Tag Archives: Gemma Paternoster

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Paternoster Returns to Competition and Wins the $7,500 Horseflight Open Welcome

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Paternoster and Zonneglans had their winning comeback ride yesterday in the $7,500 Horseflight Open Welcome.

Gemma Paternoster, formerly of the United Kingdom and now from Wellington, Florida, had an amazing comeback ride in yesterday’s $7,500 Horseflight Open Welcome. The Atlanta Fall Classics is her first show back after having broken her shin bone in a kite boarding accident last August, which resulted in a ten week break from competing and titanium in her leg. “Today was great! Even though we had a few funny things going on with the sponge padding on my knee and it’s still a little painful,” she said.

Twenty-one horses took to the course designed by International Course Designer, Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico, former Assistant Designer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing in 2008. The first round time allowed was set at 90 seconds and only 8 advanced to the second round.

Lauren Hester of Lexington, Kentucky and Hester Equestrian’s Wender turned in the first clear round in a time of 79.781 seconds and a clean second round effort in 44.574 seconds, well within the 57 seconds time allowed.

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and Lionshare Farm’s Creative was the next pair to turn in a clear first round in a time of 84.842 seconds. Their second round effort in a time of 45.935 seconds would see the pair finish in seventh overall.

Next to go was Gemma Paternoster in the irons of her own Osiris. “I was planning on sending him [Osiris] back to England last August to retire, but after I broke my shin bone, I knew I would need him to get my confidence back. He was integral to my rehabilitation in the saddle,” she said. “He is usually a feisty horse but he has been very soft and gentle with me,” she added. “I rode him first so I could get my confidence and ride Zonneglans faster,” she added. “This will be Osiris’ last horse show and he is heading back to England later this month,” she said. The pair turned in a clean first round in a time of 87.707 seconds and second round in a time of 47.205 seconds, finishing in eighth place overall.

Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons of Missy Nolan’s Specialized followed Paternoster and turned in a clean first round in 86.214 seconds. Their second round effort in a time of 44.361 seconds put them in the lead ahead of Hester.

Leander, owned by Honorway Farm, LLC and piloted by Leana Kelly of Valatie, New York, was the next clean first round in a time 85.005 seconds and the fastest second round effort at this point in the class in 43.776 seconds.

Laura Linback of Morriston, Florida aboard Woodrun Farm, LLC’s HH Dauphin was the next to go clear in a first round effort of 85.111 seconds. Linback gave Kelly and Leander a run for the lead, but their second round effort in a time of 43.588 seconds was not fast enough to edge ahead and would finish in second place overall.

Paternoster was next to go in the irons of her own Zonneglans. “The course was fast and Laura, Leana and Tim had their feet to the floor. Dolly [Zonneglans] is so incredibly well balanced and I just left her alone and let her gallop,” said Paternoster. The pair turned in a clean first round effort in 84.658 seconds and a second round in a time of 42.441 seconds taking the lead. “The jump off round really played to her hand,” she added.

KM Corfina, owned by KM Farms and ridden by David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee, was the next pair to turn in a clear first round effort in a time of 81.370 seconds. A rail in their second round in a time of 44.051 seconds would see the pair finish in ninth overall.

Hester returned with Hester Equestrian, LLC’s Clueless P for the final clear round in the class in a time of 80.633 seconds. However, their second round in 44.155 seconds was not fast enough to beat Paternoster and Zonneglans’ time and would find themselves in the fourth place position overall.

“Zara Kelly and the International Riding Academy did a great job caring for Osiris and Zonneglans while I was recovering from my accident. And Philip Hodgson was with me the entire time from surgery to learning to walk again in October. It was a hell of a six weeks and I can’t thank these people enough,” said Paternoster.

Horseflight is the Official Equine Air Transportation Company of the Classic Company. As a leader in international horse transport with locations in Greifswald, Germany, Califon, New Jersey, Ocala, Florida and Houston, Texas, with branches in Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California, Horseflight coordinates imports or exports anywhere in the world! With weekly flights to and from Europe, as well as the continental United States, Horseflight prides itself on transporting the competitive horse world, one flight at a time!

The Classic Company’s 20th Anniversary at the Georgia International Horse Park kicked off Wednesday and the action has been nonstop!

The upcoming schedule includes today’s $5,000 Barry Lane Classic, Hunter Breeding classes, the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, and the National Classic Equitation Finals. Tomorrow the $10,000 Barry Lane Classic and the $35,000 Classic Company Grand Prix, presented by EMO, take the center stage and Sunday’s $10,000 Barry Lane Classic wraps up the highlights for Week I.

Week II features Zone 4 Finals all week! And…

  • Thursday: $7,500 Nalley Stonecrest Toyota Open Welcome
  • Friday: EMO Equitation Classic Finals
  • Friday: $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
  • Friday: Hunter Breeding Classes – double judged
  • Friday evening: $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
  • Saturday $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic
  • Saturday $35,000 Atlanta Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO
  • Sunday: Circuit Awards, presented by Practical Horseman

Some stalls are still available so call the office at 843.768.5503 or email jonathan@classiccompany.com to reserve your stalls now. Then enter online at horseshowsonline.com and remove the hassle from filling out entries!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Show Jumping

Paternoster Pilots Zonneglans to First Grand Prix Win at the Charleston Summer Classic

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Paternoster and Zonneglans.

