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Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jumping in Jacksonville

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The Jacksonville Spring Classic prize list is online now and gets underway at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center April 4th through 14th offering more than $200,000 in cash and awards.

Week I will be a Jr. Amateur horse show Friday-Sunday with a $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Hunter Classic Derby and Week II is AA with Level 4 jumpers. Week II features the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Glen Kernan Golf and Country Club Friday morning on the derby field as well as the $35,000 Grand Prix held in the indoor stadium on Saturday night.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a world-class facility featuring a large indoor coliseum with seating for 3,700, two outdoor rings, grass derby field plus schooling rings, and 500 permanent stalls. There are also 78 full hook-up RV spaces available. The Equestrian Center is conveniently located off of Interstate 295, I-10, and US 301 and in close proximity to the Jacksonville International Airport as well as the Cecil Field Regional Airport. The location is ideal for those traveling back from the winter circuits and for all Florida equestrians.

“We are excited to be returning to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic and the Gulf Coast Classic Companies. “The costs for the Saturday night VIP tables will be donated to a local charity as we have in the past and we’re sure everyone will have a great time. Since tables are limited, please reserve them when you reserve your stalls,” he added.

The prize list is online and entering is easy.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Fall Classic Wraps Up with Big Numbers and Big Winners

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Ricardo Villa Pilots Cludy to Victory in the $15,000 Classic

The $15,000 Jumper Classic saw twenty-seven horse and rider teams tackle the course designed by Paul Jewell of Lambertville, New Jersey in the Olympic Arena Saturday. Only four advanced to the jump off round and Ricardo Villa of Campobello, South Carolina in the irons of Arianna Tucker, LLC’s Cludy won the class with a clear jump off round in 46.567 seconds.

“I think the course was very technical which is why we didn’t have more clears. I have a new horse and only had him for 2 weeks. I didn’t know how fast he was, but he has a huge stride and is really sensitive and turns quickly. I wanted to go a little fast and of course clear. I got to put a little pressure on those other girls and it worked – it was fast enough,” said Villa.

“Arianna [Tucker] owns him [Cludy] and she also rides with me. She’s been with me a couple of months and asked me to ride him for a month. I jumped him at home for a week and he was good and then I took him to Atlanta. I did the 1.20 m and won it, then we did the 1.20 Welcome and had just one rail down. I called her the day before the Classic and suggested that instead of doing the 1.20 on Sunday, we should do the Classic,” he said. “She agreed with me and that turned out to be an excellent decision,” he added.

Second place finisher, Stella Swarr of New Orleans, Louisiana, aboard High Hopes Farm, LLC’s Anos Veros went clear in the jump off round in a time of 47.581 seconds.

Last to go in the jump off order was Shanna Beyer of Collierville, Tennessee and her own Invictus who earned one time fault in their jump off round with a time of 48.020 seconds and a third place ribbon. Welcome winner, junior rider Olivia Epple and Livhaven Stables’ Itile Horta, placed fourth with one time fault in the jump off round with their time of 44.351 seconds.

Fifth place was awarded to Paul Macrae and Maarten Hygens’ Casquino for their first-round performance which earned them one time fault for their time of 75.435 seconds.

Heather Steinman and Elisabeth Yaeger’s Hot Spot earned a sixth for their four fault first round in a time of 66.243 seconds, and seventh was awarded to Madeleine Reich and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastik for their four fault first round in a time of 67.038 seconds.

Eighth place finisher J. F. Gagne and Lyons Creek Sport Horses’ Lyons Creek Dragon Bleu posted a four fault first round in a time of 68.591 seconds, and Casey Charles in the irons of Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant earned a ninth place for their four fault first round in a time of 69.002 seconds.

Freestyle 3, owned and ridden by Greer Campbell of Charlotte, North Carolina, placed tenth for their four fault first round in a time of 65.910 seconds, and Aide Sanchez Long of and Eliza Lehrman’s Mr. DW took home an eleventh placing after posting a four fault first round in a time of 72.036 seconds. Mary Meghann Huitt and her own The Stig wrapped the class up with a twelfth-place ribbon after posting a four fault first round time in 73.455 seconds.

Fifteen-Year-Old Olivia Epple and Itile Horta Win the $5,000 Welcome

Week II of the Atlanta Fall Classic again saw big numbers in the jumper rings. The week kicked off with twenty-five horse and rider teams competing for the blue ribbon in the $5,000 Welcome Thursday over a course designed by Paul Jewel.

Set in the famous Olympic arena, the first round was designed with a time allowed of 80 seconds and second round of 45 seconds.

Livhaven Stables’ Itile Horta, ridden by fifteen-year-old Olivia Epple of Woodstock, Georgia, took home the blue ribbon in lightning fast double clear rounds in times of 70.785 seconds and 36.399 seconds, respectively, beating twenty-four horse and rider teams, including her trainer Heather Steinman.

“I know a lot of the folks I was riding against, and a lot were from my barn. And I just have to say, I have the best barn family!” commented the high school Junior.

“The course was great! It was challenging and just fun. I loved the lights in the big arena; it’s so cool when it gets really quiet when you start and well; you just get into a zone when you start going,” she said. “I just went for it. It is so much fun and it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. I love to go fast and really love the tight turns.

“My mare is amazing. There was one turn where you had to turn back left. I haven’t don’t that often and I thought it was kind of cool. My mare is scopey; I enjoy going fast and pushing limits. The distance really turned up there for us,” she said of the course.

“I’ve had her [Horta] a couple of months. I got her from Maartin Huygens. This is a new partnership and she’s something special. We’ve jumped up pretty quickly and she is very forward thinking,” she said of her mount. “We did a bunch of 1.25 m and played a little in the 1.30 in Brownland, but this kind of a bigger step it for us. Horta is 11 and has done bigger heights and grand prix and this was our first time showing at Conyers. I feel like on this mare I can jump anything and I’m really excited about showing her in Gulfport this winter,” she said.

Casey Charles of Birmingham, Alabama and Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant earned a second-place ribbon for their double fault free rounds in times of 78.968 seconds and 36.950 seconds, respectively.

Elisabeth Yeager’s Hot Spot, ridden by Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia, earned a third-place ribbon for their double clear rounds in times of 75.511 and 36.961 seconds.

