Tag Archives: Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Matt Cyphert and Lochinvar Win the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix

Gulf Coast Winter Classics Week IV welcomed twenty-two horse and rider teams to the CWD $25,000 Grand Prix over a course designed by Paul Jewell of Windsor, New Jersey.

The first round time allowed was set at 86 seconds. Only nine horse and rider teams qualified for the jump off which was led by Gianna Aycock of Argyle, Texas and her own Flex A Tia. The pair earned eight jump faults and posted a time of 41.920 seconds.

Reid Rickett of North Port, Alabama and his own Banderas De Bornival followed in the jump off round order of go and earned four jump faults in a time of 43.799 seconds. The pair would finish in sixth overall.

Laura Conway of Little Rock, Arkansas and her own Ceralena were the next in the order of go and were the first to turn in a clear jump off round in a time of 48.931 seconds which took the lead and set the new time to beat.

Happy Comly of Sasche, Texas and Comly Sport Horses’ Clock-Wise CSH followed in the jump off order, but with eight jump faults in a time of 42.156 seconds would see the pair finish in ninth overall.

CHS Krooze, owned by Loretta Patterson and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, followed in the jump off order and turned in a clear jump off round in a time of 42.189 seconds, which took the lead and set the new time to beat.

Matt Cyphert of Argyle, Texas was up next with his own Lochinvar. “There were so many fast riders and horses in today’s Prix,” said Cyphert. “When Holly [Shepherd] went before me and I saw her time, I just started laughing. She and Krooze were so fast! I know my horse is fast, but I didn’t think I could beat her,” he said.

As it turned out, Cyphert and Lochinvar turned in a fault-free jump off round in a time of 41.884 seconds, taking the lead and moving Krooze and Shepherd into second place.

Cyphert commented, “The course went all over that beautiful grass field and it was really fun to ride. The triple combination was pretty early in the course and it was an early test. It caught a few people. The vertical after the triple combo going away from the gate was a little tall and caught some too,” he added. “It walked really nice but there were some questions which we weren’t really expecting,” he said. “It was a fair course, but rode tougher than we walked it.”

Alexandra Ansteth of Spring, Texas in the irons of August Pines Farm’s Mandras Van De Pannehoeve followed in the jump off order, but four jump faults in at time of 44.955 seconds would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Argyle, Texas’s Julie Cleveland Beam in the irons of Anastasia Stewart’s Lancelot were the next to go in the jump off round, but four jump faults in a time of 42.259 would award them the fifth place ribbon.

Shannon Hicks of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri and Helen Gilbert’s Emir D sat in the enviable last to go position. Although the pair turned in a fault-free round, their time of 47.841 seconds would see them finish in third place overall.

Cyphert commented, “Paul really knows how to get the best out of that field and builds for long gallops and places to be quick. The last line in the jump off round walked an 11 and many of us did 9 – we left a full two strides out! The footing is that good. After four weeks, it’s [the grand prix field] riding that well,” said Cyphert.

Cyphert said, “When I headed out today after the show, this couple came up to me in town. They know me from years of showing here at the Gulf and they were so excited to hear that we won. This show is so unique that way. Everyone is so friendly, the locals know the riders and their horses, the place is beautiful, and it’s one of our favorite shows of the year,” he said. “It was great to see so many Texans here this week too. It wasn’t an organized thing, but there’s a good group of us here. We’re really supportive and in all honesty, we were all rooting for the Texas folk,” he laughed.

For more information and results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Biosecurity Protocols Announced

Due to the recent EHV case in Florida, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics are implementing enhanced protocols for our competitors effective immediately in order to protect our equine partners.

Please follow these Protocols to prevent an EHV Outbreak:

  • It is advised that all horses stabling on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classic show grounds at the Harrison County Fairgrounds arrive between 7 am and 6 pm. It if is necessary to arrive at any other time, you must check in with the night security officer.
  • All horses entering the show grounds must have current paper copies of their health documents/health certificates, Coggins test, vaccine records, and temperature log with them upon arrival as they will be checked by the Security Personnel at the entrance.
  • All horses entering the show grounds must have a temperature check upon unloading from their trailer. Any temperatures above 101 degrees must be reported immediately to the Show Veterinarian.
  • All horses on the show grounds must have their temperatures checked once a day and temperatures above 101 degrees must be reported immediately to the Show Veterinarian.
  • Please watch your horses for any signs or symptoms of EHV including fever, diarrhea, discharge from the nostrils, coughing, or an increased respiratory rate which may be signs of an infectious disease.
  • Any horse that is suspected by the Show Veterinarian to have an infectious disease will be immediately isolated.

