August 21st, 2010 – Equus Events has just wrapped up its inaugural Atlanta Summerfest at Chatt Hills (Bouckaert Farms) in Fairburn, GA. The show, a USEF “A” sanctioned event took place August 18-21 and was managed by Aiken, SC’s Equus Events Inc. and show manager J. P. Godard. “We are unbelievably excited about this new show series,” boasted Godard. “This facility is outstanding and I am really looking forward to the future and all of the potential we have here.” Well known in the eventing world, Chatt Hills will host the 2011 USEA American Eventing Championships in just over a week and Godard is excited to introduce it to the hunter and jumper world. The facility boasts an over 8000 acre equestrian paradise filled with established pastures, lakes, and woodlands with ample room to ride located along the Chattahoochee River. From excellent footing to exceptional stabling, this place really has it all! During the week, exhibitors and spectators were treated to daily hospitality all sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors; Brad Spragg and the Atlanta Hunt Club, Elizabeth Warmington and Brooksgate Stable Inc., Matt Martin and Windy Oaks Farm, Casey Whitaker, and The Farm House.
The hunter ring was featured Friday evening during a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic. Julie Curtain and Donna Bassinger’s Miramax took top honors in that class topping the field of 14 just edging out another of Curtain’s mounts, Gregg Burrows’s Vince. Junior rider Alexa Boggio took rounded out the top three with her Alamo.
The jumpers were the highlight in Saturday evening’s Chattahoochee Hills $5,000 Jumper Classic. Exhibitors and spectators were treated to an exhibitor’s party sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors during the class. Five horse/rider combinations advanced to the jump off over the J. P. Godard designed course. In the end it was Aiken, SC young professional Christina Jason and CDS Stable’s Snook who took home the blue in a time of 36.819 just edging out Mary Kate Dillon’s Utharo and Glenn Hartigan’s time of 36.825. Highridge Farm’s entry Uranda and rider Susie Fried took home third. “The show grounds is beautiful!” quoted Jason. “It was a fun, fast class and Snook was absolutely perfect … I had a great time!”
Another Aiken, SC rider rose to the top on Sunday in the $2,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Adult Jumper Classic. This time it was Heather Crespo and her Fritz R.B who took home the blue in the class. The action continues this week with the Atlanta Summerfest II starting up on Thursday August 25th. For complete horse show results or this week’s schedule of events please go to www.equusevents.com or call 803-643-5698.