Caroline Monahan of Birmingham, Alabama piloted her own Sevani to a fourth place with double clear rounds in times of 75.362 and 37.556 seconds, and Camille Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama in the irons of Ellie Miller’s Zathura earned fifth with their clear rounds in times of 74.195 and 38.191 seconds, respectively. Maddrix returned for a sixth aboard Caroline Michele Dugas’ Skyfall for their double clear rounds in 75.276 and 38.388 seconds, and J. F. Gagne of Columbus, South Carolina and Lyons Creek Sporthorses, Ltd.’s Lyons Creek Dragon Bleu placed seventh. Eighth was awarded to Madeline Reich of Mountain Brook, Alabama and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastak.

Sydney Crenshaw and Camera Ready Honor Cathey Coffey with Double Wins in Barry Lane Jumper Classics

The third installment of the $5,000 Barry Lane Classic Saturday welcomed 24 horse and rider teams to the 1.10 m course in the Olympic Arena and it was Sydney Crenshaw of Canton, Georgia and Fit to Print Farm’s Camera Ready who won the class with lightning fast rounds. The pair was first to go and turned in double clear rounds in times of 67.772 seconds and 29488 seconds, well within the 75 and 45 seconds time allowed. No one touched their new time to beat.

“Thinking back on the weekend, we wanted to honor Cathy [Coffey]. She used to own Carmen [Camera Ready]. I’ve known Cathy since I was about 12 and she was a really special lady to me. She made dreams come true for me that I didn’t even know I had at that time. I remember when I got the call January that she had died, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to call Cathy and ask her if it was true.

“Looking back on Facebook on my way home, I realized I had won that class with Carmen [Camera Ready] in 2014 and 2015 and then back to back this weekend. It was really weird doing the class on Saturday. We finished the jump off and to not have Cathy there to celebrate; it was so strange. She was always there cheering us on, wanting to celebrate us, telling us what a great job we did. She loved the Barry Lane Classics and always wanted us to ride in it. It was a great way to honor her and winning both days was just amazing. I thought about Cathy the entire weekend,” said Crenshaw.

“Carmen is the nicest horse in the world and it was a perfect weekend – my perfect horse and just perfect weather. It’s funny – we always joke that Carmen’s name is Camera Ready, because she is anything but that! She cannot stand still ever!“

Alexandra Doyle, also of Canton, Georgia, and her own Wrozbita earned a second place for their double clear rounds in times of 70.0006 and 31.353 seconds and then picked up a fourth-place ribbon with her other mount, Carto’s Star, after posting a four fault second round in a time of 29.147 seconds.

Third place finisher, Cameron Parke of Marietta, Georgia, and her own Santa Rosa C posted double clear rounds in times of 73.501 and 33.277 seconds, respectively.

Falcon Ridge Stables’ Captivate and Annie Parsons of Atlanta, Georgia earned fifth place with their four fault second round in a time of 29.648 seconds. Jesca Henning of Milton, Georgia and Maarten Huygens’ Zaander VD Veoldekensho Eve Z placed sixth for their four fault second round in a time of 35.34, and seventh was awarded to Lauren Lemaster of Austell, Georgia and her own Lancelot Quainton, who finished their second round with four faults in a time of 36.190 seconds. Eighth was awarded to Chasm Z, owned by Madison Akins and ridden by Isabelle Blackstone of Monroe, Georgia, and Christian Currey of Franklin, Tennessee picked up ninth place with his own Vigaro. Courtney Kelling of Marietta, Georgia and her own Finnegan placed tenth, and Caliente, owned by Kate O’Grady and ridden by Sally Nicholas of Smyrna, Georgia, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Payne and Quintessence Win $5,000 Classic Company Welcome

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Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic kicked off on the 8th and welcomed big numbers to the jumper divisions.

Jumper action got under way at the Olympic venue with the $5,000 Welcome and saw twenty-three tackle the course designed by Paul Jewel of Lambertville, New Jersey. First round was set with a time allowed of 74 seconds and the second was set at 47 seconds.

Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina entered and rode three mounts to the winner’s circle. As fourth to go in the order with Kelsey Calabro’s Home James, the pair posted the first double clear rounds and set the time to beat at 38.381 seconds.

Macie Atwood of Brentwood, Tennessee and her own SCS Luigi followed with the next set of double clear rounds and took the lead from Payne with their 35.915 second round time.

Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia and Alexandra Doyle’s Carto’s Star’s 34.751 seconds followed Atwood and took the lead, which would see Atwood and SCS Luigi finish in sixth place overall.

J. F. Gagne of Columbus, South Carolina and Lyons Creek Sporthorses, Ltd’s Lyons Creek Dragon Bleu followed with double clear rounds, but their second-round time of 35.936 seconds would see them finish in seventh overall.

Payne returned to the arena, this time in the irons of Quintessence, owned by Jane Dudinsky. The pair bested the leading second round time with their own 34.474 seconds and took the lead.

Steinman and Elisabeth Yeager’s Hot Spot challenged that time with their own clear second round of 35.176 seconds but would settle into fifth place overall.

Maarten Huygens’ Fintan, ridden by Paul Macrae of Alpharetta, Georgia, followed with the next set of double clear rounds, but their time of 35.944 would see them finish in eighth place.

Charles Casey of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons of Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant also posted double clear rounds, but their second-round time of 36.325 seconds put them in ninth place overall.

Steinman returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Courtney Kelling’s Finnegan and looked to take the lead from Payne with their double clear rounds in a fast jump off time of 34.731, but by a mere hundredth of a second, would finish in second place.

Tenth was awarded to Emily Chavez’ Morning De Reve, ridden by Gagne. Payne picked up an eleventh place for his ride on Wendy Luce’s Marshal M Dillon and Sydney Long of Atlanta, Georgia rode her own Venchy De Bornival to a twelfth place finish.

“Quintessence is the best jumper I ever rode,” commented Payne. “He’s done really well over the last few months, winning the 6-year-olds in Kentucky and most recently in Princeton,” he added.

Tim Maddrix and Ebelina W Victorious in the $15,000 Jumper Classic

Twenty-three horse and rider teams tackled the course designed by Paul Jewel on Saturday in the Olympic Arena and Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama took top honors with his own Ebelina W.

The 1.25 m course had a first round time allowed of 83 seconds. Only four advanced to the jump off round which was set with a time allowed of 47 seconds.

Doug Payne, winner of the $5,000 Welcome Week I, was the first to post a clear round in a time of 80.282 seconds with Wendy Luce’s Marshal M. Dillon. Maddrix followed with his own Ebelina W in a clear first round in a time of 81.979 which insured a jump off to the delight of the crowd.

