Tag Archives: Gulf Coast Winter Classic

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

Acosta and Diamond Win the $25,000 Dominos Grand Prix

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Colleen Acosta pilots Diamond over the Dominos fence on their way to the win in yesterday’s $25,000 Dominos Grand Prix.

The final Sunday of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit saw twenty-four horse and rider teams take on the $25,000 Dominos Grand Prix. Gulf Coast Classic Company management decided to move the grand prix to Jumper 1 considering the amount of rain that fell during the week. “Since we held the Horseflight Welcome yesterday in Jumper 1 and the new KCR footing worked out beautifully, we thought it would be in the best interest of everyone and the horses to hold the prix in the same arena,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies. “The KCR footing holds really well and we have received nothing but compliments from trainers, riders and the course designers on the quality of the footing regardless of the weather,” he added.

The course was designed by Allen Rheinheimer, Technical Coordinator for the World Cup scheduled in Las Vegas, Nevada next month, and he set the time to beat at 80 seconds.

Only five horse and rider teams qualified for the jump off.

Alexis Bowen of Plano, Texas and her own Oley were the first to turn in a clean first round in a time of 79.220 seconds. As first to go in the jump off, the pair had a rail at the third fence which gave them four faults in a time of 44.953 seconds, well within the 48 seconds time allowed.

Colleen Acosta of Roanoke, Texas and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond followed Bowen in the jump off and were the first to turn in a clean jump off round in a time of 42.888 seconds. The pair took the lead and set the new time to beat.

Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Sun Tzu were next to go. Brennan is known for taking the courses fast and she did not disappoint. The pair turned in the fastest jump off round in a time of 39.406 seconds, but with eight jump faults, would miss the opportunity for the win.

Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia was next to go in the irons of Amanda Hood’s Vavoom and turned in a four fault jump off round in a time of 44.201 seconds.

While it seemed as if Acosta would win the class, Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri was slated in the enviable last to go position. Kocher won the last two grand prix at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and looked to make it a hat trick to close out the circuit.

Kocher and Eagle Valley Partners, LLC’s C’Havinia tackled the jump off course but a rail at the third fence in a time of 42.480 seconds would see the win go to Acosta and Anastia Stewart’s Diamond!

Final results saw Acosta and Diamond with the win and Alexis Bowen and her own Oley in second. Kocher and C’Havinia took third place while Tiffany Cambria and Amanda Hood’s Vavoom finished in fourth. Fifth place went to Penny Brennan and Sun Tzu and Kocher returned for sixth in the irons of Aleece Jarman’s Cantori. The pair turned in a first clear first round effort in a time of 81.455 seconds with two time faults. Seventh place went to Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Loretta Patterson’s Triompf; Shepherd and Triompf turned in four fault first round in a time of 77.598 seconds. Eighth was awarded to Kocher and BTS Entertainment and Sales’ Ufarno after their four fault first round in a time of 78.809 seconds. Ninth went to Hailey Henderson of Lafayette, Louisiana and her own Zine Dine after turning in a first round, eight fault effort in a time of 74.324 seconds.

Tenth and eleventh were awarded to Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Copycat and Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified, respectively. Kocher wrapped the class up with twelfth place on Eagle Valley Partners, LLC’s Zosja.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

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

Brennan and Japan Win the Week VI $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

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Penny Brennan and Japan.

Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Japan won Week II’s $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and were back again to win the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit’s final week’s $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome in the recently Kruse Cushion Ride resurfaced Jumper I arena.

Thirty horse and rider teams took to the course designed by Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana. Rheinheimer is the Technical Coordinator for the World Cup scheduled for Las Vegas, Nevada next month.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Audrey Muscari’s Cartograna were first to go in the class and turned in a clean first round in a time of 68.088 seconds, well within the 77 seconds time allowed. Their second round was also clear and their time of 38.298 seconds set the new time to beat but 29 horse and rider had yet to tackle the course.

The unstoppable Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri followed Shepherd in the irons of Eagle Valley Partners, LLC’s C’Havinia. The pair turned in double clear rounds in times of 69.241 and 37.517 seconds, respectively, which took the lead.

Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas followed Kocher with Anna Beth Athey’s Serena and turned in clear back to back rounds in times of 68.669 and 32.527 seconds, respectively. The class was shaping up with Kocher in the lead, Gilchrist in second and Shepherd in third place.

