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Jason Berry and Quantos Dominate Jumpers Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classics

Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic drew to a close with Jason Berry continuing his winning ways in the jumper ring. Aboard Quantos, owned by Lee Cesery, Berry topped the field to win the $15,000 Grand Prix, presented by EMO.

It’s been a banner two weeks for Berry and Quantos in Conyers, Georgia. The duo won both weekly Welcome Jumpers, in addition to the Week II Grand Prix.

“Quantos is giving it his all,” Berry commented. “It certainly makes you excited to get up in the morning when you have a horse with a future like he’s going to have.”

Berry, of Verona, Virginia, was the first horse and rider team to attempt the first round of the grand prix track, set in the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park. Only three achieved the clear round required to proceed to the jump-off.

First to attempt the shortened, speedy course was Jorja Rose Jones of Byhalia, Mississippi. She piloted Diane Masters’ Light Show to a double clear performance, setting the pace to beat at a quick 42.721 seconds.

Next up was Canton, Georgia’s Chasen Boggio. In the irons of his own Co Pilot, Boggio navigated the shortened course, leaving all the jumps in their cups. Unfortunately, the duo reached the timers just outside of the 47-second time allowed — their time of 47.076 seconds landed them a single time fault.

Berry and Quantos were next up to catch the pace to beat. The pair laid down a flawless clear round, racing to the timers in 41.422 seconds, snatching top hours and the lion’s share of the prize money.

“I wasn’t sure I could catch her,” said Berry of the pace to beat set by Jones. “But Quantos is a good mix. He’s a long-strided horse, so we can leave the stride out, but he’s also got a turn on him. It was a good course, and you needed a horse who could accomplish both — leave out strides and turn quickly.

“There was a fast gallop to an oxer in the jump-off, followed by a sharp right turn,” Berry continued. “Quantos ran well to the oxer and took direction well on the backside, making a sharp right turn. I think that may be where I caught the time.”

Berry said his team couldn’t be happier with the seven-year-old Quantos and he’s pleased with the support from his team, from his owner Lee Cesery to his grooms, Javier Guerra and Luis Vega.

“Everyone has been at the top of their game,” Berry remarked.

Jones ended the class in second place, and Boggio ranked third.

Jones was back in the ring to pick up fourth prize for her ride aboard Chris Richards’ Uno Z. Fifth place was awarded to Aida Sanchez Long, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Darragh Kerins’ Rossco. Berry ranked sixth aboard Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke, while Lexington, Kentucky’s Sarah Meier placed seventh with Punchestown Stable’s F 16.

Boggio was back in the ribbons, ranking eighth with Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle. Heather Hooker, of Wellington, Florida, was ninth with Meredith Darst’s Quester de Virton. Tenth place was awarded to Meier, this time with Madison Dehaven’s Chanel. Meredith Bryans, of Newborn, Georgia, with her own Guidam Sid, ranked eleventh, and Roger Seitzmeir, of Thompsons Station, Tennessee, wrapped up the top-twelve with the Jaeckle Centre’s TJC’s Kaizer-A.

Quantos and Jason Berry Reclaim Title in $5,000 Welcome Jumper

Jason Berry kicked off Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic in the same manner he wrapped up Week I — victorious. This time, it was top prize in the $5,000 Welcome Jumper with Quantos. With Duvelke, Berry took home the second place ribbon as well.

Berry, of Verona, Virginia, piloted Lee Cesery’s Quantos across the opening jumper class. The first contenders to tackle the first round, the duo made short work of the track, leaving all the jumps in their cups and reaching the timers well within the time allowed of 79 seconds. They were the first of four contenders to be invited back into the ring for the jump-off round.

Berry and Quantos set the pace to beat across the shortened course, finishing the competition with a double clear performance, a jump-off time of 40.114 seconds, and the winner’s check in his pocket.

“The jump-off round was great for my horse,” said Berry. “There was a lot of space to gallop and he covers the ground so easily.

“Quantos was imported last fall,” said Berry. Since then, he said they’ve been bringing the seven-year-old along slowly and are pleased with his progress.