Macie Attwood and her own SCS Luigi added themselves to the jump off roster after posting their first round clear score in a time of 79.876 seconds. Payne added another ride for the jump off round with Kelsey Calabro’s Home James after posting a clear first round in a time of 78.088 seconds.

As the first to go in the jump off round with Marshal M. Dillon, Payne posted a clear 42.110 seconds, well within the 47 seconds time allowed. Maddrix was up next with Ebelina W and also went clear with a time of 41.546 seconds, taking the lead.

Atwood and SCS Luigi followed but with four jump faults and 12 time faults for their time of 54.516 seconds, would settle into fourth place overall.

Payne and Home James sat it the desirable last to go spot, and looked to beat Maddrix and Ebelina W’s time. But a rail and four jump faults in a time of 39.081 seconds would find them finishing in third overall. “The time allowed was really snug. I tried to beat Tim’s time, but I knocked the front rail at the second element in the triple,” said Payne. “Tim rode well and had me by a second and a half off the first horse. I went for it and took a shot and well, you win some and you lose some. It’s just the nature of the sport,” he added.

The final results had Maddrix and Ebelina W with the win and Payne picking up second and third with Marshal M. Dillon and Homes James, respectively.

Fifth was Maarten Huygens’ Casquino, ridden by Paul Macrae, with an 84.381 second first round with two time faults, and Payne picked up a sixth place finish with Quintessence, owned by Jane Dudinsky, for their four fault first round in a time of 76.983 seconds.

Seventh place went to Sydney Long of Atlanta, Georgia and her own Take Two for their four fault first round in a time of 77.944 seconds, and Caroline Michele Dugas of Birmingham, Alabama and her own Skyfall earned an eighth-place finish for their four fault first round in a time of 78.802 seconds. Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia earned ninth and tenth placings with Elisabeth Yeager’s Hot Spot and Livhaven Stables’ Itile Horta, respectively, while Long returned to the ring with her own Venchy De Bornival for an eleventh placing. Charles Casey of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons of Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant wrapped up the class with a twelfth place ribbon.

Second and third place finisher Payne commented, “There were a good group of horses here. The course was tricky enough and rode bigger and a lot more interesting than it looked and It suited my horses very well.

“Marshal M. Dillon is owned by Wendy Luce in Milford [NJ] and I’ve ridden for her for a long time. We bought him quite young and initially as an event horse. He got to the Preliminary level and it just didn’t suit him, so we moved over to the jumpers. Marshall is a beautiful horse and has really come along over the last three months,” said Payne.

“Home James is a really great horse and has just got the biggest heart. When he came to us about four or five months ago, he had lost his left eye from an infection. But the owners wanted us to play it by ear and give him a shot,” he said. “Sometimes the shadows make it a little tough for him, but he really just gives it his all. He actually won the $35,000 Grand Prix in Charleston Week II last summer. He’s a little weird with shadows and the Olympic Arena here is a tough setting for him, but he is the most genuine and big-hearted creature,” he added.

Payne continued, “We’ve got a great group here. We brought 11 horses and we have three other students showing with us too. Two of our horses are going to the Jockey Club in Ocala next week for an event and this is the perfect prep for us. They’ve done really well here and they got to jump in the big ring. I haven’t been here in a couple of years and the footing is a huge improvement over what it used to be. The rain really hit us here this week and the footing held up really well, especially with the Classic Company guys managing it-really a great job!” he added.

Abigail Beaty Pilots Via Dolorosa to the win in the $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic

Saturday’s first installment of the $25,000 Barry Lane Classic saw 21 enter the 1.10 m class and awarded Abigail Beaty of Indian Springs, Alabama and her own Via Dolorosa the first place ribbon for their double clear rounds in times of 73.132 seconds and 33.131 seconds, respectively.

Of the twenty-one entries, twelve advanced to a second-round opportunity and only five went clear. Jack Dengler of Marietta, Georgia and Castlewood farm, Inc.’s Kira Van De Vaartdijk were the first to advance to the second round and set the new time to beat at 33.396 seconds.

Four horse and team riders later, Beaty challenged that time and grabbed the lead with her own 33.131 seconds. Adam Edgar of Leesburg, Virginia and Ellie Miller’s Zathura got close with their own 33.511 clear second round, but settled into a third-place finish. Lucy Reich of Birmingham, Alabama and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastak earned double clear rounds, but their second round in a time of 34.528 seconds saw them finish in fourth overall.

Grace Jordan or Marietta, Georgia and Darragh Kerin’s Rossco also turned in double clear rounds, but their second round in a time of 36.930 seconds landed them in fifth place overall.

Sixth was awarded to Alexandra Doyle of Canton, Georgia and her own Carto’s Star for their four fault second round in a time of 30.746 seconds.

Ella Duffy of Marietta, Georgia rode Missy Nolen’s Croft Original to a seventh-place finish and Lucy Reich of Birmingham, Alabama rode Ashley Hayden Morrison’s Cucino Z to an eighth-place ribbon.

Clayton Mullis piloted his own Tower Lux to a ninth-place finish, and Paris, owned and ridden by Jordan Keay Dillenberg, placed ninth. Grace Jordan of Marietta, Georgia rode Sarah Kerins’ Camboro to an eleventh-place ribbon and Accomplice, owned and ridden by Grace Asbury of Atlanta, Georgia, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

Alexandra Doyle and Carto’s Star Win the $7,500 NAL WIHS Barry Lane Jumper Classic

Twenty-five horse and rider teams competed in the $7,500 Barry Lane Jumper Classic, the second installment of the $25,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic, Week I at the Atlanta Fall Classic.

The 1.10 m course designed by Paul Jewel was set with a first round time allowed of 77 seconds and 48 seconds for the second round. Only eight advanced to a second round opportunity. Adam Edgar and Ellie Miller’s Zathura were the first to post double clear rounds and set the time to beat in the second round at 38.783 seconds. Jordan Grace and Sarah Kerins’ Camboro tried to take the lead, but their clear second round in a time of 43.690 would finish the pair in third place overall.

Doyle and Carto’s Star sat in the second to last to ride in the order of go and posted lightning fast double clear rounds. Their second-round time in 37.841 seconds stole the lead and the win, moving Edgar and Zathura into the second place finish.

“I thought it was a really clever course. He [Paul Jewel] is an excellent designer and really set it up so it baited you to go fast in sections, where you really shouldn’t,” commented Doyle.