Then Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder entered the ring and took the lead after posting double clear rounds in times of 67.472 and 36.327 seconds, respectively.

Colleen Acosta of Roanoke, Texas and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond were the next to post double clear rounds with times of 68.039 and 37.364 seconds, and looked to finish in the ribbons.

Brennan and her own Japan were next to go and blazed through the course fault free in times of 64.285 and 31.917 seconds, taking the lead and setting the new time to beat.

Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia and Amanda Hood’s Vavoom posted double clear rounds in times of 66.825 and 36.743 seconds, respectively, and would finish in the ribbons.

Forte was back, this time with Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Hhs Louis, and posted clear rounds in times of 71.726 and 37.255 seconds, respectively.

Acosta returned, this time in the irons of Arion Legends, LLC’s Cantu 5, and turned in double clear rounds of 67.208 and 40.455 seconds, respectively. With only nine remaining, it looked unlikely that anyone would beat Brennan and Japan’s second round time.

Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Oak Ledge Farm’s Egano Van Kadel were the next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 69.564 and 38.265 seconds, respectively, which would see them in the ribbons, but not in the winner’s circle.

Kocher and his own Alter Ego were next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 71.010 and 35.466 seconds, which would not be fast enough to beat Brennan and Japan.

Brennan and her own Sun Tzu were the next to turn in a clean first round in a time of 67.882 seconds. However, four faults in their second round in a time of 37.519 seconds would see her second ride out of the ribbons.

Final results shaped up with Brennan winning the class with her own Japan, followed by Andy Kocher and his own Alter Ego. Amanda Forte and Cerulean Stables LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder finished in third followed by Tiffany Cambria and Amanda Hood’s Vavoom. Forte returned for fifth place with Cerulean Stables’ HHs Louis. Jordan Gilchrist and Anna Beth Athey’s Balizo Z finished in sixth place and Colleen Acosta and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond received seventh place honors. Kocher picked up eighth with Eagle Valley Partner’s C’Havinia and ninth went to Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Oak Ledge Farm’s Egano Van Kadal. Tenth place went to Holly Shepherd and Audrew Muscari’s Cartograna. Eleventh and twelfth places were awarded to Acosta and Arion Legends LLC’s Cantu 5 and Taylor Flury of Minooka, Illinois and Celine Gorcean Clancy’s Sovereign.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Classic Company, Classic Company, Western/Reining

The Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo Comes to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Friday and Saturday Night

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On Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, the Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo takes place in the covered arena at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center, which will close out the most successful show jumping circuit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

The gates for the rodeo open at 6pm and there will be a special Kids’ Hour from 6:15 to 7:15. Don’t miss treating your little ones to free pony rides and kids’ activities! The Gulfport Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint will be vending so bring your appetites for award winning barbeque!

The Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo show starts at 7 and admission is $15 for adults, $12 for Seniors, Military and Children 12 and under are $8, and kids under 4 are free! Parking is free!

Some of the top bull riders and fastest barrel racers in the country will compete under one roof this weekend only. The Bull Riding is sanctioned by the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association. The Barrel Racing is sanctioned with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the Better Barrel Races.

K99 Country will be onsite at the show from 5-7 so be sure to stop by and say howdy to the radio celebrities.

Friday and Saturday nights will be nonstop excitement so be sure to bring the whole family!

Bull riding excitement Friday and Saturday night this weekend only
Bull riding excitement Friday and Saturday night this weekend only

Can’t make it to the Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo? You can still catch top show jumping action this final week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic! On Friday, the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome takes place in the afternoon and the $25,000 eAwardz Grand Prix kicks off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.

Friday and Saturday nights only the Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo takes place in the covered arena which will close out the most successful show jumping circuit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Don’t miss it!

Each year during February and March the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit welcomes thousands of competitors for six weeks of top show jumping competition and fun on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic hosts their award winning six week circuit at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Equestrian Center is a state of the art facility with an extraordinary grass grand prix field considered by top Olympic course designers to be the best in North America. In addition, the facility boasts well maintained, all weather footing competition rings, more than 600 permanent stalls and temporary stalls housing up to more than 1,500 horses, permanent, fully equipped RV sites, complimentary riders’ lounges, a VIP tent, covered arena, and many other features that make both horse and horseman happy.