“He’s been wonderful. He can be an amateur’s horse, but still has the scope for a grand prix. He’s young and green but you can always leave that stride out — he’s got tons of step and tons of scope.”

Berry and Quantos also claimed top prize in Week I’s Welcome Jumper, along with winning the $15,000 Grand Prix aboard Fazous. Berry said it’s his second time riding at the Atlanta Spring Classic, but said it’s been a good few weeks made better by show management.

“They are professionals,” Berry remarked of the show management. “The staff is doing a great job of making the most of the footing —they are putting the time and effort into maintaining it.”

Berry was runner-up with Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke. The duo achieved the only other double clear performance, but a relatively pokey jump-off time of 47.312 kept them in second position.

Sarah Meier of Lexington, Kentucky rounded off the top-three for her performance with Madison Dehaven’s Chanel. The pair blew the time to beat out of the water, reaching the timers in 38.315 seconds, but a falling rail midway through the jump-off landed the pair the third place ribbon. Meier also ranked fourth for her performance with Punchestown Stables’ F 16.

Thompson Station, Tennessee’s Roger Seitzmeir ranked fifth with the Jaeckle Centre’s TJC’s Kaizer-A, while Berry rounded out the top-six with Fazous.

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Week II Hunter News from the Atlanta Spring Classic

Tamara Provost and Salt [Photos: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Week II at the Atlanta Spring Classics was all about the Hunters! The Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions, all qualifiers for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, in memory of Ellen Veitch and presented by Ariat, JPC Equestrian, the Farmhouse and Friends, the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, and the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby all took place at the home of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Salt, owned by Bridget Hallman and Merrylegs South and ridden by Tamara Provost of Westfield, Indiana, galloped away with the blue ribbon in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.  This was Provost’s first time showing at the Georgia International Horse Park. She had such a good experience she said she will be returning for the Atlanta Fall Classics in November.

Provost and Salt won the Classic round with their score of 168 and, combined with their Handy score of 175 and overall 343, won the class.

Fairy Tale Farm’s Novel T, ridden by Megan Rosenthal of Charlotte, North Carolina, followed in second with their Classic score of 157 and leading Handy score of 180 for a combined 337 total.

Hilary Baylor’s Naddel, ridden by Harrison Ford of Villa Rica, Georgia, earned a Classic score of 157 and Handy score of 177 for an overall 334 and a third place ribbon.

Ezra, owned and ridden by Julie Curtin of Villa Rica, Georgia, rode away with the fourth place ribbon after earning a Classic score of 137 and Handy Round score of 175 for a combined 312.  Casallo, owned and ridden by Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina, placed fifth with their overall score of 310, and Ava, owned and ridden by Kathryn Jarriel of Collins, Georgia, earned sixth place with their overall score of 309. Seventh place went to Absalon, owned by Halle Brandt and ridden by Raffi Kechejian of Fayetteville, California, for their overall score of 305.  Eighth was awarded to Allure, owned and ridden by Gianna Cobb of Marietta, Georgia, for their overall score of 292, and Don Stewart’s Cassius, ridden by Caitlyn Shields of Wellington, Florida, took ninth place honors with their overall score of 290. Liddy Strickland’s Valentine, ridden by Sarah Milliren of Athens, Georgia, placed tenth with their overall score of 270, and Summer Stone Farm Horses, LLC’s Blue Grass, ridden by Amanda Wise of Wagener, South Carolina, placed eleventh with their overall score of 263. Wise also took the twelfth place ribbon in the irons of her own Remedy.

Carolyn Bell and Capriccio

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, awarded the blue ribbon to Capriccio, owned by Samantha Kench and ridden by Carolyn Bell for their overall score of 176. Bell, owner of Fortitude Farm in Alpharetta, Georgia, commented, “I was thrilled to get to do the same course as the International Derby.  It was just a fantastic experience. The Handy course was designed to be very Handy. It was really technical and challenging and made us really ride up to that challenge.

“When Capriccio and I left the ring, I thought he did phenomenally well and was really pleased with his performance and didn’t even pay attention to the scores.  I even went on to the next ring and kept on doing my thing until a trainer walked up and congratulated me.  I said ‘for what?’  She told me that we won the Derby! To get a score of 90 for our Handy round was just awesome,” she said.

