Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover, winners of the 2012 edition of the Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix.
In two weeks the Georgia International Horse Park will once again play host to the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show. Produced by Aiken, SC based J. P. Godard and Equus Events, the show offers a fitting end to the spring season and a perfect stop for those on their way to Devon. The show now celebrating its 10th year was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 United States Hunter Jumper Association Members Choice Award for an AA rated Horse Show in Zone 4. No easy feat seeing the high quality and quantity of shows that take place in Zone 4 which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
“We have added more prize money and additional classes this year,” said show organizer J. P. Godard. The show started out a single “A” rated horse show in 2004 and has now grown to a five day “AA” rated event that attracts some of top hunter and jumper riders throughout the country. This year’s feature events include the Fenwick Equestrian $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and Derby Party Friday, May 19th and the $30,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix and annual Preakness Party to celebrate the running of the 138th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May18th. This annual party is sponsored by DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner. Both of these feature events will take place in the coveted International Arena which once hosted some of the world’s greatest equestrians and their horses during the 1996 Olympic Games. Daily breakfast sponsored by this year’s hospitality sponsors is also on the agenda Wednesday to Sunday mornings as well as ring hospitality which is always welcomed by tired and weary exhibitors.
Jumper riders will have the opportunity to square off against courses designed by internationally famed and silver medal Olympian Michel Vaillancourt. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Vaillancourt was the first Canadian equestrian to capture an Olympic individual medal in the 1979 Games and is one of the world’s most respected course designers. He also holds the distinguished FEI “I” level course designers license. In addition to the $30,000 Grand Prix, the jumper offerings include an attractive line up such as Young Jumper Qualifying events, a $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Classic, a $5,000 NAL/WIHS Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, and a $7,500 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic.
Hunter riders are not to be left out as the Atlanta Spring Challenge has once again been selected as a prestigious World Champion Hunter Rider qualifying event and with a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby plus an array of classics for every division there truly is something for everyone. New this year is the popular USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Class and also a new high point award for the highest placed junior and amateur rider in the USHJA International Hunter Derby. The high point award is presented by Fenwick Equestrian.
Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich Equine Insurance, One K Helmets, The Barn Book, Sidelines Magazine, EquiFit Inc., The Mark Lexton Collection, DFG Stables, and Gamboa Veterinary Services have all signed on again as corporate sponsors for the 2013 season as well as Gold Sponsors of this year’s Atlanta Spring Challenge. A few select division and hospitality sponsorships are still available this year. Please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or email info@equusevents.com for more information.
The Hawthorn Suites has been selected as the host hotel for this year’s event. The Hawthorn is very conveniently located only seconds from the horse park. For reservations and special exhibitor rates please contact them at 770-761-9155.
Entries for the 2013 edition of the Atlanta Spring Challenge close May 2nd and stalls are going fast. Equus Events is proud to partner with Equestrian Connect as their official entry service provider. This one minute web based service allows exhibitors to complete entries electronically. The service currently has over 9,000 members in the United States and Canada, and provides entry forms for over 800 USEF hunter/jumper shows. For more information, please go to www.equestrianconnect.com. For more information or to reserve stalls, please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or go to www.equusevents.com.
Equus Events is a horse show production company based in Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality. Equus Events is the current USHJA Members Choice award winning horse show company in zone 4 for an AA rated horse show.