May 10th, 2012 – The 9th annual Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show is just under a week away. The highly anticipated show takes place at the renowned Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia with J. P. Godard and Equus Events, Inc handling the duties. The show holds a USEF AA hunter rating and is a Jumper 4. It is sanctioned by USEF, USHJA, SCHJA, GHJA, NCHJA, NAL, and WIHS.
This year’s event looks to be the biggest to date and Godard is very grateful. “Many shows have seen a decline over the past few years as the economy has hit us all so very hard. We are pleased that we are seeing a positive response in what we are doing,” said Godard. Good footing, good weather, good staff and officials, and hospitality seem to be the key as the Atlanta Spring Challenge show continues to pick up some of the best riders and trainers in the country.
This year’s show again features two major events taking place under the lights in the International Arena which was once home to the show jumping events during the 1996 Olympic Games. The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance will take place on Friday evening, May 18th. The USHJA International Hunter Derby consists of two rounds: The first, a Classic Hunter course, and the second round, a Handy Hunter course. The courses consisting of stylish and interesting natural obstacles are built to encourage and reward brilliance and boldness from the rider and athletic ability from the horse. The $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix will give jumper riders the main stage Saturday evening May 19th as they contest against International course designer and Olympic silver medalist Michel Vaillancourt. The Grand Prix is the most thrilling class of the show as spectators can watch talented horses and riders jump high and go fast. Both of these exciting events are free to the public and Equus Events encourages the public to come and enjoy.
Exhibitors at the Atlanta Spring Challenge will enjoy an attractive line up of social events this year including daily hospitality and parties. A daily breakfast sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors will again take place every morning. This year’s hospitality sponsors are:
-Arbor Hill Farm and the Boggio Family
-Booth Parker
-The Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue
-Brad Spragg and the Atlanta Hunt Club
-DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner
-Don Stewart Stables
-Finally Farm.
-Elizabeth Warmington and Brooksgate Stables
-Equestrian Connect
-The Friedman Family and Aaron Vale, Inc.
-Highridge Farm and the Fried Family
-Hot To Trot Boutique
-Janet Salem and Patchwork Farm
-Juan and Jennifer Gamboa
-Liz Tarumianz
-Meadow Hill Stables and the Porath Family
-Sunny Stevens and Stevehaven Stables
-Terry Brown and Showcase, Ltd.
-Windemere Farm and The Kasper Family
-Windy Hill Oaks Farm and Market Place Sales and Wendy Livingston and Matt Martin
Exhibitors and sponsors will also be treated to a Derby Party Saturday evening May, 18th during the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, an ice cream social sponsored by Equestrian Connect Saturday afternoon, and a Preakness Party Saturday evening during the $25,000 Grand Prix sponsored by DFG Stables and Cathy and Daniel Geitner. A big screen TV will also be set up under the tent to view the 137th running of the Preakness Stakes. Sunday’s afternoon farewell hospitality will be presented by the Meadow Hill Stable and the Porath Family.
Equus Events would also like to thank our 2012 corporate sponsors of the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show and introduce a few new partners:
Fenwick Equestrian, LLC High Performance Equestrian Products, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, Gamboa Veterinary Services, The Aiken Horse, JTF RV Supercenter, and The Barnbook
New to the lineup this year are:
One K Helmets – The next generation in protective headgear. New to the United States, with an ideal fusion of technology and aesthetics, One K Helmets boast the perfect synergy between advanced technology and aesthetically pleasing design.
The Mark Lexton Collection – Handcrafted Jewelry made in South Carolina with an equestrian flair
Equestrian Connect – The one minute web entry service offering online entry submission to all 2012 Equus Events Horse Shows.
Equifit, Inc. – A genuine commitment to horses and riders drives EquiFit to seek new and better ways to help them perform, recover, be comfortable and succeed at all levels. Our unique blend of ingenuity and horse world expertise allows us to continuously adapt premium innovations in healthcare and fitness to the needs of equestrians. The result: distinctive products for high performance both in and out of the ring.
For more information on the 2012 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show or for a complete schedule of events please call 803-643-5698 or log on to www.equusevents.com.
Contact: Equus Events, Inc
Aiken, SC- 803-643-5698