The 2015 Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit is offering over $1,000,000 in prize money and awards, classes for all skill levels, and of course a big dose of their sweet southern hospitality. You are invited to enjoy and join in on the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s legendary exhibitor appreciation parties, Pizza Saturdays, Happy Hour Mondays and all of the amenities that the Mississippi Gulf Coast has to offer!

Kids get the chance to get up close to the ponies
Kids get the chance to get up close to the ponies

The area offers world class casino resorts, wonderful musical and theatrical shows, incredible dining opportunities of all types and also features delicious Gulf seafood, award winning museums, beach and boat activities along the twenty six mile long white sand beachfront, and just plain fun for the entire family.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

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

Overdrive Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit

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Martien Van Der Hoeven and Cellino won the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit was the largest competition week at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in the 17 year history of the series. Spectators, sponsors, horses and riders swarmed the Mississippi Gulf Coast for top prize money and for those who could not be there, the USEF Network live streamed the event to thousands around the globe.

Friday’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge, saw 35 horse and rider teams take to the hunt on the world class grass grand prix. Equestrian enthusiasts from around the globe had the opportunity to view the premier event on the USEF Network. More than 5,000 viewers watched as riders and their horses galloped across the hunter course.

Cellino, owned by Julie Thompson and ridden by Martien Van Der Hoeven of Spring, Texas, won the class with a combined total score of 365. Bowie, owned by Fleur de Lis Farms and ridden by Courtney Calcagnini of Argyle, Texas, turned in a combined total score of 363 and received second place. Third was awarded to Andy Kocher’s White Lightning, ridden by Callie Schott of Versailles, Kentucky; the pair received a combined score of 352.50.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, followed the International Hunter Derby and saw a field of 35 compete for the win.

Swagger, owned and ridden by Lee Cesery of St. Augustine, Florida, rode away with the blue after receiving a combined score of 173.5. Second place was awarded to Pommegranate, owned by Heather Geller and ridden by Natalie Geller of Canton, Georgia, after receiving a combined score of 170. Deloise Noble-Strong of Ruxton, Maryland and her own Chazeaux finished in third place after receiving a combined total of 169.5.

Friday’s hunters paved the way for the jumpers and the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took to the turf in the mid-afternoon.

Thirty-two horse and rider teams tackled the course and nine had the opportunity for a second round. Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Michael Rosenberg’s Crown Joker won the class after turning in double clear rounds and a second round time of 40.517 seconds, well within the 47 seconds time allowed. Matt Cyphert of Justin, Texas secured second place with his own Lochinvar after turning in double clean rounds with a second round time of 43.065 seconds. Third place was awarded to Taylor Flury of Minooka, Mississippi in the irons of Aliboo Farm Inc.’s Role Model. The pair turned in double clear efforts and a second round time of 45.374 seconds.

Saturday’s $5,000 Animo 1.30 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic was won by Laura Linback of Long Grove, Illinois and her own Carmina.

Andy Kocher and Heliante clear the Beau Rivage jump before a packed house in Sunday's $77,700 Governor's Cup Grand Prix.
Andy Kocher and Heliante clear the Beau Rivage jump before a packed house in Sunday’s $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix.

Sunday’s feature presentation, the $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage, saw none other than the unstoppable Andy Kocher take the win in the irons of his own Heliante, besting a field of 32 horse and rider teams.

The first round’s final fence, unlucky fence 13, saw 13 horse and rider teams take a rail and only four emerged to the jump off round. “The way to jump that 13 fence clear was to jump the Beau Rivage fence and go a little bit on the landing so you could slow down to 13 and give them some room. It was for sure the highest jump on the course,” commented Kocher. Kocher had two in the jump off round including his own Rooney IV. “Rooney IV jumped amazingly well and was easily the best horse in the class,” said Kocher. “I lost my stirrup after the first fence in the jump off with him and rode the rest of with one stirrup so that really knocked the wind out of my sails,” he commented. “So I took it nice and slow on Heliante and hoped she wouldn’t hit one,” he added. Despite the two time faults, Kocher and Heliante had a time of 58.351 seconds.

Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas rode his own Lochinvar to second place after posting a four fault jump off round in a time of 51.022 seconds. Kocher and Rooney IV returned for the third place ribbon after turning in a four fault jump off round in a time of 53.231 seconds, and Frank Owens of Windcrest, Texas and DS Holdings, LLC’s S&L Shoe Guru took fourth place after posting a time of 56.901 seconds and twelve jump faults.