“My grey horses is pretty hot and has a lot of anxiety. My plan was to just get around the first course safely and correctly. The second round I just let him go a bit. He’s a naturally quick horse and he really enjoys his job. I want to give him a good ride and don’t want to give him any mental setbacks.

I’ve had him about a year. He really wants to do well and he is so afraid that he won’t do well, he freaks himself out. He’s such a good boy and I owe that horse everything,” said Doyle.

Isabelle Blackstone and Madison Akins’ Chasm Z finished in fourth with the fastest four fault second round in 37.819 seconds. Fifth was awarded to Lucy Reich and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastak.

Doyle returned for the sixth-place ribbon in the irons of her own Wrozbita for their four fault second round in a time of 40.780 seconds. “I’ve had this horse for about a month. This was his second show in America and it’s his first time in Conyers. I want to say he was imported a month and a half ago but he was jumping on the larger side in Europe. I Was trying horses at Paul Mcrae’s and he suggested I ride him. I did and it has turned out really well. He’s been a good boy. I’ll definitely be showing both horses in the Barry Lane Jumper Classics next weekend,” she said.

Jordan Keay Dillenberg brought home the seventh-place ribbon with her own Paris, and Celia Cram of Aiken, South Carolina rode her own Auspicious to an eighth-place finish. Clayton Mullis earned ninth with his own Tower Lux and Abigail Beaty rode her own Via Dolorosa to a tenth-place ribbon. Grace Jordan of Marietta, Georgia and Darragh Kerins’ Rossco placed eleventh, and Grace Asbury and her own Accomplice wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

Natalie Geller Earns Top Scores in Classic Hunter Derby

Natalie Geller of Alpharetta, Georgia rode the first and second place $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby winners to top scores Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic.

The winning ride in the irons of Holly Sims’ Sunkist saw first and second round scores of 84, for a total of 168 which bested the competition. Her second ride, Lori Christman’s On Board, led the first round with a score of 86, but their second-round score of 78 finished them in second place for a total of 164.

Javite, owned and ridden by Katie Kittrell of Madison, Georgia, rode to the third-place ribbon with a total score of 154 and the $250 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus. Eljero, owned and ridden by Sarah Williams of Peach Tree City, Georgia, earned a fourth place for their combined score of 153 and the $150 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus.

Low Country Phantom, owned and ridden by Laura Neely of Savanah, Georgia, placed fifth for their combined score of 146 and earned the $250 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus. Josie Evans of Covington, Georgia rode to both the sixth and eighth placings in the irons of Lynn Laird’s Mandolin and her own QVF Colt Seavers, respectively. Her performance on Mandolin earned them the $150 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus also. Conrad 10, owned by Seven Hills Farm and ridden by Kristin Martiniello, placed seventh and also earned her the $100 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Classic Company Moves the 2019 Atlanta Summer Classics to Aiken

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August 22, 2018 – Johns Island, South Carolina – The Classic Company has been approved and licensed to move the Atlanta Summer Classics from the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA to Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC for the 2019 show season!

The shows will be USEF Premier Rated with Level 4 Jumpers. Both weeks will offer a $35,000 Grand Prix and, along with pending approval from USHJA, an International Hunter Derby will be held on the second week.

“All of us at Classic Company are pleased with the approval from the Federation and look forward to working with the Aiken Horse Park to produce a traditional horse show in South Carolina’s historic horse country,” commented Bob Bell, President of The Classic Company.

The prize list will be available online around Valentine’s Day. The class offerings will be similar to both the May shows and the classes offered in Conyers this past summer. Stabling will be limited so do make your plans early to attend. For more information about the show, contact info@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation

Hunter News Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classics

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Michael Leon true champion in $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with True Enough

Proving once again he’s king of the derby ring, Michael Leon closed out Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic with a win in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard Kelly Sims’ True Enough.

Leon, of Marietta, Georgia, and True Enough were one of 12 contenders to put their riding skills to the test in the Oval Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia.

The duo smoothly moved across the classic hunter component of the derby, finishing the first round with a tally of 161.5 points. Sitting in fourth position moving into the handy round, Leon and True Enough made up for lost points, achieving a handy round score of 188 points. The duo finished the competition with an overall total of 349.5 points — five points ahead of the runner up.

Caroline Willard, of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, ranked second for her performance in the saddle of Tara Dow-Rein’s Baron de Ley. The pair posted a classic round score of 155.5 points, before achieving a handy round score of 189 points — the highest in the class. Willard finished the event with an overall score of 344.5 points.

Leon returned to the ring to pick up the prize for third place, this time for his performance aboard another of Sims’ horses, Eleventh Hour. Their classic hunter round garnered them 166 points — landing them in first place after the first round. A handy score of 175 points gave the pair an overall total of 341.5 points.

Fourth place was presented to Lindsay Maxwell, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who was aboard Hyperion Stud LLC’s Claas 16. For their first round, the duo ranked third for their score of 162 points. A score of 179 points in the handy hunter component earned them a total of 341 points.

Camryn Halley, of Oviedo, Florida, ranked fifth for her two rounds in the saddle of Laura Barrett-Gurtis’ I’ll Say JSF. Halley piloted to a classic round tally of 160.5 points, followed by a handy round score of 173 points. Halley finished the competition with an overall score of 333.5 points.

Ranking sixth was Jennifer Tate of Bourne, Massachusetts. Tate guided Barbara Kravetz’ Carsten S to an overall tally of 332 points. Seventh place was awarded to Carolyn Bell, of Alpharetta, Georgia, who was riding Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey. The duo ended the event with an overall score of 304 points.

Eighth position was earned by Kara Jones, of Cornelius, North Carolina, for her two rounds with her own Chello. Jones achieved a grand tally of 279 points. Melissa Blades, of Cary, North Carolina, ranked ninth for her 259-point score with Cheyenne Sickle’s Jethro. Ranking tenth was Leon, this time aboard his own Celano. The duo posted an overall total of 233 points. Eleventh place was presented to Geoffrey Hesslink, of Shelburne, Vermont, who earned a 204-point score with Lindsay Maxwell’s High Society. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, rounded out the top 12 for her overall score of 199 with CopperhillSportHorseSales.com’s Dior Flying CH.

Payard and Erin Clayton victorious in $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby

Only a single point separated the top two contenders in Friday’s $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby during Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic. In the end, it was Erin Clayton who was crowned champion for her two rounds aboard Payard.

Twenty competitors tackled the two derby rounds set across the Oval Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. But no one accomplished the task at hand as well as Clayton, of Zionsville, Indiana.