We ask that everyone follow the above protocols to help us keep our horses safe. Please take time to review equine good hygiene practices. Please convey the importance of this to your equine caretakers for their daily routines.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is dedicated to the health, welfare, and safety of all exhibitors both equine and human and strives to provide a safe and enjoyable show experience. Critical to that experience is maintaining healthy horses. Please continue to check the Gulf Coast Classic Company website for any additional and possibly mandatory requirements.

We will keep you all informed about the EHV situation and appreciate your cooperation in these trying times.

Jumper Action Wraps Up Week IV at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Holly Shepherd and Sky High [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Loretta Patterson’s Sky High galloped away with their first Grand Prix win in the $40,777 Kruse Cushion Ride Grand Prix, presented by the City of Gulfport, on a course designed by former Assistant Olympic Course Designer for the 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2016 Games, Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico.

Esparza set the first round time allowed at 83 seconds. “The course was well designed and had a nice flow to it. Early on the course looked pretty good, and there weren’t any big tricks, but it rode a little backwards,” commented Shepherd. “You’d jump in fast but then have to slow it down, hurry up, slow down,” she said. “The jumps were big and the time allowed was really tight,” she added.

Carson Grisham of Southlake, Texas and her own Crack De Muze, winners of the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome two days earlier, were the first horse and rider team to turn in a clear first round in a time of 49.566 seconds.

Four rides later, Shepherd and Sky High insured there would be a jump off with their clear first round in a time of 82.345 seconds.

Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Helen Gilbert’s C’Havinia followed Shepherd with the next clear first round in a time of 82.706 seconds and would round out the jump off roster.

Grisham and Crack De Muze were the first to go in the jump off and turned in a fault free round, beating the time allowed of 59 seconds with their own 49.566 seconds. Shepherd and Sky High were next to go.

“My jump off plan was to leave the strides out, rather than slow it down,” she said when asked about her strategy. “He loves the field, and he’s a great galloper,” Shepherd said. “He’s a little slow in the air, but he has such a big stride it’s really beneficial,” she added.

And beneficial it was. Shepherd and Sky High, also known as “Pete”, turned in a fault free second round in a time of 48.745 seconds, setting the new time to beat. When Hicks and Emir D retired from the second round, Shepherd and Sky High were crowned the victors.

“I’ve had him for about nine months. He’s got a great personality, loves to be scratched all over and is a really great horse. We’ve been doing the Grand Prix and he’s ribboned quite a bit, but this is our first win. We did a bit change a couple of weeks ago in order to maintain his step and shape, and I think we maybe found the magic. I feel like we’re on the right path and we’ll be showing here the next two weeks,” said Shepherd.

Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas picked up fourth and fifth place ribbons in the irons of Hannah Donald’s Hector for their one time fault first round in 83.209 seconds and his own Lochnivar who earned three time faults in their first round in a time of 85.314 seconds.

Sixth place went to Frank Owens of Windcrest, Texas and MTM Holdings, LLC’s MTM Twenties Girl with their four fault first round in a time of 78.874 seconds, and Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and her own Sun Tzu placed seventh with their four fault first round in a time of 79.737 seconds.

Hicks and Helen Gilbert’s C’Havinia placed eighth with their four fault first round in a time of 80.742 seconds and Dominique Damico of Berwyn, Pennsylvania and her own Canoso placed ninth. Tenth was awarded to Jorge Ludwig of Newbury Park, California and his own Lamarique, Colleen Acosta of Roanoke, Texas and Evalyn Grace LLC’s Himini earned eleventh, and Laura Connaway of Little Rock, Arkansas and her own Ceralena wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

The $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took place on Friday and sixteen horse and rider teams tackled the course designed by Manuel Esparza.

The first round was set with a time allowed of 89 seconds and eight horse and rider teams advanced to a second round opportunity. Shannon Hicks and Helen Gilbert’s Emir D were the first horse and rider team to turn in a clear first round, and their clear second round in a time of 46.642 seconds, set the new time to beat.

Frank Owens and DS Holdings, LLC’s MTM Twenties Girl followed Hicks with double clear rounds. Their clear second round in a time of 43.967 moved Hicks and Emir D into second position and they took the lead.

The lead was short lived when Jorge Ludwig and his own Lamarique followed suit, turning in double clear round and a second round in a time of 43.365 seconds and set the new time to beat.

Laura Connaway of and her own Ceralena followed Ludwig with a clear first round and advanced to the second round. Four faults in a time of 48.168 would see the pair finish in eighth place overall.

Cerulean Stables, LLC’s HHS Louis, ridden by Penny Brennan, were the next horse and rider team to turn in a clear first round. Their fault free second round in a time of 43.721 seconds would see the pair finish in third place overall.

Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Sky High followed with the next clear first round effort. Their second round resulted in four jump faults in a time of 44.630 seconds which would find them with a seventh place finish.