Matt Cyphert received the Kastel Denmark Jumper Style of Riding Award for his efforts.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Wraps Up Week IV and Goes into Overdrive for Week V

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Andy Kocher and Urfarno won the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Friday.

Week IV welcomed beautiful weather, a new influx of riders and barns from around the country as well as Assistant Olympic Course Designer Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico.

Tucci, the Official Custom and Ready to Wear Boot of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, presented the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby award to Sarah Young on Friday who bested 45 horse and rider teams for the win. Duncan MacFarlane won the Kastel Denmark Hunter Style of Riding Award.

Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri started out his weekend winning streak with a blue ribbon on Carolina Suarez’ Ufarno in the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome. Kocher also received a gift certificate to The Gulfport Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint. “We’re going to eat this up tonight at The Shed!” he commented.

Kocher went on to win the $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix in the irons of his own Heliante.

Saturday saw Penny Brennan of Ocala and her own Japan win the $10,000 Animo by Luxe EQ 1.30m Jumper Classic at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit.

Week V is underway and it is going to be a Presidential week!

Friday is Derby Day! Friday morning at 7:30 am, there will be a complimentary Hunter Derby Continental Breakfast in the VIP tent for all to attend, sponsored by Accolade Farm, Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson. The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge, gets underway at 8 am Central Time and will be broadcasted via the USEF Network. The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, will take place immediately after the USHJA $10,000 International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge.

Friday afternoon, there will be a complimentary Hunter Derby luncheon at noon in the VIP tent sponsored by Kastel Denmark, the Official Jacket of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic.

The $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome takes to the world-class grass grand prix turf Friday afternoon.

Friday evening the Gulf Coast Classic Company will host a Presidential Reception in the VIP tent for all to attend. Come meet the President of the USHJA, Bill Moroney, and the USEF President, Christine Tauber. The reception is scheduled to take place at approximately 5:00 pm and will include light refreshments. All are welcome to attend and meet the presiding leaders over the equestrian sport.

Di Ann Langer, US Show Jumping Young Rider Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, will visit the Gulf Coast Classic Show Grounds on Saturday, March 7. There will be a gathering in the VIP tent for anyone interested in learning more about the Yong Riders or Under 25 programs. This meeting will be after the JR/AO Jumper classes on Saturday. Any jumper rider under age 25 should be sure to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Janet McCarroll for more information.

Saturday evening the Mooney Props and Crops Reception at Million Air will showcase the elite aircraft to those competitors from the Gulf Coast Winter Classic who share the same passion for flight. This is an invite-only event. For more information, please contact Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Sunday the $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage, takes center stage on the world class grand prix field at 2pm Central time and will be broadcasted by the USEF Network.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kocher and Ufarno Win the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Week IV

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Perfect blue skies made way for blue ribbons for Kocher and Carolina Suarez’ Ufarno in the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome.

Friday’s feature jumper competition, the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, saw thirty-three horse and rider teams compete on the world class grass turf grand prix field at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Gulfport, Mississippi. Manual Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico designed the 1.40 meter course and set the time to beat at 81 seconds which saw only eight with fault-free first rounds.

Andrew Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Arion Legends, LLC’s Cantu 5 were second to go and the first to go clean with a first round time of 69.328 seconds. Their second round in a time of 41.392 seconds was well within the 57 second time allowed and set the time to beat.

Several horses later, Kocher returned, this time in the irons of Aleece Jarman’s Cantori who turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 67.724 seconds and clean second round in 38.929 seconds, taking the lead.

Daniel Bedowa of Magnolia, Texas and his own Quattro were the next horse and rider team to go clean after Kocher’s fault-free rounds. They turned in a first round time of 71.823 seconds and a clean second round time in 38.542 seconds, setting the new time to beat and taking the lead.

Kocher rose to the new time challenge and entered the ring with Carolina Suarez’ Ufarno. The pair turned in back to back fault free rounds in times of 67.188 and 37.984 seconds respectively, and moved back into the first place position.

Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia and Allie Rahman’s Varios were the next horse and rider team to turn in double-clean efforts in times of 69.046 seconds and 43.657 seconds, respectively. Their times were not fast enough to grab the win from Kocher and would finish in sixth place overall.