Clayton was in the irons of Kaitlyn Smith’s Payard, an 8-year-old Holsteiner. Together the pair chalked up a classic round score of 82.5 points, before returning to the ring for the handy component. They wove and battled their way through the winding second round, achieving a score of 84.5 points. The duo finished the competition with an overall tally of 167 points.

“The courses offered challenges, but I never worry too much about that horse, Payard always rises to the occasion,” Clayton remarked. “In the two years I’ve ridden him, I’ve come to know him well. So I knew the places on course that played to his strengths, and knew the places on course where I would have to ride to accommodate some of his weaker areas. It was nice to get this win — I’m quite happy with (Payard).”

Payard has been matched with Clayton since his baby green days. In their two years together, Clayton said the horse has always risen to the questions asked of him.

“Payard doesn’t do anything fast, but he always gives his best effort,” she said with a laugh.

A regular on the Classic Company circuit, Clayton said she’s always happy to come and compete at such a well-managed horse show.

“The Classic Company puts on the most exhibitor friendly horse shows,” she said. “Whether it’s supporting the competitors or making improvements to the footing — which is fantastic — it’s a great experience to come to such a well-run, well-managed horse show.”

Hot on the tails of the winners was Williston, Florida’s Meredith Martin, who was aboard her own Odessa. The pair rode their classic round to a score of 82 points, followed by a handy round score of 84 points. Their tally of 166 points landed the duo in second place.

Ranking third was Daniel Geitner, of Aiken, South Carolina, who was riding Hilary Baylor’s Naddel. Geitner piloted Naddel to an 84-point first round, before earning 80.5 points for their attempt at the handy course. They ended the class with an overall score of 164.5 points.

Fourth place was awarded to Beverly Hills, California’s Lindsay Maxwell, who was in the irons of her own Conspiracy. The pair posted a classic round score of 83.5 points, and rode to a handy score of 79.5 points, for a total score of 163 points. Maxwell also went home $500 richer after securing the Classic Hunter Derby High Non-Pro Bonus.

Ranking fifth was Michael Leon, of Marietta, Georgia, who was in the tack of Kelly Sims’ Transparency. Leon guided Transparency to 77.5 points in the classic component, followed by an 85 point ride in the handy round. The pair ended the class with a grand tally of 162.5 points.

Taking home the prize for sixth place was Sorrento, Florida’s Megan All, who was in the saddle of her own Confidential. All piloted her horse to an overall score of 160 points, and also left the ring with the $500 Classic Hunter Derby Low Non-Pro Bonus.

Clayton returned to the ring to pick up the prize for seventh place. She guided Walkabout Investments LLC’s Walkabout’s Neptune to an overall score of 159.5 points. Jennifer Tate, of Bourne, Massachusetts, ranked eighth for her 159 point performance aboard Barbara Kravetz’ Caspari. Ninth place was awarded to Caroline Willard, of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, who was riding Alex Stevens’ Sky Pilot. The duo finished the class with a tally of 157.5 points. Wellington, Florida’s Tricia Barr rode Rodney Bross’ Big Girls Don’t Cry to tenth position with a score of 157 points. Barr also took home the $300.00 Low Non-Pro Bonus.

Ranking eleventh was All, this time with Falcon Ridge Stables’ Cameo. The pair ended the class with 148 points, as well as the $300 High Non-Pro Bonus. Rounding out the Top 12 finishers was Oviedo, Florida’s Laura Barrett-Gurtis who guided Suzanne Lemons’ Content to an overall score of 146 points.

Jillian Minahan, of Milton, Georgia, took home the $200 Low Non-Pro Bonus for her ride aboard her own Joie de Vivre. Camryn Halley, of Oviedo, Florida, was awarded the $200 High Non-Pro Bonus for her performance with Valerie Vogel’s Always.

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Curly Sue and Daniel Geitner Victorious in Jumpers Week II of Atlanta Summer Classics

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Daniel Geitner wrapped up Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic with a win in the $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by EMO. In the saddle of the game mare Curly Sue, Geitner topped the field and headed home with the winner’s share of the prize.

“Curly Sue is just fantastic,” said the Aiken, South Carolina rider. “She’s an easy horse; she rides super simply. Actually, she requires very little training on my part. I mostly just sit there and stay out of her way.”

This grand prix victory comes on the heels of Geitner’s win in the $7,500 Welcome Classic earlier in the week. Again, he was in the tack of Curly Sue, who is owned by Greg Burrow.

An overcast sky hung over the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Seventeen entries came out to compete over the first round. Clear rounds were hard to come by, with only four of the 17 contenders invited back to the ring to battle it out in the jump-off round.

Curly Sue and Geitner were the third to attempt the shortened course, racing to the finish in 38.691 seconds. A fallen rail at the last fence landed the pair four faults, but the duo couldn’t be caught.

“The jump-off is where things got interesting,” Geitner said. “You had to go over the mound to get from Jump 2 to Jump 5, which is always an added challenge. But the time allowed, at 40 seconds, was a little snug.”

Tricia O’Connor, of Williston, Florida, was the runner up. Aboard her own Coolman 78, O’Connor posted a four-fault jump-off round, and raced to the timers just outside of the time allowed in 40.117 seconds. The ended the class with five faults.

Geitner returned to the ring, this time to jump-off aboard the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood. The duo raced to the timers in 36.481 seconds, but sent two rails tumbling for a total of eight faults. They ranked third.

Savannah Unger, of Morriston, Florida, was awarded fourth prize for her performance with her own Fabio TN. The duo left all the jumps solidly in their cups, but were well over the time allowed, finishing in 47.783 seconds with eight time faults.

Wellington, Florida’s Heather Hooker ranked fifth for her four fault first round with Meredith Darst’s Quester de Virton. O’Connor was back in the ribbons, picking up sixth place for her performance with Michael Kirby’s KT Bolo. Chasen Boggio, of Canton, Georgia, ranked seventh for his ride aboard Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle.

Penny Brennan, of Loxahatchee, Florida, ended the class in eighth place with her own Vertigo Delorme, and ninth was awarded to Williston, Florida’s Michael Kirby, who was riding Fairly Stable LLC’s Play Boy. Ranking tenth was Boggio, this time aboard his own Co-Pilot. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, was eleventh with CopperhillSportHorseSales.com’s Felix BC. Kirby rounded out the Top 12 placings for his ride with his own Disaronno.