Carson Grisham and her own Crack De Muze followed Shepherd and Sky High with double clear rounds and a second round time of 42.222 which took the lead.

Matt Cyphert and Hannah Donald’s Hector, winner of last week’s $25,000 CWD Grand Prix, followed Grisham, but their second round saw four jump faults in a time of 43.126 seconds which would find them finishing in sixth place overall.

Final results had Grisham and Crack De Muze with the win and Ludwig and Lamarique in second. Brennan and HHS Louis picked up third and Owens and MTM Twenties Girl placed fourth. Hicks and Emir D finished in fifth and Cyphert and Hector picked up sixth place.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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

Matt Cyphert and Hector Victorious in $25,000 CWD Grand Prix

Matt Cyphert and Hector [Photos: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas and Hannah Donald’s Hector won the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix over a course designed by world-renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios.

“I think it’s really interesting how the course designers have such different styles. Last week we had Michel Vaillancourt and he is just brilliant and this week to have Leopoldo [Palacios]! Both are amazing and have such unique styles. We’re so lucky and fortunate to have those experiences with the top designers here in Gulfport,” he said.

“Leopoldo used the whole field and you galloped the whole thing. There weren’t a lot of related distances,” commented Cyphert.  Of the fourteen horse and rider teams, only three qualified for the jump off and Cyphert had two in the mix.

Cyphert and his own Lochnivar were first to go in the jump off order and turned in a clear round in a time of 49.811 seconds, within the 60 seconds time allowed, setting the new time to beat. “I was first to go and I thought I was really fast on Lochnivar and thought he was really good. I’m at the in gate discussing strategy with my girlfriend Kelly and I turned to Pedro Tamayo who is my longtime groom and in charge of Hector and said, ‘I don’t think I can go that fast on Hector’. Then Jorge [Ludwig] went in and beat our time! Pedro turned to me and said, ‘Well I guess you have to now’,” he laughed. Jorge Ludwig of Newbury Park, California and his own Lamarque beat Lochnivar and Cyphert’s time with their own 49.042 seconds.

Last to go in the jump off order was Hector and Cyphert. “I’ve had Hector for a couple of years and the Donalds purchased him for their daughter. She did the Young Riders with him last year and then went off to school. So, we just sort of needed him to do something and continue to show,” said Cyphert.

“Leopoldo used a large part of the field for the jump off. There was one set track and we all did the same turns, so I just really tried to let him gallop between the jumps. That was the first time I really called upon Hector and the first time I pushed it with him. He was really good, just wonderful and listening to me, coming back before the jumps. It was a really fast jump off and I went as fast as I could, especially to the last jump which was the CWD jump. When I talked to Jorge after the class, that’s where he thought I caught him,” said Cyphert.

Hector and Cyphert finished their fault free jump off round in a time of 48.207 seconds and took the win! “We will never underestimate Hector again!” commented Cyphert.

“Hector is one of the most athletic horses I have ever ridden and he just covered the ground and jumped out of his skin,” said Cyphert.  “The Donalds are fantastic people and clients and I’m so happy for them,” Cyphert added. “It’s a privilege to ride a horse that nice.”

The class wrapped up with Cyphert taking the first and third place ribbons with Hector and Lochnivar, respectively, and Ludwig taking the second place ribbon with his own Lamarique.

Sun Tzu, owned and ridden by Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama, picked up the fourth place ribbon as the fastest four-faulter with a time of 82.213 seconds, followed by Laura Connaway of Little Rock, Arkansas and her own Ceralena, who placed fifth with their four-fault first round in 83.852 seconds.

Sixth went to Sara Dees of Chatom, Alabama and her own Clearwater 5 for their four-fault first round in a time of 84.978 seconds. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama earned a seventh and ninth place ribbon with Deja Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS and Loretta Patterson’s Sky High. Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri picked up an eighth and twelfth place ribbon with Helen Gilbert’s Emir D and Al Pacini, respectively, while Dominique Damico of Berwyn, Pennsylvania and her own Canoso placed tenth. Brennan returned for an eleventh place ribbon in the irons on her own and Michelle Guardino-Dettelbach’s Mister Money.

“We were thrilled we won the class,” said Cyphert. “And then the craziest thing happened. I got a call from a friend with some terrible news. He told me that Jim Calareso who owned Fox Creek Mobile Equine Outfitters suddenly died of a heart attack this morning,” he said. “We were crushed. We went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. Jim was such an icon in Colorado. I’ve known Jim for half of my life. He lived life to the fullest; he loved his friends, vacation and the entire equestrian community. His loss is huge to the Colorado horse community and those that knew and loved him,” he said. “So I am dedicating my win today to Jim. He meant so much to me and others. He will be terribly missed,” he added.

