Tag Archives: Classic Company

Celebration of Hunters – Gulf 4

This week was the largest week that we have ever had in Gulfport.  The Celebration of Hunters was a giant success.  I would like to thank all the exhibitors who were part of this show.  The weather did not want to work with us on Friday or Saturday but it all worked out fine on Sunday due to great exhibitors and trainers.

On Friday we hosted the USHJA International Hunter Derby.  We started the day with a breakfast for everyone sponsored by Adequan.  The class had 50 entries and it was great to watch.  Not only did Allen Rheinheimer and Paul Jewel build a challenging course, but the morning had rain and strong winds that added to task of a good round.  The results of the class were as follows:

Official Results for the 2011 Gulf Coast $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

1st Yes Indeed with Sarah Mechlin for owner Olivia Weaver

2nd Primera with Catherine Rinehart for owner Helen Gilbert

3rd Ovation with Courtney Calcagnini for Taylor Reid

4th Corazon with owner-rider Patrick McGinnis

5th Carson with Courtney Calcagnini for owner Kristen Blomstrom

6th Figaro B with Holly Shepherd for owner Linda Bobrik

7th Dress Up with owner-rider Jana Rodes

8th Carlano with Will Roberts for owner Andrea Ramirez

9th CR Carolato II with Jordan Siegel for owner Buddrus Equine, LLC

10th Dolce with owner-rider Sue Takata

11th Marquis with Daniel Geitner for owner Lee Cesery

12th Damocles with Daniel Geitner for owner Janet Peterson

Continue reading Celebration of Hunters – Gulf 4

Sarah Mechlin and Yes Indeed Win Gulf Coast Winter’s USHJA International Hunter Derby

Sarah Mechlin & Yes Indeed ©Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS — Mar. 5, 2011 — A very positive minded 23-year-old Sarah Mechlin of Cincinnati, OH partnered with Yes Indeed took the top spot over 50 competitors in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the fourth week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics.

Fifty equine athletes were being braided before dawn and began lunging at 5:30 Friday morning in preparation for their first big test, the official presentation and jog before the panel of judges: Mike Rosser, Ray Francis, Betsy Perry, Tucker Erickson, and show veterinarian Juan Gamboa. Once soundness was established, riders donned Shadbelly jackets, shined their boots and mounted up for one last trip in the warm up ring before entering the arena to take on the first round course of 10 obstacles [12 efforts], comprised mostly of natural materials such as logs, brush, and gate planks, all from the creative minds of co-designers Paul Jewel and Allen Rheinheimer. Within the track riders encountered four optional fences offering a height choice up to 4’ which provide the opportunity to score bonus points, as well as bending and broken lines, an in and out, at least one line with an unrelated distance, and a fence with a long approach. The two panels of judges’ scores were combined to determine the top 12 who would be invited back for round two.

Continue reading Sarah Mechlin and Yes Indeed Win Gulf Coast Winter’s USHJA International Hunter Derby

Atlanta Spring – Summer – Charleston Summer

Just some updates… Atlanta Spring (March 23 – April 3) – I know so many of you are in the middle of your winter circuits but if you are planning to attend, we need to hear from you about stall reservations.   843 768 5503

Atlanta Summer (June 15-26) – Lots of new classes and much more prize money this summer.   We will have a $25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby this summer again in the Grand Prix ring. We will also have two $35,000 Grand Prix classes.  We will have several clinics including a Water Jumper Clinic, a Pony Model Clinic, and an Ask the Judge Clinic.  This will be along with the 2nd Annual Freestyle Class in the Grand Prix.  Lots planned for the Summer Show in Conyers.  The prize list will be out around the 1st of April.

Charleston Summer Classic (July 13-23) – The new schedule is on the web and the prize list will be out around the 1st of April.  This will be another fun filled two weeks on the coast.  Remember, it’s time to get your condos reserved.

We are now on Facebook: www.facebook.com/classiccompanyltd.

See you at the rings,

Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

Gulfport Winter III – Updates and Recaps

We had a great week in Gulfport again.  Incredible weather, giant party, and a bunch of horses for good competition.  We are setting all time records here in Gulfport.  Next week will be the biggest show we have ever produced on the Gulf Coast.

Please make sure you read the bottom paragraph if you are in Gulfport next week.  Important meetings and events.

So, this week again we hosted a USHJA National Hunter Classic.

Congrats to the winner The Admiral, Jamie Jarvis and show to the win by Will Roberts.

Continue reading Gulfport Winter III – Updates and Recaps

Mardi Gras Fun Highlights Third Week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Daniel Geitner & Living Color. ©Flashpoint Photography

No Worries for Devin Ryan in the $25,000 Adequan Grand Prix

Gulfport, MS — February 27, 2011 — Exhibitors at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics got a taste of Mardi Gras along with scrumptious local cuisines during week three, courtesy of the fine folks from Harrison County, who served well over 1200 pounds of crawfish (boiled right on the spot), 500 pounds of shrimp, 400 pounds of spiced blackened chicken, another 400 pounds of fried catfish, and more extras than a small army could consume. Friday evening’s party even had a mini Mardi Gras float that show co-chairman, Janet McCarroll, created with her golf cart to toss the infamous beads and special treats from. And to top the night off live music kept toes tapping. “Southern Hospitality” is this community’s heritage and one they relish sharing with exhibitors each year.