Geitner and Curly Sue Win the Week II $7,500 Welcome

Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic kicked off in a major way for Daniel Geitner, who galloped his way into the winner’s circle aboard Greg Burrow’s Curly Sue in the $7,500 Welcome Classic.

Geitner, of Aiken, South Carolina, topped a field of 16 entries in the Wednesday feature jumper class, held in the Olympic Ring at the beautiful Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Of those, eight contenders progressed to the jump-off.

It wasn’t a bad day at work for Geitner and Curly Sue, who haven’t been in the show ring since winning a grand prix in Aiken, South Carolina in April.

“The rideability of this mare is great; she’s as steady as they come,” Geitner said of the nine-year-old mare. “I haven’t jumped or schooled her over fences since Aiken in April, so the Welcome was a test to see where she was and if she is up for the grand prix later in the week — she is.”

The pair headed into the ring early in the jump-off order, setting the pace to beat right off the hop. They swiftly navigated the second round, reaching the timers in a clear and quick 41.502 seconds.

“I’ve been coming to Conyers to show here for what seems like forever,” Geitner said. “The work the Classic Company team is putting in here is evident — especially in terms of the footing. Hopefully things just keep improving.”

Hot on the heels of the winners was runner up Michael Kirby, of Williston, Florida. Aboard his own Disaronno, Kirby rode to a double clear performance in a time of 43.288 seconds.

Returning to the ring with his second mount, the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood, Geitner piloted to the finish timers in 43.398 seconds. The duo left all the jumps solidly in their cups and took home the prize for third place.

Tricia O’Connor, of Williston, Florida, ranked fourth for her four-fault jump-off ride aboard Michael Kirby’s KT Bolo. They reached the timers in 44.395 seconds. Fifth place was awarded to Mary Meghann Huitt, of Savannah, Georgia. Riding her own horse, The Stig, Huitt sent a rail tumbling at Jump 3, before racing to the finish in 45.079 seconds. Savannah Unger, of Morriston, Florida, finished the class in sixth position for her eight-fault jump-off round on her own Fabio TN. Seventh place was awarded to J. F. Gagne, of Columbus, South Carolina, who rode Tower Lux to an eight-fault second round. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, ranked eighth for her 12-fault jump-off ride with Molly Lacey’s Braveheart CH.

Ninth place was awarded to Heather Steinman, of Canton, Georgia, who was in the saddle of Livhaven Stables’ Corini. Rounding out the top 10 placings was Dana Noga, of Ocala, Florida, who was riding her own OBOS Pepperpot.

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Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

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Hunter News Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classic

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Michael Leon Claims Top 3 Placings in Classic Hunter Derby

Michael Leon proved he was king of the hunter ring during Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classics, as he laid claim to the top 3 placings in the Classic Hunter Derby. Aboard Kelly Sims’ Eleventh Hour, the pair topped the field of 20 entries to secure the title.

Leon, of Marietta, Georgia, and Eleventh Hour earned themselves a classic round score of 88, followed by a handy round total of 90. The duo ended the competition with a overall score of 178 points — five points above the runner up.

“Eleventh Hour is a sweet horse who jumps his heart out every time I ride him,” Leon said. “To get scores of 88 and 90 — it’s exciting. You put in all the hard work at home, then to come here and have that work recognized by the judges, it’s so rewarding.”

Leon has been partnered with the eight-year-old horse since October 2017. While Leon said there isn’t much that fazes the horse, the handy round did pose some questions.

“There was a gate you had to open in the handy, which we had never done before,” Leon explained. “I thought it may be a challenge: How do we approach it? Will he (Eleventh Hour) be okay as I lean over to open it? But it didn’t bother him at all.”

Leon ranked second for his two rounds aboard Kelly Sims’ True Enough. Their first round score of 86 points, combined with a handy score of 87, earned them a grand total of 173 points.

Leon returned to the ring once again, this time to claim third prize in the irons of Kelly Sims’ Transparency. Together they earned a classic round score of 87, along with a handy round total of 85 points. The duo ended the competition with an overall score of 172 points.

“To be able to walk into a ring on three different horses and adjust to three different rides and get all three right — it’s so exciting and rewarding,” Leon said.

“It helps to have an owner like Kelly Sims, who offers so much support to me and to the sport,” he added. “When you have that support and those great horses, it makes my job easy.”

The Atlanta Summer Classic marks an anniversary for Leon, who relocated from California to Georgia at this time last year.

“This was the first horse show I attended after I moved,” Leon said. “And the care that Bob Bell takes to run these shows is impressive. It makes for a great presentation to have him there to recognize the class and the competitors.

“And they are managing the footing here well — it’s 1,000 times better,” he exclaimed. “The way horses canter across the ground, taking off and landing softly, it’s made a great difference.”

Caroline Willard, of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, ranked fourth for her two rounds aboard Tara Dow-Rein’s Pilot. The pair rode to a classic score of 85 and a handy round of 86 points, finishing the class with an overall tally of 171 points. Fifth place was awarded to Zionsville, Indiana’s Erin Clayton, who was riding Kaitlyn Smith’s Payard. Clayton guided Payard to a first round of 86.5 points and a handy round of 82.5, for a total score of 169.5.

Ranking sixth was Devney Hoft, who was aboard Jacinda Purrington’s Coretto. Hoft, of Rolesville, North Carolina, accrued an overall tally of 167 points. Jennifer Tate, of Bourne, Massachusetts, placed seventh for her two rounds with Barbara Kravetz’ Carsten S. Tate rode to a grand total of 157.5 points.

Eighth place was earned by Christina Fox, of Aiken, South Carolina, who was riding Southland Stables LLC’s End Game. The duo achieved an overall score of 157 points. Fox also took home the $500 Classic Hunter Derby High Non-Pro Bonus.

Ranking ninth was Carolyn Bell, of Alpharetta, Georgia. Aboard Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey, Bell rode to a total score of 154 points. Tate was back in the ribbons, picking up tenth place for her two rounds aboard Barbara Kravetz’ Caspari. The duo rode to a grand total of 151 points.

Isabella Randall, of Cartersville, Georgia, ended the class with an eleventh ranking for her two rounds aboard Michael Leon’s Celano. The duo achieved a total of 147.5 points.

Rounding out the top 12 was Josie Evans, of Covington, Georgia, who was in the irons of her own QVF Colt Seavers. The pair rode to a tally of 146 points. Additionally, Evans left the ring $300 richer after achieving the Classic Hunter Derby High Non-Pro Bonus.