What a night at the Charleston Summer Classic! The $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix took place before a sold out VIP tent, shirtless firemen models posing to benefit the Charleston Animal Society and special guests from Regions Private Wealth Management.

The course was designed by Classic Company Technical Coordinator, Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana, who also acted as the Technical Coordinator for the recent World Games in Las Vegas. Rheinheimer set the first round time allowed at 83 seconds. Whitney Owens in the irons of DS Holdings, LLC’s Callaghan K was the first to go and made it look easy when she posted a clean first round in a time of 75.758 seconds. The horse and rider teams that followed had multiple rails and subsequent faults, until Julie Lee’s Osiris entered the ring with Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida in the irons. The team turned in a double clear round in a time of 77.431, ensuring there would be a jump-off.

Haley Lubow and Krisley Hill Equine, Inc.’s Calligraphy was the next pair to turn in a clean first-round effort in a time of 78.090 seconds and would join Paternoster and Whitney Owens in the jump-off.

Frankie Owens of San Antonio, Texas aboard DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello 2 would join the jump off trio after turning in a clean first round in a time of 79.206 seconds, as well as Abigail Baskind and her own Matilda after posting a clean first round effort in a time of 74.604 seconds.

Three additional horse and rider teams posted clear rounds, which included Paternoster and her own Zonneglans, winner of the $5,000 Welcome presented by Finish Line Horse Products. The pair turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 76.099 seconds.

Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas and Anna Beth Athey’s Serena joined the jump off pack after posting a clean first round in 75.884 seconds. Tim “Magic” Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Missy Nolan’s Specialized was the last pair to join the jump off after posting a clear first round in a time of 79.178 seconds.

Whitney Owens and Calaghan K was the first to tackle the jump off and although she beat the time allowed of 49 seconds with a time of 41.957 seconds, a rail down and four faults saw them finish in seventh place overall. Osiris and Paternoster followed and finished clean, setting the new time to beat at 38.249 seconds.

Lubow and Calligraphy followed but with a rail at fence two, their time of 40.272 seconds and four faults would see them finish in sixth place.

Frankie Owens was next up in the irons of DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello 2. Four faults in a time of 38.905 would see them finish in fifth place overall.

Baskind and Matilda followed, but with four faults in a time of 46.319 seconds, would finish in eighth place.

Zonneglans and Paternoster were next and the pair galloped through the course clean in a time of 38.107 seconds, setting the new time to beat! “I knew she has all the scope to turn tight and still clear the jumps,” commented Paternoster. “I wanted to set a fast time to put a lot of pressure on, particularly on Tim [Maddrix] since he beat me last week!” she added.

“I trust her to be totally careful at the rails always,” said Paternoster. “My job is to give her a great trip and she sees to jumping everything very cleanly,” she added.

Gilchrist was up next with Serena and looked to beat Paternoster and Zonneglans’ time. Their clean round in a time of 38.107 seconds was just not fast enough and the pair would finish in second overall.

Maddrix and Specialized were in the enviable last to go position, but four rails in a time of 37.888 would see them finish in fourth place overall.

“Dolly [Zonneglans] has competed and placed in many grand prix,” said Paternoster, “but this is her first win and she really deserved one. When you’ve had a mare since a four-year-old, you tend to develop a pretty awesome bond by grand prix,” she added. “It was a fabulous end to a perfect Charleston Summer Classic!”

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Paternoster and Zonneglans Win the $5,000 Open Welcome at the Charleston Summer Classic

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Gemma Paternoster and Zonneglans.

Week II of the Charleston Summer Classic opened up on Tuesday and the action has been non-stop! Wednesday the $5,000 Open Welcome, presented by Finish Line, got the party started.

The United Kingdom’s Gemma Paternoster, now of Wellington, Florida, won the class with her own Zonneglans after posting double clear rounds in times of 76.774 and 37.900 seconds.

Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas and Anna Beth Athey’s Serena followed in second with double clear rounds in 79.231 seconds and 40.847 seconds. Third place went to DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello 2, ridden by Frankie Owens of San Antonio, Texas, in double clear rounds with times of 79.791 and 40.542 seconds, respectively.

Paternoster returned for the fourth place honors in the irons of Julie Lee’s Osiris with double clear rounds in times of 81.325 seconds and 41.603 seconds.

Fifth place was awarded to Timothy Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Baily Martin’s Contador De Bornival, who turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 78.791 seconds and a second round time in 35.358 second. An unfortunate rail in their second round gave them four jump faults.

Krisley Hill Equine’s Calligraphy, ridden by Haley Lubow of Nashville, Tennessee, took sixth place after posting a clear first round in a time of 81.196 seconds and a second round score in 41.321 seconds with four jump faults.

The fastest of the four-faulters, Matilda, owned by Abigail Baskind and ridden by Emily Hertz of Cordova, Tennessee, placed seventh after posting a first round time of 76.108 seconds.

Whitney Owens of Windcrest, Texas rode DS Holdings, LLC’s S & L Shoe Guru to the eighth place finish after posting a first round in 80.217 seconds with four jump faults.