Second place went to Why, owned by Charlotte Warren and ridden by Rebekah Warren of Atlanta, Georgia, for their overall score of 171. Saint Oliver, owned and ridden by Karen Bailey of Athens, Georgia, earned a third place ribbon for their overall score of 169. Fourth place went to Honey Badger, owned and ridden by Julie Curtin, for their overall score of 166. Five Henry Stables’ Ledger, ridden by Avery Lynch of Charlotte, North Carolina, earned a fifth place ribbon for their overall score of 162, and Callie Rheinheimer’s Steel Magnolia, ridden by Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana, earned sixth place with their score of 150. Seventh place was awarded to Guest of Honor, owned and ridden by Nolan Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Americana, owned by Wind Haven Farm and ridden by Heather Zuber, earned eighth place.

“We had a great time at the Atlanta Spring Classics,” said Bell.  “I have to say, Allen [Rheinheimer] always does such a good job managing the Classic Company shows and their footing.  I’ve been very pleased with the footing since the Classic crew has been improving it. They really work hard at it and their efforts definitely make a positive difference,” she said.  “I was also happy to see that Voltaire is a sponsor of the shows.  It is great to have them onsite with their great customer service.

“I had thirteen horses here one week and fourteen the other week.  Capriccio jogged first in two of his Green Conformation Hunters and has had a good spring.  He really is an amazing horse,” she said.  “He’s a 7 year old Holsteiner that I imported from Germany three years ago and he just started the Derbies this year.  I also do the 3’6″ Green Conformation Hunter with him and he does the 3′ Adults with Sammy (his owner) during the week.  He has been a great horse for her to ride.  He is one of the sweetest, calmest and bravest horses I have ever had the pleasure of training.  Sadly, he is going to be for sale come May since Sammy is heading off to college in the Fall.  But he is going to make someone an excellent Junior Hunter,” she added.

Green Hunters Go for the Green

The Sidelines 3′ and 3’3″ Green Hunter Divisions saw eleven horse and rider teams compete in the 3′ Division, earning valuable points on their road to the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, in memory of Ellen Veitch, presented by Ariat, JPC Equestrian, The Farmhouse and Friends, scheduled for Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic. The top twenty finalists will be invited to compete for no entry fee. Five additional riders will be selected by lottery. All others showing in the Sidelines Green Hunters 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions Week I at the Atlanta Fall Classic may enter for a fee of $500.

Gospel, owned by Patchwork Farm, LLC and ridden by Lauren Kissel, won the 3′ Sidelines Green Hunter Division Championship, and Prime Time, owned by Sloan Linginfelter and ridden by Carolyn Bell, were Reserve.

Honey Badger, owned and ridden by Julie Curtin, took the Championship honors in the 3’3″ Sidelines Green Hunter, and Argento, owned by Isabelle Lafferty and ridden by Carolyn Bell, were awarded Reserve.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Hunter Action at the Atlanta Spring Classics Week I

Erin McGuire and Cassallo [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

The Hunters were happening Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classic at the Georgia International Horse Park.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, awarded the blue ribbon to Cassallo, owned and ridden by Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina.  McGuire and Cassallo held the lead after the first round with their score of 88 and topped that with a second round score of 90 for a combined 178.

McGuire commented, “The course was great. Allen [Rheinheimer] always does a great job. The Derby had a great first round and the second round had lots of options and you could make it as Handy as you wanted,” she said. “I just kind of cruised around and had a blast,” she said.

“I’ve had Casallo for about six years. He was my Junior Hunter and we leased him to one of Bob Crandall’s clients and I just got him back maybe in November or December,” said McGuire. “Bob was the one who bought and imported Casallo as a four year old and got him started and I then I bought him when he was seven. Leasing him back to Bob really brought everything full circle,” she said.