Jordan Cheneval, of Jasper, Georgia, rode Laurie Yamasaki’s Lennox to the $500 Classic Hunter Derby Low Non-Pro Bonus. The $300 Low Non-Pro Bonus was awarded to Grace Bridges, of Eatonton, Georgia, who was riding her own Serenade. Kristin Walty, of Birmingham, Alabama, took home the $200 Low Non-Pro Bonus for her performance with her own Ikahns.

No Question About It Wins $1,000 USHJA Zone 4 Child Adult Handy Hunter

The first week of equestrian sport has drawn to a close at the Atlanta Summer Classics, but not before Mia Bakotic put her handy hunter skills to the test in the $1,000 USHJA Zone 4 Child Adult Handy Hunter. Aboard her own No Question About It, Bakotic claimed top prize.

There were six entries in the class, which boasts no entrance fee for contenders. Bakotic made short work of the handy course, earning herself an overall score of 80 points.

Only one point off the winner was runner up Polly Johnson, of Alpharetta, Georgia. In the irons of her own Sweet William, Johnson weaved her way to a score of 79 and a second place finish. Ranking third was Madeline Jordan, of Tallahassee, Florida, who was riding her own Tribecca. The duo achieved a handy score of 77 points.

Fourth place was awarded to Camryn Halley of Oviedo, Florida, who was aboard Laura Barrett-Gurtis’ I’ll Say JSF. The duo achieved a tally of 68 points. Ranking fifth was Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina’s Susan Davidson who rode her own Calliope to a score of 66 points.

Bringing home the sixth place prize was Marietta, Georgia’s Sophie Feis, who was aboard Gina Gasko’s Cordino. The pair accrued a handy score of 55 points.

With no entry fee, the $1,000 USHJA Zone 4 Child Adult Handy Hunter is a great opportunity to get in the ring and gain valuable mileage putting those handy hunter skills to the test.

ClassicCompany.com
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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jumper News from Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classics

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Chase Boggio Victorious in the Jumpers

Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classic drew to a close the same way it kicked off: with Chasen Boggio in the winner’s circle. This time, he topped the field in Saturday’s $25,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix aboard Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle.

This win comes on the heels of the pair’s victory in Wednesday’s $7,500 Welcome Classic.

“Winning the Wednesday class definitely gives you that boost of confidence heading into the weekend,” Boggio said.

Boggio, of Canton, Georgia, outgunned the other contenders to claim top prize in the grand prix, held in the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Only two contenders returned to the arena to battle it out over the jump-off course.

“The track was more technical than I initially thought when I walked the course,” he commented, adding that he’s very familiar with that arena. “I thought we may see a few more clears in the first round. But the course rode like one related distance, so if something happened, it was hard to get yourself re-organized and back on track.”

First up to tackle the shortened course was Boggio, aboard the Selle-Francais mare. Weaving their way around the track, the duo set the winner’s pace at clear and quick 31.682 seconds.

“Quesada is very fast, very careful, with a huge stride and I knew I could ride her aggressively,” he remarked. “But I knew Michael (Kirby) would ride aggressively too. I tried to be quick and clear, taking the direct lines. In the last line, I left a stride out, doing nine instead of 10, and I think that may have been the difference.”

Boggio is no stranger to the Conyers venue, or to Classic Company horse shows. He said he’s grateful for all the work that’s been done to refresh the footing at the Conyers facility, adding that it’s those kinds of management efforts that make attending Classic Company horse shows worthwhile.

“I don’t ride full time, so we’re very selective about where we go to show,” he said. “We plan the majority of our year around Bob (Bell)’s shows.”

Michael Kirby, of Williston, Florida, returned to the ring in an attempt to catch the pace to beat. In the irons of Fairly Stable LLC’s Play Boy, Kirby navigated his way to a clean jump-off round in a time of 32.179 seconds — less than a second behind the winners. The duo ended the competition in second place.

Boggio ranked third for his clear first round with his own Co-Pilot. The pair did not attempt the jump-off round.

Heather Hooker, of Wellington, Florida, placed fourth for her ride in the saddle of Meredith Darst LLC’s Quester de Virton. The pair finished well within the time allowed of 83 seconds, but a rail tumbling early in the first round cost them four faults. Ranking fifth was Williston, Florida’s Tricia O’Connor, who garnered a four-fault performance with Michael Kirby’s KT Bolo. And Kirby found himself back in the ribbons, claiming sixth for his four-fault ride with his own Disaronno.

Seventh place was awarded to Merideth Bryans, of Newborn, Georgia, who was riding her own Guidam Sid, while Ocala, Florida’s Dana Noga ranked eighth aboard her own OBOS Pepperpot. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, rode to ninth position aboard CopperHillSportHorseSales.com’s Felix BC. Rounding out the Top-10 placings was O’Connor, back in the ring aboard her own Coolman 78.

Chase Boggio and Quesada D’Elle Win the Welcome

Chasen Boggio wasted no time making his way to the winner’s circle Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classic. Aboard Quesada D’Elle, owned by Victoria Press, Boggio topped the contenders in Wednesday’s $7,500 Welcome Classic.

Eleven horse and rider contenders tackled the first round of the opening jumper class, which was set in the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Boggio, who went later in the order of go, made short work of the track, finishing within the time allowed of 78 seconds. He was one of eight competitors to return to the ring for the jump-off round.

Boggio and Quesada D’Elle set the pace to beat, finishing the class with a double clear performance, a jump-off time of 36.431 seconds and the lion’s share of the prize money.

“Quesada is a relatively new ride for me and it’s been wonderful to have her,” Boggio said. “She’s completely different from my other horse, Co-Pilot, so it’s been a great lesson in adaptability.”

“I’ve been riding her since November and have been trying a few different things with her,” he added. “We were having a lot of four-fault, eight-fault rounds, but I knew we were close to breaking through. We just seemed to click this week — I’m really proud of our wins.”

Ranking second was Wellington, Florida’s Heather Hooker, who was riding Meredith Darst LLC’s Quester de Virton. The pair also accrued a double clear showing, but reached the timers in a relatively conservative 37.399 seconds — good enough for the red ribbon.

Third place was awarded to Williston, Florida’s Michael Kirby. First to tackle the jump-off round, Kirby racked up two clear round in the irons of Fairly Stable LLC’s Play Boy, galloping to the finish in 37.785 seconds. Boggio returned to the ring to pick up the fourth place prize for his double clear performance with his own Co-Pilot. The pair finished in 40.198 seconds.

