Aiken, SC based Equus Events, Inc. wrapped up its inaugural Camden Winter Classic horse show on Sunday. The show which took place February 24-26 at the South Carolina Equine Park in Camden, SC was a USEF sanctioned “A” rated event and included many exciting hunter and jumper classes. “We are extremely excited to be back in Camden,” said show organizer J. P. Godard of Equus Events, Inc. “The city of Camden and the South Carolina Equine Park and its staff have been extremely welcoming to us and we are looking forward to being back at the SCEP very soon.” The SCEP has recently gone through major renovations including footing by Bob Kiser (footing consultant for the 2010 World Equestrian Games), improved stabling with rubber mats in every stall, and many other structural and cosmetic updates throughout the entire park. They have also recently installed a new pavilion which is the perfect “party” spot or a relaxed area to watch the competition throughout the park.
The featured event of the week was the $2,500 Fenwick Equestrian USHJA National Hunter Derby which took place Saturday evening. Camden, SC based Fenwick Equestrian sponsored the event. “Fenwick Dresses Champions” and that is just what they did during the Camden Winter Classic providing champion coolers throughout the week and a custom made EquSuede Cooler for the winner of the Derby. Fenwick Equestrian produces products made with high performance fabrics including coolers, horse blankets, saddle pads, clothing and leg protection gear for all horse disciplines that are both stylish and functional. They are the cutting edge in today’s equine products. “It is a great pleasure to have such a distinguished and innovative company be part of our events in 2012,” said Godard. “Fenwick has dressed the winners in such high profile events as the Breeders Cup, The Kentucky Derby and the Alltech World Equestrian Games, so we are thrilled to be able to provide such high quality prizes for our loyal exhibitors.” The evening also featured an exhibitor’s party catered by Fatz Cafe and graciously sponsored by Willoughby Stables and Christison Stables. Exhibitors and spectators alike enjoyed tasty treats such as Calabash chicken, ribs, and pork sliders just to name a few. Willoughby Stables and Christison Stables also provided the ring side hospitality during the week as well. Godard continued, “Many thanks to the Graves Family and Bruce and Amy Christison for sponsoring all of our hospitality this week at the Camden Winter Classic.”
14 year old Grace Howard of Concord, NC and her Bethel’s Peri came out on top in the Derby garnering an impressive score of 83 in the first round and an 82 plus 4 bonus points in the second handy round to give them the winning two round total of 169. Not to be outdone, the pair finished off a triumphant week by capturing the Children’s Hunter 14 and under division championship winning every over fence class and the under saddle class during the Camden Winter Classic. Grace trains with Bruce and Amy Christison of Camden, SC. Bethel’s Peri is a 7 year old Westphalian Gelding that Howard has been partnered with the last couple of years.
Other champions this week included:
-Performance Working Hunters- Tradewind owned by Haley Jackson and ridden by Caroline Willard
-Amateur Owner/Junior Hunter- Vignette owned and ridden by Christina Webb
-Small/Medium Pony Hunter- Louis Viutton owned and ridden by Libby Gordon
-Large Pony Hunter- Celtics Creek Friar Tuck owned by Erin Dombroski and ridden by Megan Rosenthal
-Green Pony Hunter- Riley owned by Anna Beth Styron and Elizabeth Butterworth and ridden by Elizabeth Butterworth
Pre-Green Hunter- Too Cool owned by Addison Byrd and ridden by Caroline Willard
Adult Hunter- Ablesse owned by Kim Irvan and ridden by Jordan Irvan
Children’s Hunter 14 and under- Bethel’s Peri owned and ridden by Grace Howard
Children’s Hunter 15-17- Beaujolais owned and ridden by Maddison Rex
Children’s Hunter Pony- Shiitake owned by William Hamryka and ridden by Dawson Amick
Pre-Adult Hunter- Rigo Bacardi owned and ridden by Virgina Barnette
Pre- Children’s Hunter- Too Cool owned and ridden by Addison Byrd
Short Stirrup Hunter- In a Dream owned by the Medow Hill Stables and ridden by Kameryn Fincher
Low Child/Adult Jumper- Cosabella owned and ridden by Melanie Ricer
High Child/Adult Jumper- Money Spider owned and ridden by Diane Semer
For complete results and more information on the Camden Winter Classic please go to www.equusevents.com. Up next, Equus Events heads to Atlanta for the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show May 16-20. This is THE show to attend at the Georgia International Horse Park which includes the $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix, a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a prestigious WCHR event, famous hospitality like no other and much much more!
Contact: Equus Events, Inc.
Aiken, SC
803-643-5698