“I know him really well and he’s my heart and soul,” said McGuire. “He gives me all he’s got and I give him the same,” she said. “I focused so much on qualifying for the big shows when we did the Juniors and to show him again is just icing on the cake. Now it is so much fun to just go to horse shows and have fun,” she added. “He’s still available for lease or purchase, but for now I’m just enjoying the opportunity to ride and show him,” McGuire said.

Allure, owned and ridden by Gianna Cobb of Marietta, Georgia, earned a second place ribbon after earning a first round score of 83 and Handy score of 82 for a total of 165.

Sarah Milliren of Athens, Georgia piloted Don’t Tell, owned by Courtenay Billings, and Saint Oliver, owned by Karen Bailey, to a third and fifth place showing, respectively. Don’t Tell earned a combined score of 161 and Saint Oliver earned a total combined score of 157.

Perfektionist, owned and ridden by Phoebe Topping of Sagaponack, New York, placed fourth with their combined score of 158.

Pansy Winters’ Wheels of Fortune, ridden by Cindy Ball of Covington, Georgia, earned a sixth placing for their combined first and second round scores of 152.

Seventh went to Capriccio, owned by Samantha Kench and ridden by Carolyn Bell of Alpharetta, Georgia, and eighth was awarded to Americana, owned by Wind Haven Farm and ridden by Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana.

Perfect Gentleman, owned and ridden by Brittany Wyatt of Fayetteville, Georgia, placed ninth and Seaside Tony, owned and ridden by Karema Moheisen of Southport, Florida, placed tenth.  Blue Dane Equine Investment’s Essential, ridden by McKala Cass of Alpharetta, Georgia, placed eleventh and Duchesse, owned and ridden by Grace Skillman of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, wrapped the class up in twelfth place.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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

Mary Lisa Leffler and Bling Bling Shine at the Atlanta Spring Classic

Mary Lisa Leffler of Brookeville, Maryland had quite a weekend!  Friday started out with her winning the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Nalley Toyota Stonecrest, with Headlines, and Sunday she and Bling Bling shined in the $25,000 CWD, presented by EMO, when they took the win to close out the second week of the Atlanta Spring Classic.

Five advanced to the jump off on a course designed by Paul Jewel of Lambertville, New Jersey, who set the time allowed at 47 seconds.

Jason Berry of Staunton, Virginia, in the irons of Varios, winner of the Week I Horseflight Welcome, was first to go in the order. They went clear and posted a time of 43.926 seconds and set the new time to beat.

Paul Macrae of Alpharetta, Georgia, riding Darragh Kerin’s Corini, also went clear in the jump off, but their time of 44.501 would see the pair finish in fourth place overall.

Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina and her own Kasarr followed Macrae and posted a clear second round in a time of 43.854 which temporarily took the lead.

Leffler and Rolling Acres’ Bling Bling were next to go, and posted a clear round in a time of 42.987 seconds which took the lead.

Berry returned to the Olympic Arena, this time in the irons of Sandra Masur’s Luca Toni. A rail at the first fence and eight time faults for a total of 12 faults in a time of 53.606 would see them finish in fifth place overall and leave Leffler and Bling Bling with the win.

“The time in the first round was tight, so you really had to make your round a little neater. Time wasn’t an issue in the jump off. The lines were technical, so you had to think ahead,” commented Leffler. “I did an eight where everyone was doing a seven, so I could make a tighter turn and then galloped to the last fence because my horse is really fast,” she said.

“I just got Bling Bling in January,” said Leffler. “She’s a nine year old mare we bought from Hans Bings Stables in Holland,” she said. “Bling is a lot of fun. I showed her in one of the Ocala Grand Prix and got a second, but this is her first win,” she added.

Considering the Georgia International Horse Park installed all new footing last year, Leffler commented, “The footing was good and held really well,” she added. “And the footing in the big Oval Ring for the big Hunter Derby was excellent,” commented Leffler. “We got so much rain the night before the Derby that I didn’t even know if we could show,” she said. “I went early in the order and the footing held really well,” she added. Leffler and Headlines won the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Nalley Toyota Stonecrest.

Final placings had Aida Sanchez Long and Katie Barnette’s Catalyst finish in sixth place with one time fault in their first round in a time of 83.028. Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables, LLC’s HHS Louis finished in seventh place after posting a time of 83.651 seconds, which earned them one time fault.