Tricia O’Connor, of Williston, Florida, posted the fastest of the four-fault jump off rounds. With Michael Kirby’s KT Bolo, O’Connor rode to the timers in 39.072 seconds, placing fifth. Ranking sixth was Austin, Texas’ Nicki Mathen, who guided CopperhillSportHorseSales.com’s Felix BC to a four-fault jump-off round in 39.957 seconds.

Seventh place was awarded to O’Connor, this time riding her own Coolman 78. The pair reached the timers in 42.681 seconds, sending two rails tumbling on course for a total of eight faults. Rounding out the Top-8 was Newborn, Georgia’s Merideth Bryans, who achieved an eight-fault jump-off round in a time of 46.320 seconds with her own Guidam Sid.

Sevani and Caroline Monaghan Winners in $5,000 Dash for Cash

The first week of completion drew to a close this weekend, but not before Caroline Monaghan could race her way to the victor’s colors — and a cool $1,500 — in Friday’s $5,000 Dash for Cash 1.15 m.

Twelve contenders showed up the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia to gallop their way to the top prize in this special no entry fee competition.

Monaghan, of Birmingham, Alabama, was aboard her own Sevani. The duo raced across the single round, consisting of 15 numbered obstacles. In the end, they left all the jumps standing squarely in their cups, reaching the timers in a blistering 76.439 seconds — six seconds faster than the runner up.

Ranking second was Jordan Carlson, of Alpharetta, Georgia. In the irons of Kelly Sims’ Charisma, Carlson galloped his way to the timers, posting a clear ride in the relatively pokey time of 82.636 seconds.

Third place was awarded to Atlanta, Georgia’s Pierce Jenkins, who was riding his own S-Acorada Donaldson. A rail fell mid-way through the course, landing the pair a time of 86.834 seconds. Ranking fourth was Olivia Epple, of Woodstock, Georgia, who ended the class with a time of 88.491 second aboard Livhaven Stables’ Hot Spot. Fifth place was earned by Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Julia Titus, who was riding her own Broxhill. The duo galloped to the finish in 92.873 seconds.

Cara Magliocco, of Austin, Texas, placed sixth for her 93.030 second round with her own Chuckomo, while seventh place was awarded to Warrenville, South Carolina’s Dorian Eubanks, who finished in 93.514 seconds aboard Ashley Pace’s High Offley Estella IV.

Rounding out the Top 8 placings was Celia Cram, of Aiken, South Carolina, in the irons of her own Auspicious. The duo reached the timers in 99.820 seconds.

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Charleston Summer Classics Designated a USEF Heritage Competition

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The Classic Company is thrilled to announce that the USEF Board of Directors voted unanimously to award Heritage Competition status to Charleston Summer Classic I & II. Heritage designations are reserved for those competitions within the sport of Equestrian that have been established for a long period of time and have made a substantial contribution toward the development and promotion of the sport of equestrian, both within the sport and as well as within the broader community, by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

The Charleston Summer Classic started in July 1992 at the Seabrook Equestrian Center on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. The show was very successful for seven years then the land that surrounded the event was sold for development and the show was forced to move. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC welcomed the event and it was held on the Estate behind the Biltmore house in a converted cornfield for seven more years. While this worked very well, Bob Bell, Classic Company President, knew the show needed to return to Charleston one day. Mullet Hall, a former plantation owned by Charleston County Parks and Recreation, was chosen to be the site for an equestrian center. Permits, public meetings, funding and construction took six years and a lot of community support, during which time the show remained at The Biltmore Estate. The show then moved to the Georgia International Horse Park for one year. The Charleston Summer Classic finally returned to the lowcountry to Mullet Hall the following year. The show’s sterling silver perpetual trophies document the show’s 26 year history recalling the dates and the names of the horses and riders that have shaped the equestrian sport.

“We are so pleased that the Charleston Summer Classic has been designated a USEF Heritage Competition,” commented Bell. “Our flagship show has been a part of the equestrian sport’s history. It took a village to make this happen! The community support has been phenomenal and the Charleston Summer Classic is a perfect example of how the community and a horse show community can come together as one. We wholeheartedly thank the USEF for granting the Charleston Summer Classics this prestigious USEF Heritage Competition designation,” he added.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

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Jacksonville Equestrian Center Wraps Up Another Successful Spring Classic Series

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Derek Peterson and Diamant’s Legacy. (Allison Hartwell Photography)

Jacksonville, FL (April 24, 2018) – For the third year in a row, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center wowed riders and spectators alike during the Jacksonville Spring Classic, held April 4 through April 15, 2018.

The facility, which boasts an impressive set-up including a larger-than-life indoor stadium, several outdoor rings and a derby field, attracted 500 hunter and jumper pairs from as far as Dallas, Texas.

The highly anticipated two-week series featured a myriad of hunter and jumper classes, with favorites including the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Glen Kernan Gold and Country Club, and the $35,000 Regional Grand Prix sponsored by Sidelines. Prize money totaled more than $260,000, adding to the allure of the springtime show.

The show also offered Opportunity Classes for those riders who are not USEF members and wanted to compete at a USEF-rated competition – cementing the series’ ideal environment for all types of riders, including junior, amateur and professional competitors ranging from unknown, local amateurs to household names, like Kelley Farmer.

Farmer, known by the hunter community as a derby queen, captured the coveted the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard her new partner, David Glefke’s Verdict. The impressive pair blew the competition out of the water with 20 points above the runner-up in a field of 23.

This year, many competitors were return customers, after enjoying the simultaneous comfort and excitement of previous years’ events. Derek Petersen, of Archer, Florida, for example, commented about how thrilled he was to return to the show. After taking second in last year’s grand prix, much to his pleasure, this year he took the blue in the $35,000 grand prix.

Equally happy to participate in the show, first-time Jacksonville Equestrian Center rider and winner of the $7,500 Welcome Jumper, Amanda ‘Happy’ Comly, also expressed her enjoyment.

“It’s so nice to be here with the Classic Company,” she said. “It’s a lot more personal than other shows I’ve been to — it feels like the organizers care about what I think and how I’m doing. I’m grateful to be a part of this community.”

Of course, the show is just as thrilling for spectators as it is for riders. Conveniently located near lodging and attractions, like the Jacksonville Zoo and the Riverside historic district, spectators, who enjoy free admission and parking to the series can, find lots of entertainment.

To learn more about this year’s Jacksonville Spring Classic series, go to www.classiccompany.com. For more information about the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and the myriad of equestrian events that call it home, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Tim Jones
904-255-4215
tjones@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221