For complete results, click here.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Show Jumping

Gemma Paternoster and Zara Kelly Riding Clinic Tomorrow at the Charleston Summer Classic

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Gemma Paternoster and Zonneglans won last year’s Open Welcome Week I at the Charleston Summer Classic. She will be the clinician in tomorrow’s Young Horse to Grand Prix Clinic.

The Charleston Summer Classic is pleased to announce that International Jumper Rider Gemma Paternoster, currently of Wellington, Florida, and Zara Kelley, Riding Instructor at the Hilton Head International Riding Academy, will be conducting a riding clinic Monday, July 13 at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center.

Gemma will focus on the Young Horse to Grand Prix section and Zara Kelly will conduct a separate riding clinic working with younger, junior riders. Each will teach up to four riders in two sessions, 8am-9am and 9am-10am. The cost is $100 per rider. Pre-registration is required and riders are to meet with Grace in the VIP tent by 7:30am on Monday to sign in. Riders will be grouped according to level. There is no cost to audit the clinic. Please email lisa@classiccompany.com to register.

Gemma Paternoster has been riding almost her entire life and specializes in show jumping and the development of young and inexperienced horses through the grand prix level. Her resume includes representing Great Britain as both a Young Rider (European Champion 2006) and as a senior rider, making several appearances in Nations Cup squads. She has earned wins and top placings in Europe, including Rotterdam as well as competed in legs of the Global Champions tour. She is equally known for her ability to make up a grand prix horse from “scratch”, taking young jumpers from ages 4 and 5 through the grand prix level.

Gemma’s unique approach incorporates ridding oneself of the mental baggage so many riders bring to the ring and their horses. “We get in the way of ourselves more than we get in the way of our horses. The subconscious mind is the most staggering piece of equipment. The sport is hard enough without mental baggage,” she said.

Zara Kelly will focus on the junior riders in tomorrow's clinic.
Zara Kelly will focus on the junior riders in tomorrow’s clinic.

Zara Kelly also hails from the United Kingdom and is the head instructor at the International Riding Academy. A double Gold medal winner while representing England as a member of the Junior Show Jumping Team, Zara was also a member of the Silver medal-winning Welsh Junior Showjumping Team. She has won many top ribbons in Europe as well as a win at the Royal International Championship. A very accomplished equestrian and trainer, Zara is known for her effective methods of communication with young students and is committed to the welfare, safeguarding and promotion of junior riders.

Please email lisa@classiccompany.com for additional information.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Paternoster and Osiris Win the Bohicket Marina Grand Prix at Charleston Summer Classic

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Gemma Paternoster pilots Osiris over the Antares oxer to the win in the $25,000 Bohicket Marina Grand Prix. Flashpoint Photography.

Osiris is considered to be the King of the Egyptian gods and the horse Osiris lived up to the name when he ruled the grand prix and won last night’s $25,000 Bohicket Marina Grand Prix to wrap up the Charleston Summer Classic.

British show jumping superstar, Gemma Paternoster, now of Wellington, Florida, sat in the first to go spot with Osiris, owned by Julia Harrison-Lee, ahead of the Texas rider contingency. The pair turned in a clean round in a time of 84.198 seconds, well within the time allowed of 94 seconds.

Frank Owens of San Antonio, Texas was next to go in the irons of DS Holdngs, LLC’s MTM Twenties Girl and also turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 88.758 seconds setting the stage for a Texas showdown in the jump-off.

Flower Mound, Texas’ Jordan Gilchrist was next to go in the irons of Shawn Hodgen’s Okaletto. Although the pair had no jump faults, their time of 95.345 seconds incurred two time faults and the pair would finish in ninth place overall.

The next clear round would come three trips later when Paternoster returned to the ring, this time aboard the mare Zonneglans, who turned in a clean first round effort in time of 84.534 seconds.

Texas was on the heels of Paternoster, when San Antonio’s Whitney Owens entered the ring on DS Holdings LLC’s S & L Shoe Guru. The pair turned in a clean ride in a time of 84.664 seconds and Whitney would join her brother Frank again the UK’s Paternoster.

Gilchrist was next to go, this time in the irons of Jenny Booth’s Lucie De Brecey. The pair was victorious in the $5,000 Open Welcome on Wednesday and looked to ensure that they would join fellow Texans and Paternoster in the jump off when they posted a clean round in a time of 83.816 seconds.

Paternoster returned to the Grand Prix arena with her third ride of the day, Figarro D, owned by Julia Harrison-Lee. A clean round in a time of 84.664 seconds guaranteed their entry to the final show down.

Nashville, Tennessee’s Haley Lubow rode Krisley Hill Equine, Inc.’s Calligraphy to a clean first round effort in 88.678 seconds, joining the UK and Texas riders in the jump off.

Christian Rogge of Spring, Texas in the irons of his own Lissa TSP was next to go clean and did so in a time of 86.419 seconds which was the final ride to go clean in the first round.

The jump off time was set at 45 seconds. Paternoster was first to go in the irons of Harrison-Lee’s Osiris and turned in a clean first round effort in 40.119 seconds, setting the time to beat. “I wanted my first ride to be fast enough to put pressure on the others and force mistakes,” commented Paternoster. That approach worked. “He [Osiris] has such a massive stride, amazing scope and can make such tight, fast turns,” said Paternoster. “I just left him in his rhythm and didn’t interfere,” she continued. “I just let him be awesome… and he was,” she smiled.