The $8,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took place on Friday and fourteen horse and rider teams tacked the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios. Only four advanced to a second round opportunity. Matt Cyphert and Suzanne Suitles Better Judgement turned in a clear second round in a time of 50.175 seconds, well within the 55 seconds time allowed and set the new time to beat.

Laura Connaway and Ceralena

Laura Connaway and her own Ceralena followed Cyphert and Better Judgement with a clear second round in a time of 48.697 seconds, moving Cyphert and Better Judgement into the second place position.

Penny Brennan and her own Sun Tzu were the next horse and rider team to advance to the jump off round. However, four faults in a time of 46.143 seconds would find them as the fastest four faulter and sitting in third place. Cyphert returned with Hector for their second round opportunity, but four faults in a time of 48.499 seconds would see them finish in fourth place overall.

Fifth was awarded to Dominique Damico and her own Canoso for their first round which suffered one time fault in a time of 86.330 seconds. Holly Shepherd and Hanley Morrison’s SCS Luigi placed sixth after earning two time faults for their first round in a time of 87.199 seconds.

Evan Coluccio of Middleburg, Virginia and EMC International’s Fluttersby placed seventh with their first round in a time of 87.672 seconds which earned them two time faults.

Brennan and her own and Michelle Guardino-Deffelbach’s Mister Money earned an eighth place ribbon after turning in a four fault first round in a time of 82.534 seconds.

Sara Dees of Chatom, Alabama and her own Clearwater 5 placed ninth after a four fault first round in a time of 84.940 seconds and Jorge Ludwig and his own Lamarique placed tenth.

The Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classics 1.20 m and 1.30 m awarded Madison Akins of Bogart, Georgia and her own Chasm Z the blue in the 1.20 m and Lila Sessums of Clinton, Mississippi and her own Jet the win in the Arenus 1.30 m Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic.

Only six riders in the 1.20 m earned a second round opportunity and Akins and Chasm Z were the fastest on the field, turning in a clear second round in a time of 32.341 seconds. Olivia Epple of Palmetto, Georgia and Livhaven Stables’ Corini earned a second place ribbon with their clear second round in a time of 35.446 seconds.

The Arenus 1.30 m Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic had only two horse and rider teams return for a second round opportunity and the first to go in the order, Jet and Sessums, soared fault free over the beautiful grass grand prix field in a time of 33.158 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Second place finisher Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana and her own Phoenix also advanced to the second round. Although their round was fault free, their time of 35.946 seconds would see them finish in second place.

The $4,777 Jumper Classic, always a favorite at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, saw eighteen horse and rider teams go for the blue. Penny Brennan and her own Japan rode away with the win after turning in lightning fast double clear rounds in times of 72.675 seconds and 32.643 seconds. Lila Sessums and her own Jet earned the second place ribbon after their double clear rounds and second round time of 35.040.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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

Emir D and Shannon Hicks Win the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix

Shannon Hicks and Emir D [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Jumper action was in full swing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics and Sunday’s beautiful weather was the perfect backdrop to the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix which closed out Week II.

Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri rode away with a first Grand Prix win for Helen Gilbert’s Emir D and also picked up third and fourth placings with Helen Gilbert’s C’Havinia and Al Pacini. “Emir has been second and third a bunch of times, but this was our first win together!” said Hicks.

World renowned course designer Michel Vaillancourt designed the course.  “It was tough,” commented Hicks. “Week I was soft. This week was more of a test than last week. The lines were a little tricky and the jumps were wider. It wasn’t easy, but it was better for my horses because they jump the higher jumps better,” she said.

Vaillancourt set the first round time allowed at 83 seconds. “Al Pacini was my first ride in the class. We left a stride out on our way to the Horseflight jump. We then rolled back to the liverpool and we got a little dull when we were organizing for that and had a rail,” she commented.  The pair finished their first round with four faults in a time of 76.858 which would find them finish in fourth place overall.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and Mister Money, owned by Brennan and Michelle Guardino-Dettelbach, followed Hicks. Brennan won last week’s $8,000 Horseflight Welcome with her own Sun Tzu and after posting a clear first round in a time of 81.906, sat in the lead position.

“Emir was my second ride and has a shorter stride. I added to the Horseflight with him and he went clean,” she commented. The pair qualified for the jump off round after earning a first round time of 76.946 to the delight of the crowd.

Helen Gilbert’s C’Havinia was her last ride in the class. “With C’Havinia, I left a stride out to the Horseflight jump and got there a little earlier than I planned and she had the back rail,” said Hicks. The pair finished in third place with four faults in a first round time of 73.989 seconds.