Kris Killam of Naples, Florida returned for both eighth and ninth places with Helene Jones’ Skyfall after turning in a four fault first round in a time of 75.488 seconds and Mandy Killam’s Black Diamond after an eight fault first round in a time of 77.576 seconds. Leffler returned for tenth place with Rolling Acres’ Carlot, and Jennifer Ramsey of Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada finished in eleventh place with Ronda Stavisky’s Diablo D’esquelmes after earning eight jump faults in a time of 82.242 seconds.

Leffler is returning home to Rolling Acres in Brookeville, Maryland. “It was a great opportunity to ride these horses we’ve been showing for twelve weeks and I’m going to take the next three off then start showing again,” she said. “It was a long twelve weeks,” she laughed.

All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
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Jason Berry Is on a Winning Streak Week I at the Atlanta Spring Classic

Jason Berry pilots Falcor to the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classic is underway and Jason Berry of Staunton, Virginia is already on a winning streak after clinching the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Legend, and the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome!

Berry bested a field of thirteen horse and rider teams in Thursday’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Legend, in the irons of Willoughby Stables’ Falcor. The pair earned a first round score of 90 and second round score of 89 for a total of 179.

Berry’s second mount in the class, Oak Ledge Farm’s Cobalt Blue R, followed Falcor after earning a Classic round score of 86 and a Handy score of 90 for a total score of 176.

Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia followed Barry into third place with Susan Scherer’s Vanquish after earning a first round score of 82 and a second round score of 92 for an overall score of 174.

Cape Capital, owned by Susan Friedland and ridden by Lauren Kissel of Canton, Georgia, earned fourth place after posting a Classic round score of 88 and a Handy score of 85 for a total of 173.

Fifth place was awarded to On the Rocks, owned and ridden by Morgan Connoly of Buford, Georgia, who earned a first round score of 81 and a second round score of 87 for a total score of 168.

Sixth place was awarded to Suntrust, owned by Sandra Ward and ridden by Jacqueline Ward, after the pair posted a Classic round 78 and a Handy round of 84 for a total score of 162.

Curtin returned for the seventh place ribbon, this time in the irons of Charlotte Warren’s Enticement, after posting a first round score of 83 and Handy round of 74 for a total of 157.

Eighth place went to Megan Kerpsack of Austin, Texas and her own Finnie after earning a first and second round score of 76 for a total of 152.

Karen Kegan’s Casino Royal, ridden by Karen Kogon of Decatur, Georgia, won ninth place, and After Party, owned and ridden by Caitlin Davies of Milton, Georgia, earned tenth place. Pansy Winters’ Wheels of Fortune, ridden by Cindy Ball of Covington, Georgia, placed eleventh, and Kerpsack returned for twelfth place with her own Finale.

Berry and Varios on their way to the win in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome
Berry and Varios on their way to the win in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

After collecting his blue ribbon in the Hunter Arena, Berry moved to the Olympic Grand Prix Stadium and the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome.

Paul Jewell of Lambertville, New Jersey set the course with a first round time allowed of 84 seconds. Berry and Willoughby Stables’ Varios and Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, riding Cerulean Stables’ HHS Louis, were the only two horse and rider teams to turn in clear first rounds.

Forte and HHS Louis went clear in their second round effort, beating the time allowed of 45 seconds with their own 38.536 seconds. Berry and Varios followed Forte’s second round and beat her time with their own 36.122 seconds, taking the win!

Kris Killam of Naples, Florida and Helene Jones’ Skyfall were the fastest of the four fault rounds and posted a time of 76.611 seconds, earning a third place ribbon.

Corini, owned by Darragh Kerrins and ridden by Paul Macrae of Alpharetta, Georgia, placed fourth after posting a four fault first round in a time of 77.529 seconds.

Killam returned for fifth place, this time in the irons of Mandy Killam’s Black Diamond, after turning in a four fault first round in a time of 77.910 seconds.