Lincoln Russell of Columbus, North Carolina and Sarah MacMillan’s Vinney Boy turned in the last clear effort of the class in a time of 70.205 seconds. However, four jump faults in their second round in a time of 41.860 seconds would see them finish in eighth place overall.

Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, New Mexico, winner of last week’s $35,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix was the next pair to turn in double clear efforts on Showcase 81, LLC’s Bon Giorno in times of 67.401 and 40.745 seconds, respectively, which would see them finish in fourth place overall.

Kocher followed Sadler, this time in the irons of his own Heliante. While they turned in a clean first round in a time of 69.698 seconds, four faults in their second round in a time of 39.560 seconds would see them finish in seventh place overall.

In the end it was Kocher who won the class with Carolina Suarez’ Ufarno, followed by Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, Texas and his own Quattro in second. Third went to Kocher and Aleece Jarman’s Cantori; fourth went to Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Showcase Farm’s Bon Giorno.

Kocher returned for fifth place with Arion Legends’ Cantu 5, sixth went to Tiffany Cambria and Allie Rahman’s Varios, seventh was awarded to Kocher and his own Heliante, and Lincoln Russell wrapped it up in eighth place with Sarah MacMillan’s Vinney Boy.

“My horses are jumping great and hopefully my luck will continue,” Kocher said. “I just got eight new horses in from Europe today and I am hoping they will be in the position to win some classes here,” he added.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Closes Out Week III and Gallops into Week IV

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Bryn Sadler pilots Mullentine Imperial to the win in Sunday’s $35,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix.

Week III of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit welcomed beautiful weather, a new influx of riders and barns from around the country as well as Pan American Games Course Designer Michel Vaillancort of Aiken, South Carolina, sponsor Cedar Street Advisors from Atlanta, Georgia, top hunter courses and another great week on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Vaillancort commented, “The grass turf is excellent and the horses are really happy on this natural footing. This grand prix field is very forgiving and it really is what sets it apart from the other shows,” he said. “That being said, the new footing in the Main Hunter Ring, warm up rings and in Jumper 1 is excellent,” said Vaillancort.

“I think that the addition of KCR footing was a huge improvement in the technical part of this venue,” Vaillancort commented. “Footing is such an important aspect of our sport and the riders are difficult to please, for obvious reasons. Good horses are hard to come by and the last thing you want to do is abuse them on bad footing,” he said. “This footing creates a fantastic ‘in between’ – it is forgiving but not deep and not too hard. It takes away the abrasiveness of the lime that we sometimes use in the sand which keeps it tight but it doesn’t really move. The fiber in the sand is very similar to a natural root system because it holds the position of the sand. It really makes a difference. I would endorse it,” he said. “This is as good as it comes,” he said.

Tucci, the Official Custom and Ready to Wear Boot of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, presented the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby award to Emily Hertz of Eads, Tennessee on Friday. Hertz also won the Kastel Denmark Hunter Style of Riding Award for her efforts.

The $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome was won by well-known equestrian Laura Linback of Long Grove, Illinois and Woodrun’s HH Dauphin and Sunday saw Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, New Mexico win the $35,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix before packed crowds. Sadler was also awarded the Kastel Denmark Jumper Style of Riding Award in addition to a gift certificate to The Gulfport Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint.

Rebecca Baker of West Chester, Pennsylvania won the Kastel Denmark Hunter Style of Riding Award for her performance in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunters 18-35. Baker has been a consistent winner at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. “Rebecca demonstrates commendable sportsmanship, is always turned out well and turns in winning round after winning round,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies.

On Deck!

Week IV is underway and Friday is Derby Day! The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, will be the featured hunter event in the Main Hunter Ring. The $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome takes place Friday afternoon.

Sunday the $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix takes center stage at 2 pm Central time! Shownet.biz will be videoing all Grand Prix, so if you can’t be on the Gulf, be sure to tune in. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic’s Official Livestream partner is streamhorsetv.com. Click here to watch top show jumping events: http://www.streamhorsetv.com/events/.

This week, riders will be treated to international course designer Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico. Esparza was an Assistant Designer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing in 2008. “Manuel is a wonderful course designer and it is a pleasure to welcome him to the Gulf Coast,” commented Classic Company and Gulf Coast Classic Company Technical Coordinator, Allen Rheinheimer. Rheinheimer is the Technical Coordinator for this year’s World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation

Outspoken and Emily Hertz Win the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Gulf Coast Winter Classic

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Emily Hertz and Outspoken.