Frank Owens and MTM Twenties Girl were next to go but eight jump faults in a time of 41.327 seconds would see them finish in seventh place overall. Zonneglans and Paternoster were next to go and suffered a rail at the final fence, incurring four jump faults in a time of 41.166 seconds. “I was trying to beat my time [Osiris] with her and she really flew,” said Paternoster. “But I think dropping that rail helped me ride my last horse better [Figarro D],” she added. Zonneglans would finish in fourth place overall.

Whitney Owens and DS Holdings, LLC’s S & L Shoe Guru were next to go and incurred four jump faults in a time of 40.699 seconds, which would see the pair finish in third place overall.

Gilchrist and Lucie De Brecey were next to go but eight jump faults and two time faults with a time of 46.226 seconds would see them finish in eighth place overall.

Paternoster and her final ride, Figarro D, owned by Julia Harrison-Lee, were up next and turned in a clean effort in a time of 40.584 seconds. For now the pair sat in second place but there were still two rides from Texas to go.

Lubow and Krisley Hill Equine Inc.’s Calligraphy received four jump faults and one time fault after posting a time of 45.555 seconds and would finish in sixth place overall.

Rogge sat in the enviable last to go position with his own Lissa TSP, but four faults at the fourth fence in a time of 42.360 seconds would see the pair finish in fifth place overall, leaving the UK rider in the first, second and fourth place finishings with Osiris, Figarro D and Zonneglans, respectively, all owned by Julia Harrison-Lee.

“I had such a great time here,” said Paternoster. “Being able to hone in on two classes a week and really concentrate for those classes and be very successful was such a treat. I could have gone to another show, but I wanted to look after myself better, try to incorporate beautiful places like Charleston in my show schedule and I love the beach,” she said. “It’s hard to achieve balance in this industry, but this show helped me do it for the past two weeks,” she said. “I want to come back next year and bring a string of horses,” she added.

“I loved how the barns are right next to the rings, and the trails are right here too. I did a lot of riding on the trails which was great for my horses,” Paternoster continued. “The footing here is really nice. It doesn’t shift, you don’t slip; it’s really safe and very nice on the horses’ feet,” she said. “This was really a great show for both me and my horses,” she said.

Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said, “Some people call it a horse show but I call it one big, fun party with my friends who have horses. We started this show 22 years ago by inviting a few of my friends to come and compete. Twenty-two years later, the tradition continues and it looks as if I have a lot more friends!” he said.

Today wraps up the Charleston Summer Classic so stay tuned for the Grand Champion report which is on deck!

The Charleston Summer Classic

Conde Nast calls Charleston the top destination location, which anyone who has shown at the Charleston Summer Classic knows. For twenty-two years, the Charleston Summer Classic has been offering riders, their families and friends the opportunity to jump the waves and the jumps. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, located on Johns Island, South Carolina, is twenty minutes from downtown historic Charleston with its abundance of historic southern mansions, fabulous seafood, dining, art galleries, horse and buggy tours and world class shopping.

Make sure to book your condos now for next year. The dates are July 7-11 and the 14 through the 18th! Book now before the rate increase in 2015!

On Deck!

Everyone is enjoying the summer but fall will be here before you know it! And as the summer transitions to autumn, all eyes will be on the prestigious Atlanta Fall Classic set to kick off on November 5th through the 16th at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. The Classic Company calls the Olympic venue home for two weeks each year and welcomes new and familiar faces to the iconic show grounds.

Finals events, such as the Pre-Green Hunter Finals and the National Classic Equitation Finals, will highlight the two weeks of show jumping in addition to the crowning of the Classic Circuit Champions.

Riders are traveling from across the country to participate in these events. If you haven’t checked your status, now is the time to do so!

Week I opens up with the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome class and the $65,000 EMO Grand Prix as well as the $15,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic and the $1,500 Take 2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division. The $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic, the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class, the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix and the International Hunter Derby take place Week II as well as the National Classic Equitation Finals, the Pre-Green Finals and the crowning of the Circuit Champions.

It’s not too late to enjoy the last Classic Show of the year. There is always something for everyone at Classic Company shows and the Atlanta Fall Classic shows are no exception. So make sure to bring everyone to the Georgia International Horse Park in November and enjoy Classic Company’s world class customer service, beautifully decorated rings, big prize money, great events and fun for all! Email Jonathan at jonathan@classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503.

The prize list will be on-line by August 1 and starting that date, you can sign up for the Atlanta Fall Classic on-line and for free using HorseShowsOnline.com. The Classic Company just rolled out the new on-line entry system in time for Charleston and many exhibitors have already experienced the ease of entries on-line with no hustle and no rush to the post office and NO ADDED FEES – just entries made easy!

HorseShowsOnline.com allows you to not only sign up for the shows, but you can also see orders of go, how many, ring schedules and complete results. Credit card information is completely secure and encrypted. This may be the easiest way to sign up for a show. And for a limited time, the service is completely free. Yes, free.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them on the web at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Paternoster Continues Her Winning Streak at the Charleston Summer Classic

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Gemma Paternoster and Kenzo won the $25,000 Juan Hernandez Grand Prix Week I the Charleston Summer Classic. Flashpoint Photography.