ML Hartwick, owned by Nelson Long and ridden by Aida Sanchez Long of Ooltewah, Tennessee, turned in a four fault first round in a time of 80.634 seconds and placed sixth. Sanchez Long returned for a seventh place ribbon with Katie Barnette’s Catalyst after posting a four fault first round in a time of 80.934 seconds. Sherry Hill of Cordele, Georgia wrapped the class up with the eighth place ribbon on her own Mimmo TZ with a four fault first round in at time of 82.206 seconds.

All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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

The Countdown to the Atlanta Spring Classic Is On

The countdown is on for the Atlanta Spring Classic, scheduled to gallop into the Olympic arena at the Georgia International Horse Park, Tuesday, March 22nd for two weeks of AA competition with more than $200,000 in prize money up for grabs!

Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classic runs from March 22 through March 26 and Week II starts on March 30 and runs through April 3rd. Some feature classes include the weekly $5,000 HorseFlight Open Welcome Classes, the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, presented by Legend, the Week I $25,000 Nalley-Toyota Stonecrest Grand Prix, presented by EMO, and Week II the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix, presented by EMO, takes to the Olympic arena. The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes place Friday, Week II.

You need to reserve your stalls so be sure to email jonathan@classiccompany.com and while you’re securing accommodations for your horses, don’t forget to do so for yourself too! Connections Housing and Classic Company will be awarding one free stall certificate each week in a random drawing for those completing the housing form. It’s easy and quick; just click here. Win a free stall! One stall awarded each week.

The Georgia International Horse Park is the home of the 1996 Olympic Games and is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of the Olympics this year! The facility boasts more than 690 permanent stalls, and 13 arenas include the covered arena and Olympic arena, extensive RV parking and hook up sites as well as permanent vet and black smith buildings. Minutes from hotels and restaurants and located directly off the interstate, the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Spring Classic provide a great opportunity to earn some extra points and cash on your return from the winter circuits.

Customer service is what the Classic Company events are all about. Show with us at the Atlanta Spring Classic and discover the difference!

All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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

What a Weekend! Atlanta Spring Classic Update

Sydney Long and her own Venchy De Bornival won their first grand prix on Saturday in the Olympic Arena.

The Atlanta Spring Classic at the Georgia International Horse Park has been jumping! The weekend kicked off on Thursday with the $5,000 Open Welcome followed by the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday and Saturday brought the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix to home of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Pan American Games Course Designer, Michel Vaillencourt, designed the jumper courses Week II and used the $5,000 Open Welcome as his ‘opener’. Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York rose to the challenge and piloted Honorway Farm LLC’s Leander to the win after posting double clear rounds in times of 75.712 seconds and 30.881 seconds, respectively. In second place Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, winner of last week’s $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome with Chivas, rode The Kenwood Group’s Kenwood to a second place finish after turning in double clear rounds in times of 72.224 seconds and 31.973 seconds, respectively. Ashley Foster of Brookeville, Maryland and Rolling Acres’ Carlot finished in third after posting double clean rounds in times of 74.437 seconds and 35.895 seconds, respectively. For complete results, click here.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby saw a field of twelve horse and rider teams compete over a course designed by Vaillencourt in the Olympic Arena. Pony Lane Farm’s Sterling, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, won the class after earning a combined score of 354. Second place finisher was Ava, owned and ridden by Kathryn Jarriel of Collins, Georgia, after they posted an overall score of 340. Their second round score of 175 gave them the lead over third and fourth place finishers who also earned a combined score of 340. Kathleen Feely of Canton, Georgia and her own Albrecht earned a second round score of 173 and a total score of 340 which placed them third. Fourth place finisher Daniel Geitner and Thomas Visconi’s Signal Hill had a second round score of 172 combined with their first round score of 168, placed them in fourth place.

Elizabeth Boyd and Sterling
Elizabeth Boyd and Sterling

Fifth was awarded to Brandon Gibson and Rube & Select Show Horses’ Jus D’O for their overall score of 331. Geitner returned for his sixth place ribbon in the irons of Barbar Risius’ Long Street after turning in an overall score of 318. For full results, click here.

