The Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division offer thoroughbreds a second chance at successful, competitive careers [photos provided by NYTHA]
Johns Island, South Carolina [March 6, 2013] – Classic Company is proud to announce that they will be offering the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions the second week of the Atlanta Spring, Summer and Fall Horse Shows this year.
The Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions are under the auspices of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. The Division will be offered over forty-five weeks at AA horse shows in ten of the 12 USEF zones throughout the country. “Rick Violet of the NYTHA contacted me about this opportunity and a year later, here we are,” said Adele Einhorn, Executive Director of the Saratoga Classic Horse Show and Special Projects Director at Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York. “The goal is to provide second careers for Thoroughbred horses and infiltrate them back into the show ring,” Einhorn said. “I think it’s a great thing. I am passionate about it and believe there is a place for the thoroughbreds in the show rings.” Einhorn continued, “There has already been $150,000 in prize money allocated by NYTHA for these events this year and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Classic Company will be offering a $2,500 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division during the second week at all its Atlanta shows. For the purposes of eligibility for all classes and awards, a “thoroughbred” is defined as any horse that has been registered with the Jockey Club or a foreign thoroughbred stud book approved by the Jockey Club and the international Stud Book Committee. The riders will be required to verify registration on the day of the horse show through one of the following methods:
T.I.P. Identification Number Certificate, OR completed T.I.P. Identification number request form and one of the following:
- Jockey Club Certificate of Foal registration (or similar document from a foreign stud book) or a copy thereof
- the horse’s lip tattoo
- the horse’s 5-cross pedigree and the successful tattoo lookup result from the Jockey Club’s tattoo identification services (located at registry.jockeyclub.com)
- a letter from the Jockey Club verifying the horse’s identity
“It is of utmost importance to racing’s owners and trainers that our horses have the chance for happy and productive lives when they leave the track,” NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr. said. “In recent years, it has been harder to find homes for retired racehorses in the sport horse world, because the popularity of Thoroughbreds as hunters and jumpers has been on the decline. We believe TAKE2 is helping to reverse that trend. The program was met with remarkable enthusiasm last year, and horse shows have been eager to add the TAKE2 classes to their prize lists this year. It is also encouraging to discover how many riders, from the pony clubbers to Olympic-class horsemen, now look to the Thoroughbred when it’s time to shop for their next horse.”
“Horses retire from the race course at a very young age and through this program, it is hoped they will discover a second winning career in the show ring,” commented Classic Company President Bob Bell. “We are delighted to be able to offer it to our customers,” he added.
Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! And, this year the fun continues at the Gulfport show with complimentary exhibitor parties, breakfasts, luncheons and office snacks to make your showing experience the best ever.
Classic Company never charges a scratch or add fee for those last minute adds and scratches, so if you haven’t entered yet, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.
Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country. The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members. At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money. This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!
So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Gulf Coast Classic shows in Gulfport, and let the good times roll!
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com. All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.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