No other horse and rider teams advanced to the jump off round. “Penny is notoriously fast and I thought that if she goes in there and lays it down then I’m out,” commented Hicks. “When I saw her drop some rails I realized I could take it easy with Emir and just cruise around and if anything, I just got a little too conservative,” she said. Brennan and Mr. Money suffered three rails with twelve jump faults in a time of 47.369 seconds and left the door open for Hicks and Emir D. They finished the jump off round with four faults in a time of 43.984 seconds, securing the win and leaving Brennan and Mr. Money in second place.

Fifth place was awarded to Sara Dees of Chatom, Alabama and her own Clearwater 5 after they turned in a four fault first round in a time of 77.039 seconds. Sixth was awarded to Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas and his own Lochinvar for their four fault first round in a time of 78.258 seconds. Brennan and her own Sun Tzu earned a seventh place ribbon for their four fault first round in a time of 78.540 seconds and eighth went to Cyphert and Hanna Donald’s Hector for their four fault first round in a time of 80.897 seconds. Dominique Damico of Berwyn, Pennsylvania and her own Canoso placed ninth overall after posting a four fault first round in a time of 80.947 seconds. Tenth was awarded to Dejan Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, and eleventh went to Whitney Boyce-Petrey and Lincoln Case’s Canebrake.

“This week Matt [Cyphert] and Holly [Shepherd] got here and Penny and I were joking like we were here first, but now they’re going to kick our butts,” she laughed. “So we were both definitely pleased with how we did,” she added.

“I’ve had Emir the longest. I got him from Andy Kocher last November and he is my old reliable. He is 13 and has a lot of mileage, and he’ll jump clean every week if I don’t screw up,” she laughed. “He’s not super-fast at the jump offs, but he jumps very high and lofty,” she added.

“Helen Gilbert owns all of these horses and she is the greatest owner ever. She’s super supportive on all fronts and lets me do what I want,” said Hicks. “Without her, I wouldn’t be here,” she added.

“Even though Helen [Gilbert] wasn’t here ringside, she had an especially great week! Holly [Shepherd] won the Derby with her horse White Lightening and then Emir won the Grand Prix and C’Havinia and Al Pacini were also in the ribbons,” she said.

“I’ve been coming to the Gulf shows on and off since it started but we have been here consistently the last five or six years for sure,” said Hicks. “I come here because I love Bob’s shows. He gives away great money and the Grand Prix field is awesome. There are so few places in the country you can jump on that beautiful grass field week in and week out. The weather is here is awesome and the area is great!” she added. “We’ll definitely be here all six weeks,” she added.

The Arenus Jr./Amateur Owner Jumper Classic took place on Sunday and awarded Rico 5, ridden by Sara Dees, the win, besting a field of fourteen horse and rider teams. Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana and her own Phoenix took second place and Amanda Scule rode Seale Horses, LLC’s VDL Endorado Ryal K to a third place finish. Zuber returned to the winner’s circle for a fourth place ribbon, this time in the irons of her own Firebird. Ramble On Farm’s Shaq, ridden by Kaitlyn Williams, placed fifth and Shanna Beyer and her own Invictus earned a sixth place ribbon.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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

The Pensacola and Gulf Coast Winter Classics

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is just days away from kicking off the sixth anniversary of the Pensacola Winter Circuit that starts on January 11th. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to reserve your stalls and book your rooms. Reserve your stalls by December 30th with your Amex card, and you could earn 2x the points.

Pensacola offers something for everyone and is considered the best circuit to jump start your winter competition schedule. Week I features the $10,000 EMO Jumper Classic; Week II and III offers Grand Prix. USHJA National Hunter Derbies are offered Weeks II and III and an International Hunter Derby takes place Week II.

The Official Lodging Partner of the Pensacola Winter Circuit is the Red Roof Inn. Great rates and pet friendly. Located minutes from the show grounds, it’s the easiest lodging option and the best value.

Grand Prix take place on Saturday nights which makes it easy for riders who need to commute, and an easy option to fly out on Sundays.  The airport is only a ten minute drive from the show grounds. For those looking to enjoy the Pensacola coastal location, the pristine beaches are just a few short miles from the show and offer fabulous dining, water sports and breathtaking Gulf of Mexico sunsets.  Fun for the whole barn!

Three weeks of destination location horse shows are followed by the popular Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Gulfport that takes place February 8th through March 14th.

There’s a reason why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With more than a million dollars in cash and prizes awarded, the best grass Grand Prix field in the country, top Olympic and International Course Designers, new permanent stabling, covered arena, KCR footing, and parties every week, and all of this takes place within minutes of the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

Any questions? Email or call the office at 228-832-2745. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.

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

Pensacola Count Down Is ON!