Saturday at the Olympic Venue is Grand Prix showing jumping day and the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix saw a field of 13 compete for the win in the Olympic Arena over a course designed by Vaillencourt. Sixteen-year-old Sydney Long of Atlanta, Georgia in the irons of her own Venchy De Bornival posted the only clear round in a time of 77.163 seconds, beating the 80 seconds time allowed and won the class.

This was not only the second grand prix the duo tackled; it was their first win! “The course was tricky, but we just listened to what Terry [Brown] told us to do,” said Long. “Venchy and I felt very confident,” Long continued. “He [Venchy] just loves his job,” she said. Long has been riding since age six and started training with Terry Brown at Showcase Ltd last September. Long purchased ‘Venchy’ last November and showed him for half of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Gulfport. She competed in Gulfport in the 1.20m and 1.30m competitions and only started at the grand prix level during Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classic. “I rode last week in the prix and really wanted to come back to try it again this week. I asked my parents and they could tell it meant a lot to me to compete this week, so they let me,” she said. “I am so happy they let me come back and really appreciate all they do for me,” she added.

Sydney Long and Venchy De Bornival
Sydney Long and Venchy De Bornival

Long balances her high school academics and riding along with her travel basketball league, which keeps the family busy shuttling between activities. Future plans for Long and Venchy include shows in Kentucky and then back to the Georgia International Horse Park for the Atlanta Summer Classics.

The fastest of the four-faulters, Afandina, owned and ridden by Lexy Reed of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, took the second place ribbon after their first round effort in a time of 74.337 seconds with four jump faults. Third place finisher Daniel Geitner and The Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood took third place honors after posting a first round time of 75.437 seconds with four jump faults. Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York and Honorway Farm, LLC’s Leander posted a first round effort in 78.092 seconds with four jump faults for a fourth place finish. For full results on the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix, click here.

Today is the last day of the Atlanta Spring Classic and according to Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, “The rings are packed and going full steam.”

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

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

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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

Footing Update at the Atlanta Spring Classic

The Atlanta Spring Classic is underway and the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers is jumping!

‘What an improvement!’ is the overall sentiment resonating at the Georgia International Horse Park. New footing has been installed in all of the arenas and in the covered Arena.

Classic Company President, Bob Bell, said, “The Georgia International Horse Park is celebrating 20 years of shows this fall and it was time for an overhaul of the footing. Overall I am pleased with the results of the work last winter and we have new materials to work with. Allen Rheinheimer and the staff are working through the details and we have been getting good feedback. The weekend is giving us some great showing and the comments from the trainers have been positive,” he said.

The Atlanta Spring Classic kicked off March 18 for two weeks of AA shows. With more than $200,000 in prizes and awards up for grabs and hunter points to be had, be sure to enter now. If you don’t have a prize list available, just click here and download a copy from the Classic Company website.

All are welcome to enter online at horseshowsonline.com for no additional fees! Avoid the post office and enjoy the ease of entries with horseshowsonline.com. If you have any questions, email Jonathan Rabon at jonathan@classiccompany.com.

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

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

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

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

The Classic Company Is Jumpin’ in Atlanta!

The Atlanta Spring Classic is underway and the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers is jumping!

Yesterday the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome saw Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and Dayna Gant’s Chivas in the winner’s circle. The first horse and rider team to tackle the course designed by Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana, Technical Coordinator of the World Cup in Las Vegas next month, posted a clear first round in a time of 69.949 seconds, well within the 78 seconds time allowed. Their second round effort in a clean 41.194 seconds set the time to beat.

Christina Kelly of Keene, Kentucky and Edith Rameika’s Chicco W followed Geitner and posted a clean first round in a time of 70.423 seconds. Their second round effort saw four jump faults in a time of 41.247 seconds which would put them in third place overall.

Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York and Honorway Farm, LLC’s Leander followed Kelly and turned in a clean first round in a time of 71.043 seconds. Although posting a clean second round effort, their time of 41.235 seconds would see them finish in second. Geitner maintained the lead.