Although the weather turned chilly yesterday, the competition heated up when twenty-nine horse and rider teams tackled the course in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Gulfport, Mississippi.

The course was designed by Glenn Moody, renowned hunter course designer. Moody has designed and built the courses for Upperville, the Middleburg Classic, the Washington International Horse Show, the Legacy Cup and other top competitions throughout the United States. In addition to his work as a course designer, Moody also is known as an outstanding trainer of hunter and hunter seat equitation riders, having trained for The Barracks in Charlottesville, Virginia for more than two decades.

Outspoken, owned by David Pellegrini and ridden by Emily Hertz of Eads, Tennessee, won the class with an overall score of 175. “I thought the course rode really well,” commented Hertz. “I especially liked that in the Handy round we were able to show off the inside turns and really be handy and then he [Moody] gave us the opportunity to gallop as well,” she said.

“I love the new Kruse Cushion Ride footing. I feel the horses really travel across it well and don’t get bogged down,” commented Hertz, “and they all seem to perform well in it,” she added.

Conner Hinckley of Argyle, Texas and his own Seamless received an overall score of 172 and a second place. Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Missy Nolen’s Life Is Good finished in third place after earning an overall score of 168.

Michael Kocher of Tryon, North Carolina and Abigail Beaty’s Third Day earned an overall score of 167.5 and a fourth place ribbon. Kocher returned for the fifth place ribbon with Cynthia Hallman’s Fig Street’s Duchess after earning a combined score of 167. Heather Geller of Akron, Ohio and her own Pommegranate earned an overall score of 166 and a sixth place finish.

Maddrix returned for the seventh place ribbon this time in the irons of Cheryl Rubenstein, LLC’s Capisce; the pair earned a combined score of 165. Durgin Park, owned by Henrietta Hall and ridden by Sarah Invicta Williams of Santa Fe, New Mexico, finished in eighth place with an overall score of 158. Maddrix and Andrew Kocher’s Cabriole earned ninth place honors with their overall score of 157, and Unikat, owned by Amy Yoder and ridden by Carlos Aramburo of Red Bank, Mississippi, finished in tenth with an overall score of 156. Eleventh and twelfth places were awarded to Indy, owned and ridden by Sarah Doster of Lantana, Texas, and Can’t Buy Me Love, owned by Beluga, LLC and ridden by Mathieu Rein of Milton, Georgia. For more information on the event, click here.

Hertz showed at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Pensacola Circuit before heading to the second leg of the shows at the Gulfport grounds. According to Hertz, Outspoken, also known affectionately as ‘Lana Lou’, has not done much this year but has had top ribbons in the National Derbies over the past couple of years. “She’s been champion numerous times in the pre-greens 3′ and 3’3″and went to the USHJA Pre-Green National Championship and earned some very good scores in 2013,” she said.

Lana Lou is eight this year and Dave Pellegrini has owned her since she was a 2-year-old. “Lana Lou is a part of the family,” commented Hertz. “Dee Pellegrini was champion with her in the older adults last week and we’re hoping to move her up into the First year division over the next couple of weeks here,” she added.

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are USHJA’s Members Choice Award winners, 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

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Hunter Derby Winners Announced for Week II at Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit

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Holly Shepherd and Cascaron won the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Brook Ledge and the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Tucci made for a double hunter header Friday.

Riders were treated to courses designed by Nancy Wallis of Lambertville, New Jersey in Hunter I which was resurfaced with Kruse Cushion Ride footing for this year’s circuit.

Twenty horse and rider teams tackled the course in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Brook Ledge. Renowned hunter rider, Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, won the top two honors with Margaret Camp’s Cascaron and Loretta Patterson’s Manchester, respectively.

Durgin Park, owned by Henrietta Hall and ridden by Sarah Invicta Williams of Santa Fe, New Mexico, took home the third place ribbon. Player, owned by Jeanne Pitre and ridden by Thomas Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, took home the fourth place honors.

Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama rode LPF Woodford, owned by LPF, LLC, to the fifth place ribbon, while Andrew, owned by Code Four Show Stables, was piloted to the sixth place position by rider Guy Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia.