The Escambia County Equestrian Center is home to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola for three weeks starting January 13 and offers a huge covered arena, beautiful outdoor arenas, plenty of stabling in permanent barns with large stalls, indoor wash racks and roomy aisles. On-site RV pads with water and electric hook up are available and scenic riding trails are also a part of the equestrian center.

Top hotels are just minutes from the show grounds, offering plenty of lodging choices for those with and without pets. World class shopping and dining on the Gulf of Mexico, just a fifteen minute drive from the show grounds, make for great Mondays for everyone in your barn! Truly the most perfect stop for those heading to the Gulf Coast Classic Winter Shows.

Offering classes, prize money and jump heights for all levels, USEF Premier for Hunters week II, USHJA National Hunter Derby Week II, $25,000 Grand Prix weeks II and III and a USHJA International Hunter Derby Week II, $5.00 Pre Green Hunter divisions with $1,000 prize money and USHJA Pre Green Incentive and Challenge are offered.

We invite you to prep your horses and riders at this world class facility. One of the first European settlements in the United States, Pensacola offers great restaurants, a wide variety of lodging, a wonderful boutique town and Gulf Coast waterfront just a short drive from the show grounds.

The Pre-Green Division will be only FIVE DOLLARS per horse this winter in both Pensacola and Gulfport!

This year marks the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Pensacola Circuit’s fifth anniversary and to celebrate, all Pre-Green entries are only $5.00. That’s right – five dollars! This epic offering is a testament to the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s commitment to the development of the young horses in the sport.

In addition to the $5.00 Pre-Green Division, the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Pensacola Circuit will also offer weekly grand prix, national hunter derbies, $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Classes in addition to some feature competitions such as Week I’s $10,000 EMO Open Jumper Classic, Week II’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and $25,000 Nutrena Classic Grand Prix and Week III’s $25,000 eAwardz Grand Prix. With something for everyone, this is THE circuit to get valuable mileage for young horses and riders, prize money and experience the award-winning Classic Company service.

The prize lists are online and entering could not be easier! Just click here to go to Classic Company’s service partner horseshowsonline.com and enter your entire barn for no additional fees!

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Gulfport Circuit

The secret is out! Gulfport, Mississippi is THE place to show! With more than a million in prize money and awards, the best footing in the show world and the best management staff, add to that its Mississippi Gulf Coast location complete with beachfront hotels and condos and some of the best seafood and fishing in the country, and you have a winner!

Six hundred eight permanent stalls and more than 500 tent stalls are available. Strict bio-security measures have always made these show grounds a safe haven for all horses. Complimentary riders’ lounges at the jumper and hunter rings, VIP tent, exhibitor parties every week and fun for the whole family with a class for everyone is what sets the Gulf Coast Winter Classic apart from other winter competitions.

More than 130 RV spots complete with electric and water hooks ups are available as well as partnerships with world-class hotels located just a short drive from the show grounds.

The best news? The Gulf Coast Winter Classic offers the best showing experience for a fraction of the cost of other shows. Better footing, world renown course designers, a fun coastal town with world class shopping and dining, an airport just 15 miles away – what are you waiting for? Join the Gulf Coast Classic on the Gulf of Mexico in Gulfport, Mississippi this winter and discover why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

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.

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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

Gulf Coast Winter Classics Closes Out Pensacola and Crowns Circuit Champions

Andy Kocher won the $10,000 Jumper Classic Week I to kick off a very successful circuit.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola closed out its successful three week circuit Sunday after crowning the Circuit Champions.

The circuit kicked off with a $10,000 Jumper Classic and Weeks II and III followed with weekly $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome classes as well as the Week II $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix and the season finale, the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was a feature class Week II as well as the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Tim Maddrix dominated the hunter divisions with wins while Andy Kocher continued his winning streak in the jumper divisions.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola closed with the second annual Wild West Show which showcased top entertainment for the crowds and featured barrel racing, clowns and world-renowned Loop Rawlings! Loop Rawlings is the international roping and gun twirling sensation who has performed with the Cirque Du Soleil as well as on television.

As a special bonus, the crowd was entertained by the first annual Donkey Races which featured the top riders as jockeys. Even Kocher, who won every grand prix, found the tables turned when he and his donkey mount came in last. “Apparently donkeys respond to different signals,” he commented.

The Circuit Champions were crowned on Sunday as the exclamation point to a wonderful three weeks of shows on Florida’s Gulf Coast. “It is always such a pleasure to present the Circuit Champions at our shows,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies. “The horses, trainers and riders put so much effort into our sport and it feels great to recognize them for their championship achievements,” he said.

Congratulations to the Pensacola Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit Champions!

