular response to its inaugural $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby which closed out the successful two weeks on Sunday. The course was set by noted course designer Alan Rheinheimer.
“It was really magnificent,” said Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company. “The trainers really liked it. It was a great opportunity to showcase their pony hunter talent.”
Of the thirty seven entries, it was Keep Dreamin’, owned by Katie Dinan, LLC and ridden by Ashton Alexander, who took the first place honors. Brad Spragg, Keep Dreamin’s trainer and owner of the Atlanta Hunt Club in Smyrna, Georgia, said, “She really did a great job. The pony is just wonderful. What a great class this is to showcase the up and coming talent in our industry.”
Atlanta II featured the always popular Outback Steakhouse Dinner to benefit Hope Clinic and everyone was treated to the Jump and Run Classic class and the $35,000 Outback Grand Prix saw 36 entries on Saturday night.
Besides two weeks of perfect weather at the international facility, riders were treated to weekly exhibitor parties.
VIP seating was available in the Grand Prix arena and was sold out as soon as it was announced. “We were really pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response and will definitely offer it again,” said Bell. “We will be offering dinners at the Fall shows, too,” he added. The night classes continued to see a packed ringside around the international stadium. “It’s so much fun watching the night classes,” said Dylan Thomas of Judy’s Tack Shop. “I get to see old friends and watch some great competition,” she added.