Seventh place was awarded to Rose Gold, owned by Oak Ledge Farm and ridden by Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia. Maddrix returned for the eighth place honors in the irons of Andy Kocher’s Cabriole while Shepherd followed with ninth aboard Debbie Holland’s Flamboyant.

Tenth place was awarded to Longstreet, owned by Barbara Risius and ridden by Shepherd, while eleventh place went to Isabel Coleman’s Antwerp, ridden by Livia Steffee of New Orleans, Louisiana. Zazou, owned by Nestledown Equine Services and ridden by Quinn Larimer of Smyrna, Georgia, wrapped up the class with twelfth place.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Tucci saw fifteen horse and rider combinations compete in the main hunter ring and experience the newly installed Kruse Cushion Ride surface.

“The footing is excellent,” commented course designer, Nancy Wallis. “We’ve been hearing nothing but how excellent the new KCR footing is and how well the horses are performing with the new surface,” commented Gulf Coast Winter Classic Coordinator, Janet McCarroll.

Well-known professional rider Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Emily Joyner’s Ramsey won the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Tucci. The pair earned the highest scores in both the first and second rounds with 88 and 86, respectively, for a total winning score of 174.

Look Again, owned and ridden by Rebecca Baker of West Chester, Pennsylvania, followed with high scores and took home the second place honors with an overall score of 170.

Heather Geller of Akron, Ohio and her own Pommegranate turned in a first round effort with a score of 81 and handy round of 86.5 for a total 167.5, which would see them finish in third place overall.

Liddy Strickland of McDonough, Georgia piloted her own Judgement Call to the fourth place ribbon after turning in a first and second round score of 84 and 83, for an overall score of 167.

Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania rode Rebecca Patterson’s Vecchia Murano to the fifth place ribbon after turning in first and second round scores of 84 and 82 for a total score of 166.

Sixth place was awarded to Maddrix and Frank Hernandez’ Rio’s Show Time and seventh place was awarded to Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas in the irons of Susan Moriconi’s Churchhill.

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are USHJA’s Members Choice Award winners, 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

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

Brennan and Japan Continue Winning Streak at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic

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Penny Brennan and her own Japan win the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Week II.

Friday the 13th was anything but unlucky for Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Japan and Sun Tzu.

World-renown course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Caracas, Venezuela designed a challenging course on the best turf field in the country and set a time allowed of 86 seconds. Palacios is one of the most highly respected course designers in the world of showjumping. Palacios is a course director of FEI; he is a co-founder of the Aachen School of Equestrian Arts and produces master plans for equestrian venues. He has been involved with show jumping and the equestrian sport as a whole to the Olympic level and has held the position of Second Vice President of the FEI.

First to go was Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia on Varios, owned by Allie Rahman. The pair turned in a clean first round in a time of 80.809 seconds. They followed with a clear second round and set the time to beat at 47.987 seconds, well within the sixty seconds time allowed.

Brennan and Japan were the next pair to turn in a clean first round effort in a time of 75.159 seconds and finished their second round clean in a lightning fast time of 41.036 seconds.

Amanda Forte of Glenmoor, Pennsylvania followed Brennan with Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder and turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 75.159 seconds. Forte had a heartbreak rail at the final fence and finished in a time of 47.814 seconds and four jump faults, which would see them finish in fifth overall.

Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Oak Ledge Farm’s Egano Van Kadal were next to challenge Brennan and finished their first round clean in a time of 84.982 seconds. However, eight jump faults in their second round with a time of 47.453 seconds would see the pair finish in sixth place.

Six trips later, Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified turned in the next clean first round effort in a time of 80.189 seconds. Four faults at the final fence in their second round in a time of 45.885 seconds would leave them with the fourth place ribbon.

Brennan returned with her second ride, her own Sun Tzu, and turned in double clean rounds in times of 74.965 seconds and 43.294 seconds, respectively.

Kyle Timm of Apex, North Carolina was the last to go with Apex Equestrian Center’s Calida 55. However, four faults and a time of 80.296 seconds in their first round would see the pair finish in tenth place overall.

Final results saw Brennan take the first two ribbons with her own Japan and Sun Tzu, respectively, followed by Cambria and Vios, Kemper and Classified, Forte and Rincoola Black Adder and Berry and Egano Van Kadal.

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are USHJA’s Members Choice Award winners, 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