  • Pre-Green Hunter Circuit Champion: Symbolic, owned by Denise Clolerly and ridden by Marylisa Leffler
  • Children’s Hunter Pony Circuit Champion: Cruz Bay, owned and ridden by Catherine Black
  • 2’6″ Child/Adult Hunter Circuit Champion: Anton, owned and ridden by Danielle Fraser
  • Baby Green Hunter Circuit Champion: Prado’s Lady in Waiting, owned by Virginia Steele and ridden by Emily Hertz
  • Short/Long Stirrup Hunter Circuit Champion: Ferazzi, owned by Paige Keener and ridden by Chloe Chick
  • Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Circuit Champion: Wassandra G, owned and ridden by Hanna Powers
  • Children’s Jumper Circuit Champion: Atomic, owned by BTS Entertainment and ridden by Sara Dees
  • Performance Hunter Circuit Champion: Outspoken, Owned by David Pelligrini and ridden by Emily Hertz
  • Green Working Hunter Circuit Champion: Cartagena Bo, owned by Dana Davies and ridden by Kirstin Pollin
  • Opportunity Circuit Champion: Brownland’s Millennium, owned by Wind Haven Farm and ridden by Carol Rheinheimer

Congratulations to all!

“We would like to thank our sponsors, the cast of the Wild West Show and Purdue Productions and the families, trainers, riders, friends and especially the horses who came to show with us in Pensacola,” said Bell. “We look forward to seeing you here again next year and hope you will join us in Gulfport,” he added.

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

Kocher Is Unstoppable, Wins $25,000 EMO Grand Prix as Grand Finale

Andy Kocher and his own Heliante fly over an oxer on their way to the win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix.

Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri reigned as King of the Grand Prix over the last two weeks at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola, Florida.

Besides winning Week II’s $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix and grabbing second and third place, Kocher won the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix aboard his own Heliante to close out the series. Add to that his wins in both $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcomes and it’s easy to say, Kocher was on a roll!

“This was Heliante’s first grand prix. She’s a really nice mare I just got out of Belgium,” Kocher commented. “Actually, another dealer just put her on a plane to me a little over a month ago and told me I would do well with her and he was right!” he added.

Kocher was first to go in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix aboard Eagle Valley Partners, LLC’s C’Havinia. Four faults at the sixth fence in a time of 73.558 seconds would find them in seventh place overall. With the likes of Marylisa Leffler, Tim Maddrix and Hailey Henderson, it was anyone’s guess as to who would take home the win.

Christian Rogge of Spring, Texas was next to go and the first to go clean in a time of 74.830 seconds, well within the 82 seconds time allowed in the irons of his own Lissa Tsp.

Kocher followed him, this time riding Cuffesgrange Lux Good, owned by Oakland Ventures, LLC. The pair finished fault free in a time of 76.007 seconds and determined there would be a jump off.

Marylisa Leffler of Brookville, Maryland and Rolling Acres’ Carlot was next to go and turned in a four fault round in 74.519 seconds which would place them in eighth place overall.

Heliante, owned and ridden by Kocher, was next to go and turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 73.402 seconds, adding another horse and rider team to the jump off roster.

Kocher mounted up again, this time in the irons of BTS Entertainment and Sales’ Ufarno. Four faults at the fence six combination in a time of 69.249 seconds would see them finish as the fastest four fault round in fifth place.

Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama, winner of both the National and International Hunter Derbies Week II, was next to go under the covered arena in the irons of Baily Martin’s Contador De Bornival Z. The pair had eight jump faults in a time of 76.859 seconds which would see them finish in tenth place overall.

Arion Legends, LLC’s Cantu 5, also ridden by Kocher, turned in a clean round with 77.820 seconds and added themselves to the jump off roster.

Hailey Henderson of Lafayette, Louisiana, in the irons of her own Zine Dine, finished with four faults at fence ten and a time of 73.104 seconds which would leave them in sixth place overall.

Kocher was last to go in the irons of Tiny Tim, owned by Emanuel Andrade, and turned in a four fault round in a time of 77.807 seconds which would see them finish in ninth place overall.

The jump off course was set with a time allowed of 56 seconds. Rogge and his own Lissa Tsp was first to go and finished clean and set the time to beat at 52.934 seconds. Kocher and Oakland Ventures, LLC’s Cuffegrange Lux Good followed with a clean round in a time of 50.098 seconds, taking the lead. Challenging his own time, Kocher returned with his own Heliante and turned in the winning clean round in a time of 48.678 seconds.

“I was really excited about winning the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix,” said Kocher. “I got killed in the donkey races the night before. I ran last!” he exclaimed. “I guess donkeys need different signals than horses,” he laughed.

“We had a good circuit here in Pensacola and I’m hoping my luck continues this winter,” he added. Kocher is planning on showing in each grand prix at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Gulfport which start on February 4th. “I’m going to leave the southeast with a big sack of cash,” said Kocher.