“’Tis the season!” laughed co-chairman Bob Bell, adding, “Every year this is the party we all anticipate most and every year Mike McMillan [Director of the Harrison Co grounds] just seems to outdo himself again. Great food and fun, that’s our reputation here.”  After having seconds or even thirds, many took to the dance floor swaying the night and extra calories away.

Continue reading Mardi Gras Fun Highlights Third Week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Gulfport Winter Classic Offers “Lagniappe” for All!

Holly Shepherd & Figaro B. ©Flashpoint Photography

Gulfport, MS — Feb 20, 2011 — A Cajun expression Lagniappe (lan-yap), “small extra gift”, describes best what Mother Nature left as a token on her visit to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Not only did temps continue to heat up, but so did the rivalry for supremacy in both the Hunter and Jumper divisions.

Beginning in the Hunter Divisions where for the second week several of the top horse-rider combinations turned in stellar performances. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL rode Figaro B for owner Linda Bobrik to the Championship in the 1st Year Green Working and top place in the USHJA Hunter Classic, while Hillsboro, VA based Tom Brennan picked up the tri colors in the 2nd Year Green Working aboard Lynn Rice’s Purple Heart. And taking the Championship title in the High Performance Hunters for week two was Cincinnati, OH resident Sarah Mechlin paired with Olivia Weaver’s agreeable horse Yes Indeed.

Over in the jumper rings the theme was “Les Bon Temps Rouler”, let the good times roll, and in Friday afternoon’s Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH kept on enjoying the good times with his mount Copyright 3 taking the victory.

Continue reading Gulfport Winter Classic Offers “Lagniappe” for All!

Gulfport TV and Other Updates

Just some updates and FYIs.

The Gulf Coast Winter Series started today and WLOX, the local television station, came out and was live at our event.  If you would like to watch the short video please click here: http://www.wlox.com/global/Category.asp?c=194069. We are the third video on the left.

We have posted a new schedule on our webpage for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic I.  The changes were minor but because we produce our prize list in the fall and then the annual meetings of USHJA and USEF are in December and January we sometimes must make adjustments to new rules.

Just a second reminder for some other changes…

1. We will offer a non restricted 1.0m Children’s Adult Jumper section because of the new zone specs.

2. We will offer a Walk, Walk Trot, and Crossrails classes that will follow the short stirrup in the schedule.

If you still have not reserved your stalls please call us ASAP because we are putting up more stalls on Monday and I am sure that will be the last visit from our tent man.  Call 228.832.9255 for reservations.

Continue reading Gulfport TV and Other Updates

Jacksonville Winter Series Hunter/Jumper Show Wrap-up and Gulfport Winter Circuit

On behalf of the NFHJA I want to thank everyone for their support of the shows in Green Cove Springs this winter. Three great weeks of shows in the sunshine state. This week there were lots of meetings and plans are well underway for 2012 and we hope that you will mark your calendars to come back and for those who did not attend, we hope you will join the winter circuit.

For complete results of the circuit go to www.horseshowsonline.com.

Gulf Coast Winter Circuit — Feb 9 – Mar 13, 2011

I am packing to head to home to work on entries; the crew is packing and heading to Gulfport to set up.  Closing date is Tuesday the 2nd and Jeff is waiting to hear from us on how many stalls to erect.  If you are planning to attend, please call and make your stall and camper reservations. 843 768 5503 for information or reservations.

Atlanta Spring Classic — Mar 23 – Apr 3

The prize list is being mailed this week.  Two weeks of AA shows with $25k Grand Prix classes.   The prize list is also online: http://www.classiccompany.com/showdocs.php#asp.

See you at the rings,

Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

Jacksonville A to Z Finale – Alissa Kinsey & Grisset Share a Spotlight and Meg O’Mara Does It Her Way with Sinatra IV

Alissa Kinsey & Grisset. ©Flashpoint Photography

Green Cove Springs, FL — January 29, 2011 — Show Jumping action took center stage for the finale of the Jacksonville Winter Series. Starting with the $10,000 Children-Adult Jumper Classic, sponsored by Cedar Street Advisors, it was the Sunshine State’s own Alissa Kinsey from Ft Myers and phenom mare Grisset taking the top spot.

Dave Ballard of Olympic fame took over course designing honors for this final week of competition and created layouts that both tested exhibitors and took spectators’ breaths away at times. A starting field of 27 crossed through the in gate on Saturday afternoon with high hopes of claiming the big prize in the $10,000 Cedar Street Advisors Children-Adult Jumper Classic. Nearly half survived the 68 second limited twisty 12 obstacle first round to advance into the dash for the cash jump off.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13075

Jax Gulf Atlanta Spring Updates

Jacksonville Winter III has a new schedule; it is available in the office and on the Classic Company and NFHJA website. Click here for the update: http://www.classiccompany.com/zdocs/jax_sch.pdf.

Gulf Coast Winter Circuit — Feb 9 – Mar 13, 2011

Had a great trip to Gulfport yesterday and the grounds are looking great for our event.  Closing date is Tuesday February 1st.  Make sure we have your stall and camper reservations soon.  The tents are up for the stalls that have been ordered but to keep costs down this year, we are only putting up the number of stalls that are reserved.  Call 843 768 5503 for information or reservations.

Atlanta Spring Classic — Mar 23 – Apr 3

The prize list is being mailed this week.  Two weeks of AA shows with $25k Grand Prix classes.  The prize list is also online: http://www.classiccompany.com/showdocs.php#asp.

See you at the rings,

Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457