What a week! Week I of the Charleston Summer Classic had record numbers and saw the happiest exhibitors enjoying their show-cation destination.

Friday night’s $25,000 Juan Hernandez Grand Prix saw twenty-three riders from around the country competing for their share of the prize money last week in front of a sold out, festive VIP tent.

The Juan Hernandez Grand Prix commemorates the life of rider Juan Hernandez, a well-loved exhibitor who passed away as a result of an automobile accident nine years ago. “We all loved Juan and this is a nice remembrance of him,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.

Of the twenty-six rides, seven would go clean in the first round.

Great Britain’s superstar Gemma Paternoster, now residing in Wellington, Florida, was first to go in the irons of Julia Harrison-Lee’s Osiris and turned in a clean round in a time of 45.621 seconds, well within the time allowed of 47 seconds. Paternoster was also slated to go last in the class aboard Harrison-Lee’s Kenzo, and while five rides remained between the first and last, she was hoping to grab a top finish.

Christian Rogge of Spring, Texas was next to challenge Paternoster in the jump off aboard Hailey Henderson’s Lissa Tsp. However, the pair had four jump faults in a time of 42.671 seconds and would finish in seventh place overall.

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina was next to go with Geddaway Farm’s Serena and turned in a clean jump off round in a time of 40.979 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Whitney Owens of San Antonio, Texas stepped up to Geitner’s challenge with D & S Holdings, LLC’s S & L Shoe Guru in a clean jump off round and a time of 40.807 seconds, one-upping Geitner’s time and setting the new time to beat.

Amateur rider Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina joined the jump off and she and her own Kasaar turned in clear effort in a time of 41.087 seconds, not quite fast enough to take Owens’ lead and would finish in fifth place.

The third Texan entered the ring, Jordan Gilchrist from Flower Mound in the irons of Jenny Booth’s Lucie De Brecey, and despite their clean round, their time of 41.043 seconds would not be fast enough to take the lead; the pair would settle for fourth place overall.

Paternoster was last to go with Kenzo and the pair turned in a clean round in the fastest jump off time of 40.440 seconds, which won the class.

Final results had Paternoster and Kenzo with the win, followed by Owens and S & L’s Shoe Guru in second. Third place was awarded to Daniel Geitner and Serena.

Charleston Summer Classic Week II

It’s another sold out week on Johns Island and the show schedule and social life will be jumping! The $5,000 Open Welcome takes place today and there are 23 slated to go. Thursday will see the hunter riders take to the field for their share of the prize money. Friday night the final Grand Prix kicks off at 5 pm and Saturday celebrates the circuit champions! These classes plus an assortment of something for everyone will keep all horses, riders, family and friends busy this week! The fun is happening at the Charleston Summer Classic, so come on down! For those interested in just watching the show, there is no admission charge. Don’t miss the excitement this last week!

Show-cation Party Schedule Is Underway!

Did you order your VIP table? There are just a couple left for the final week of the Charleston Summer Classic. So reserve your VIP table and then start marking your calendar because you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun at the Charleston Summer Classic!

Tickets to the VIP are only $350 for a table of 8 each week and individual tickets are only $45 per person. Be sure to email info@classiccompany.com to reserve your VIP table now!

The fun continues tonight with the 7th Annual BBQ at Tissy’s Oak River Farm, 3598 Wild Plum Road, Johns Island – just down the road from the horse show. All are welcome to attend so be sure to bring the entire family!

The USHJA Hunter Derby returns tomorrow night and the Derby Party takes place alongside it in the Grand Pavilion starting at 5 pm. An open bar and dinner are generously sponsored by Seithel Law Firm, LLC.

Friday, July 18 at 5 pm, the Grand Prix party, sponsored by the Atlanta Hunt Club, New Vintage Farm and Ridgewater Show Stables takes place in the Grand Prix Pavilion during the $25,000 Grand Prix and will offer VIP patrons an open bar along with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The Dressage Collection sponsors the Farewell Brunch on Saturday, July 19 at 10 am in the Grand Pavilion. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary Bar, compliments of The Market Place.

The Charleston Summer Classic

For twenty-two years, the Charleston Summer Classic has been offering riders, their families and friends the opportunity to jump the waves and the jumps. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, located on Johns Island, South Carolina, is twenty minutes from downtown historic Charleston with its abundance of historic southern mansions, fabulous seafood, dining, art galleries, horse and buggy tours and world class shopping.

The show grounds are even closer to the beach! Yes, about 5 miles away from the show grounds, you can be on the Atlantic Ocean. And that is really what helps to make the show so cool. The show’s close proximity to the ocean keeps the temperature just perfect in the grand prix arena and hunter rings. Miles of scenic, wooded trails meander through the show grounds and exhibitors love kicking back and trail riding if they are not enjoying the pristine beaches or competing in the arenas.

Does someone in your family enjoy fishing?   Kayaking? Sailing? The Bohicket Marina is about a four minute drive from the show grounds and offers charters and rentals as well as dolphin watching tours. Golf anyone? Some of the best golf courses in the world are located no more than 10 minutes from the show grounds. There is a reason why the Charleston Summer Classic is the perfect show-cation with its packed social schedule, boutique feel and pristine show grounds. More than ever, riders are falling in love with the Charleston Summer Classic.