For more results on this class, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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

Andrew Kocher and Land Rebel Win the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix

Andy Kocher and Land Rebel sail over the CWD oxer on their way to the win Saturday night.

Andrew Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri has had a very successful run during Week II of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola. After scoring a trifecta win in Friday’s $5,000 HorseFlight Open Welcome class, he went on to win the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix with his own Land Rebel under the lights in the covered arena on Saturday night.

“The course looked easy enough when we walked it, but with the lights and the tight turns, the jumps just came right up on you and it turned out to be a very tough course,” commented Kocher, “and the time allowed was pretty snug too,” he added.

The first round time allowed was set at 83 seconds. It looked as if there was not going to be a jump off as horse and rider team after another finished their first rounds with jump faults and time faults.

It was not until the eighth to go, Mary Lisa Leffler of Brookville, Maryland and Rolling Acres’ Carlot went clean to the crowd’s delight in a time of 77.749 seconds. It looked as if she may win the class, until Kocher entered the ring with Land Rebel as the final rider in the first round. The pair went clean in a time of 79.312 seconds to the crowd’s delight. There would be a jump off!

Leffler and Carlot were first to go and turned in a fault-free performance in a time of 41.069 seconds, well within the 48 seconds time allowed. Kocher followed with Land Rebel and rode the jump off round lightning fast in a time of 38.841 seconds, locking in the win.

“Land Rebel is a horse I bought in the Czech Republic about six or seven weeks ago,” said Kocher. “He’s won some big classes already in his show career. I showed him in Wellington two weeks ago and he was eighth in the grand prix there,” he said. “He’s a good, solid, experienced horse and fast as hell. All you have to do is just kick him and run,” he laughed.

Kocher also took home the third place ribbon, in the irons of Eagle Valley Partners’ C’Havinia after turning in a first round in 84.167 seconds with two time faults. Fourth place was awarded to Hailey Henderson of Lafayette, Louisiana who rode her own Zine Dine in a first round time of 85 seconds with two time faults. Christian Rogge of Spring, Texas rode his own Lissa Tsp to the fifth place finish in a first round time of 85 seconds and two time faults. Kocher returned to claim the sixth place ribbon on Michael Rosenberg’s Crown Joker after the pair turned in a first round effort in 79.373 seconds with four jump faults. Kocher also took home the seventh and ninth place ribbons aboard Arion Legends, LLC’s Cantu 5 and BTS’ Entertainment Sales’ Ufarno, respectively. Leffler took home the eighth place finish in the irons of Rolling Acres’ Amon De Diamente.

What are Kocher’s future plans? “Well, I’m going to finish up the last week here in Pensacola and I will be at the last half of Gulfport. My goal for the winter is to win the $77,000 Grand Prix,” he said. “I have some new horsepower supplied to me by Julie Dodd, Shannon Hicks, Helen Gilbert and Karen Cobb,” he continued. “My old reliable Le Conte is out with an injury, but I have some new bullets that I think can get the job done,” he said. “I have a great group of owners with me and we’re having a great time,” he said.

For more information on this class, visit horseshowsonline.com.

Andy Kocher and Land Rebel sail over the HorseFlight oxer on their way to the win Friday.
Andy Kocher and Land Rebel sail over the HorseFlight oxer on their way to the win Friday.

Kocher Grabs a Trifecta Win in the $5,000 HorseFlight Open Welcome

Kocher scored a trifecta in Friday’s $5,000 HorseFlight Open Welcome class at the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Pensacola winning the top three ribbons.

Kocher and Michael Rosenberg’s Crown Joker turned in double clear efforts in times of 69.026 and 35.273 seconds respectively, well within the 75 and 45 seconds time allowed. Kocher and his own Land Rebel also turned in double clear rounds and were just a bit more than a second shy of winning the class with a second round time of 36.917 seconds. White Lightning, also owned and ridden by Kocher, turned in double clear efforts and locked in the third place ribbon with a second round time of 37.211 seconds.

Mary Lisa Leffler of Brookville, Maryland took home the fourth place ribbon in the irons of Rolling Acres’ Amon De Diamante in double clear efforts in times of 69.953 and 39.982 seconds respectively.

Kocher returned for the fifth ribbon, this time in the irons of Arion Legends, LLC’s Cantu 5. The pair turned in double clear rounds with times of 72.186 and 41.025 seconds respectively. And again, Kocher returned for the sixth placing this time in the irons of Dillandra, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC. The pair finished with times of 68.184 and 34.349 seconds respectively, with four jump faults in their second round. For more results on this class, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

“The Welcome was a nice, soft course that did a great job getting us ready for the grand prix,” commented Kocher.

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