Christian Rogge of Magnolia, Texas and his own Lissa Tsp turned in a four fault first round effort in a time of 71.388 which would place them in fifth place overall. Geitner returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Barbara Phillips’ Coco Chanel and had eight faults in a time of 69.445 seconds and finished in sixth place overall. Hailey Henderson of Lafayette, Louisiana and her own Zine Dine had four faults in their first round in a time of 66.620 seconds and finished in fifth place overall. For complete results, click here.

The Atlanta Spring Classic kicked off March 18 for two weeks of AA shows. With more than $200,000 in prizes and awards up for grabs and hunter points to be had, be sure to enter now. If you don’t have a prize list available, just click here and download a copy from the Classic Company website.

Tomorrow is Classic Saturday and the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix. Next Friday the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes to the Olympic Stadium and Saturday the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix will take center stage. There is a class for everyone and this is the time to earn valuable hunter points and prize money on your way back home after a long winter on the road.

All are welcome to enter online at horseshowsonline.com for no additional fees! Avoid the post office and enjoy the ease of entries with horseshowsonline.com. If you have any questions, email Jonathan Rabon at jonathan@classiccompany.com.

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

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

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

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

Atlanta Spring Classic on Deck

Devin Ryan and Chantilly at last year’s Atlanta Spring Classic.

Although the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit still has two more weeks of non-stop competition, entries are piling in for the Atlanta Spring Classic that kicks off at the Georgia International Horse Park on March 18 for two back to back weeks of AA show jumping action!

Week I kicks off with the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix. Week II welcomes Pan American Games Course Designer Michel Vaillancort of Aiken, South Carolina charged with designing the $5,000 Open Welcome and the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix.

Week I Hunter Judges Jimmy Lee, Tucker Ericson, Chuck Mayer and Skip Thornbury will make way for Week II Judges Patrick Rodes, Eric Dirks, Irving Evans and Beth Neilson.

The $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Challenge is offered both Week I and II as well as back to back weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies. The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes center stage Friday Week II in the Olympic Arena.

The secret is out! The new footing is in!

The Georgia International Horse Park is the home of the 1996 Olympic Games and has recently resurfaced all its arenas, most notably the Grand Prix Stadium, Charles Walker Covered Arena, the warm-up arena, Arenas 4-7, 14 and 16. The footing boards and fences in all arenas, longing rings and warm-up areas also underwent minor repairs.

Lonnie Abercrombie, Facility Manager at the Georgia International Horse Park, said, “The natural material placed in each arena will be ideal for multiple equine disciplines, accommodating the Horse Park’s varied scheduled throughout the year.”

The Georgia International Horse Park has also made technology advancements in regards to Wi-Fi access. The bandwidth was increased to allow more users to enjoy the Wi-Fi service while visiting the Horse Park.

British show jumping superstar Gemma Paternoster and Figarro D sail over a jump in the Olympic Stadium
British show jumping superstar Gemma Paternoster and Figarro D sail over a jump in the Olympic Stadium

The facility boasts more than 690 permanent stalls, and 13 arenas include the covered arena and Olympic arena, extensive RV parking and hook up sites as well as permanent vet and black smith buildings. Minutes from hotels and restaurants and located directly off the interstate, the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Spring Classic provide a great opportunity to earn some extra points and cash on your return from the winter circuits.

More than $200,000 in prizes and awards will be handed out, so be sure to send in your entries soon! If you don’t have a prize list available, just click here and download a copy from the Classic Company website. Not sure which classes to enter? Well, at least reserve your stalls by sending an email to jonathan@classiccompany.com. All are welcome to enter online at horseshowsonline.com for no additional fees! Avoid the Post Office and enjoy the ease of entries with horseshowsonline.com.

The Classic Company produces world class equestrian show jumping competitions that span four states, six venues and run for more than twenty weeks each year. Bob Bell, President and founder of the Classic Company, produced his first Classic show in 1987 and by 1989, the company became known as The Classic Company, Ltd.

The Classic Company’s philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Leadline to Olympic level grand prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, The Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.

Service is what sets The Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. Consistently awarded the USHJA’s Member Choice Award for providing excellent customer-friendly competitions, The Classic Company provides champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is our hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic Company produced events each year.

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.

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