Make sure to book your condos now for next year. The dates are July 7-11 and the 14 through the 18th! Book now before the rate increase in 2015!

On Deck!

Everyone is enjoying the summer but fall will be here before you know it! And as the summer transitions to autumn, all eyes will be on the prestigious Atlanta Fall Classic set to kick off on November 5th through the 16th at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. The Classic Company calls the Olympic venue home for two weeks each year and welcomes new and familiar faces to the iconic show grounds.

Finals events, such as the Pre-Green Hunter Finals and the National Classic Equitation Finals, will highlight the two weeks of show jumping in addition to the crowning of the Classic Circuit Champions.

Riders are traveling from across the country to participate in these events. If you haven’t checked your status, now is the time to do so!

Week I opens up with the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome class and the $65,000 EMO Grand Prix as well as the $15,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic and the $1,500 Take 2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division. The $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic, the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class, the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix and the International Hunter Derby take place Week II as well as the National Classic Equitation Finals, the Pre-Green Finals and the crowning of the Circuit Champions.

It’s not too late to enjoy the last Classic Show of the year. There is always something for everyone at Classic Company shows and the Atlanta Fall Classic shows are no exception. So make sure to bring everyone to the Georgia International Horse Park in November and enjoy Classic Company’s world class customer service, beautifully decorated rings, big prize money, great events and fun for all! Email Jonathan at jonathan@classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503.

The prize list will be on-line by August 1 and starting that date, you can sign up for the Atlanta Fall Classic on-line and for free using HorseShowsOnline.com. The Classic Company just rolled out the new on-line entry system in time for Charleston and many exhibitors have already experienced the ease of entries on-line with no hustle and no rush to the post office and NO ADDED FEES – just entries made easy!

HorseShowsOnline.com allows you to not only sign up for the shows, but you can also see orders of go, how many, ring schedules and complete results. Credit card information is completely secure and encrypted. This may be the easiest way to sign up for a show. And for a limited time, the service is completely free. Yes, free.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them on the web at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gemma Paternoster Gets a Trifecta Win in the Open Welcome

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Gemma Paternoster and Zonneglans won the $5,000 Open Welcome class yesterday at the Charleston Summer Classic. Flashpoint Photography.

British show jumping sensation, Gemma Paternoster, who currently resides in Wellington, Florida, grabbed the first, second and third placings in the Charleston Summer Classic’s $5,000 Open Welcome class yesterday at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island, South Carolina.

Paternoster rode four mounts in the class of twenty. “It was crazy,” said Paternoster. “I had three horses sharing a bridle and two horses sharing a saddle,” she laughed. “Thank goodness I had help from my groom Zara Kelly and Raffi Kechejian,” she said. “We had horses standing in halters, switching pads, hold this, hold that – too funny!” she added laughing.

Her first ride, Zonneglans, who she owns with Phil Swallow, was third in the order of go and the first to go clean in a time of 79.754 seconds. They purchased the 10-year-old Dutch mare as a four-year-old in Holland and she has had an abundance of wins in the young horse series and, although she has not yet won, has ribbons in three grand prix. Paternoster and Zonneglans’ second round effort was also clean and set the time to beat at 35.355 seconds, well within the 45 seconds time allowed.

Hailey Henderson of Lafayette, Louisiana had the next clean round in the class in the irons of her own Zine Dine. The pair turned in a clean first round effort in 84.127 seconds but four faults in their second round with a time of 36.396 seconds would see Henderson and Zine Dine finish in sixth place overall.

Julia Harrison-Lee’s Figarro D and Paternoster were tenth to go in the order and the next to go clean with a first round time of 77.559 seconds. Their clean second round in a time of 37.319 seconds would not beat Zonneglans’ time and Figarro D would finish in second place. Paternoster commented, “He was really solid and jumping very easily. I gave him a little more time to jump the in and out being a younger horse, and that’s probably why he did not beat Zonneglans,” she added.

Frank Owens of San Antonio, Texas and DS Holdings LLC’s Capricello 2 followed Paternoster and Figarro D. Owens turned in a clean first round with his mount in a time of 80.951 seconds, but with four faults in their second round with a time of 37.730 seconds, they would settle into fifth place overall.

Jennifer Ramsey of Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada followed Owens with Lyons Creek Sporthorses Ltd.’s Lyons Creek Hennessy in a clean first round effort in a time of 80.861 seconds. However, their second round yielded four jump faults in a time of 38.097 seconds which would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, in the irons of Jenny Booth’s Lucie De Brecey, turned in their clean first round effort after Ramsey in a time 78.115 seconds but their second round saw four jump faults and with their time of 35.361 would see the pair finish in fourth overall.

Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina and her own Kasaar were the next to go clean with no jump faults, but their time of 85.440 seconds would incur a time fault and the pair would settle in ninth place overall.

Paternoster returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Julia Harrison-Lee’s Kenzo. The pair turned in a clear first round in 80.184 seconds and a second round effort in 37.772 seconds which locked them into third place. “I was very happy with Kenzo since this was his first welcome class he has done,” she said. Three rounds later, Paternoster returned for her fourth trip, this time in the irons of Harrison-Lee’s Osiris. The pair went clean in the first round with a time of 81.363 seconds but opted to withdraw from the second round and settle for eight place overall. “I wanted to save him for the Prix on Friday,” she said.

“I was really happy with Zonneglans’ win in the class,” said Paternoster. “She had a bit of a break after Kentucky and typical tough mare – she did one class this week and then went into the Welcome and won it!” she added.

When asked which one of her mounts might win the Grand Prix on Friday, Paternoster said, “Well, if it comes down to a matter of speed, it might be Figarro, but Zonneglans could win too. And if no one is clean, Osiris might do it because is he so careful. Then again, Kenzo has been going well too,” she said. “I’ll be trying on all of them; if I don’t break my leg kite surfing today!” she added. “I am heading off to the beach!”

“We are having a great time here,” said Paternoster. “We love the landscape – it’s so different than the other shows. And the management here couldn’t be nicer or easier to deal with,” she added.

Show-cation Party Schedule Is Underway!

Did you order your VIP table? There are literally four left for this week. So reserve your VIP table and then start marking your calendar because you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun at the Charleston Summer Classic!

Tickets to the VIP are only $350 for a table of 8 each week and individual tickets are only $45 per person. Be sure to email info@classiccompany.com to reserve your VIP table now!

Tonight the USHJA National Hunter Derby has 46 entries competing and VIP patrons will be treated to a dinner sponsored by Charles Hairfield and the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center.

Tomorrow the fun continues during the $25,000 Grand Prix, with a party in the Grand Pavilion complete with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres generously sponsored by Oakwell Farms. There are already 23 entered, so don’t miss the fun and excitement!

Week II kicks off on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 pm with the Annual Unbridled Affair at the Beach Club, sponsored in part by Seabrook Island Real Estate. Casual attire, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a live band will have you raving about this event for years to come.

The fun continues on Wednesday, July 16 with the 7th Annual BBQ at Tissy’s Oak River Farm, 3598 Wild Plum Road, Johns Island – just down the road from the horse show. All are welcome to attend so be sure to bring the entire family!

The USHJA Hunter Derby returns next Thursday, July 17 and the Derby Party takes place alongside it in the Grand Pavilion starting at 5 pm. An open bar and dinner are generously sponsored by Seithel Law Firm, LLC.

Friday, July 18 at 5 pm, the Grand Prix party, sponsored by the Atlanta Hunt Club, New Vintage Farm and Ridgewater Show Stables takes place in the Grand Prix Pavilion during the $25,000 Grand Prix and will offer VIP patrons an open bar along with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The Dressage Collection sponsors the Farewell Brunch on Saturday, July 19 at 10 am in the Grand Pavilion. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary Bar, compliments of The Market Place.

For twenty-two years, the Charleston Summer Classic has been offering riders, their families and friends the opportunity to jump the waves and the jumps. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, located on Johns Island, South Carolina, is twenty minutes from downtown historic Charleston with its abundance of historic southern mansions, fabulous seafood, dining, art galleries, horse and buggy tours and world class shopping.

The show grounds are even closer to the beach! Yes, about 5 miles away from the show grounds, you can be on the Atlantic Ocean. And that is really what helps to make the show so cool. The show’s close proximity to the ocean keeps the temperature just perfect in the grand prix arena and hunter rings. Miles of scenic, wooded trails meander through the show grounds and exhibitors love kicking back and trail riding if they are not enjoying the pristine beaches or competing in the arenas.

If you have any questions or special requests, please contact the Classic Company at 843.768.5503 or send them an email at info@classiccompany.com.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! Weekly parties, Saturday ringside pizza, great prize money, great classes and the best, nicest show management team in the country! Remember, the Classic Company does not charge extra office fees for credit card transactions nor is there a scratch or add fee! Classic Company wants to make your showing experience the best ever!

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, head for a Classic Company show where you get the red carpet treatment you deserve!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them on the web at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Paternoster Rides Figarro D in His First Grand Prix to the Win

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Gemma Paternoster and Figarro D. Flashpoint Photography.

Internationally known course designer Steve Stephens from Palmetto, Florida designed the Olympic stadium during the Atlanta Summer Classic Week II. A USEF R licensed hunter course designer, 4* FEI course designer, R jumper course designer and judge, Stephens has pretty much done it all, including tenure as the show jumping course designer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The $35,000 Antares Sellier Grand Prix saw 29 horse and rider teams take to the challenges posed by Stephens, but it was Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida who took the win in the irons of Figarro D, owned by Julia Harrison-Lee.

Although Paternoster currently resides in Wellington, she is one of Great Britain’s top international show jumpers. She is the Young Rider European Champion (2006) and was victorious in 2010 as part of the British Nations Cup Team on her horse Osiris in Linz, Austria. Gemma competes for Great Britain in team and individual events.

Only three went clean in the first round which had a time allowed of 87 seconds. Derek Petersen of Legacy Farms in Archer, Florida was the fourth to go and the first to go clean aboard Maddie Skimming’s Cassevel in a first round time of 85.871 seconds. Sixteen trips later Jordan Coyne of New Port Ritchey, Florida would go clean in the irons of her own Lazaro, and give the crowd a jump off when they turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 84.825 seconds. But Paternoster, just two trips after Coyne, would join them in the jump off with the nine year old Belgium Warmblood, Figarro D, when the pair went clean in a time of 84.126 seconds.

“Steve [Stephens] is a brilliant course designer. There was nothing unfair in that course. The course needed an experienced rider and a fit horse,” commented Paternoster. “He built it big and asked a lot of questions of the riders,” she said. “He had three combinations. Steve tested us early with the first one – it was a tall vertical coming in and you needed a very careful horse. The oxer going out was big and floaty,” she said.

“The combination using fences 4, 5 and 6 had the first oxer narrow and square then it was followed with a wide oxer where a lot caught that back rail. You needed to be very committed to send the horse across the extra width,” she commented. The first and second combination Stephens designed would claim rails for half the class.

“The last five jumps were way up in the 1.50 meter territory and between the height of the jumps and the length of the course in that huge ring, you needed a very fit horse to finish that round clean,” said Paternoster.

Derek Petersen was first to go in the jump off with Skimming’s Cassevel and although they beat the time allowed of 55 seconds, had rails at the combination resulting in eight jump faults. Coyne was next to go with her own Lazaro and although they posted a time of 44.172 seconds, rails at the combination cost them eight jump faults too. Figarro D and Paternoster went in the enviable last to go position. Although the pair had a rail down in the combination, their time of 51.243 seconds and four jump faults would give them the win. The win would be the first grand prix win for Figarro D!

“I found this horse through a friend of mine as a 4 year old in Holland. He was very green with a difficult character, but a talented difficult character,” she laughed. “He felt like an Olympic horse,” she said confidently. “I was forced to sell him and my friend Belinda Inwood stepped up and bought him for her son James. They showed him a bit up to the 1.20 level and had him for three years,” she said. They called Paternoster last September and asked if she wanted the horse back since James decided to start traveling.   After three weeks competing in Portugal, Julia Harrison-Lee and Belinda Inwood made an arrangement for Julia to secure the horse and have Gemma ride him since all three saw the Grand Prix potential in the horse.   “I took him to Wellington and started at 1.30 meters and finished at 1.45, then we went off to Kentucky for a couple of weeks and then we decided to do his first Grand Prix at the Classic Company’s show in Atlanta – and he won it!”

“After walking the course I nearly scratched it because it was so big and technical. I didn’t because I just believe in him. I always have this feeling about him. I know with me he will be in good hands. I thought it’s time for him to try it. I will give him the best ride to ensure he gets a confident and accurate trip. I won’t miss,” she said. “I thought, he can do it and even if he crosses the timers with a couple of faults, I will be happy with him. It was his time,” she added.

The final results of the class saw Shiver, owned ridden by Liza Finsness of Wellington, Florida finish in fourth place with a first round time of 87.338 seconds and one time fault. Fifth place was awarded to Kendra Bullington’s Basje, ridden by Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina; the pair finished with a first round time of 88.259 seconds and two jump faults. Sixth place was awarded to Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida in the irons of Derek Petersen’s Titus 2:11 with a first round time of 79.917 seconds and four jump faults.

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood finished in seventh place with a first round time of 82.628 seconds and four jump faults. Paternoster returned for the eighth place ribbon in the irons of Julia Harrison-Lee’s Osiris in a first round time of 84.180 seconds and four jump faults. Ninth place was awarded to David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee riding his own Sweetheart in a first round time of 84.151 seconds and four jump faults. Timothy Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama finished in tenth place in the irons of Claudia Styslinger’s KT Cher in a time of 84.839 seconds and four jump faults. Eleventh went to David Blake riding Doma Sue, owned by Pine Hollow Farm; the pair finished in 85.957 seconds with four jump faults. Jennings returned for twelfth place with Billie Dourouet’s Trapatoni in a time of 86.151 seconds and four jump faults.

Paternoster said, “My general thought was the course needed an experienced rider. He built at a high level and if you’re not answering the questions as a rider, no matter how good your horse is, your horse will not. The horses needed help all the way around. I think he accomplished what he set out to do,” she added.

Paternoster is currently riding for the movie Sunday Horse which is being filmed at the Georgia International Horse Park. “It’s really cool seeing William Shatner,” she said. As a child, she was also in the movie Black Beauty.

“We love the Classic Company shows,” said Paternoster. “We love the people and they are so professional and nice to work with – a million times better than the other show companies,” she added. “I’m looking forward to showing in Charleston. The thought of the beach and the horse show rolled into one is great! I can’t wait!” she said.

In other news… show-cation!

Time is wasting! Did you book your beach condo? The Show-cation destination is coming up at the Charleston Summer Classic which starts July 8 through 19. Beach front condos a few minutes from the show grounds are where the riders stay, so don’t miss out on the best show-cation of your life! Bring the family, friends, dogs and horses! Minutes from the beach and only a short drive to historic Charleston, this is the show that offers something for everyone from fishing to kayaking, to shopping to wave jumping, from walk-trot to weekly grand prix and hunter derbies. This is your Show-cation destination!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! Friday night exhibitor parties, Saturday night grand prix, complimentary ringside Saturday pizza and luncheons all with the exhibitor in mind! And remember, Classic Company does not charge extra office fees for credit card transactions nor is there a scratch or add fee! Classic Company wants to make your showing experience the best ever!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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