The Charleston Summer Classic has been the flagship show of the Classic Company for the past twenty-seven years. “It is with great sadness that I am announcing that the Charleston Summer Classic will not be running in 2020. Due to a combination of challenges, we have decided to take a break this year, a vacation from the ‘show-cation’ if you will,” commented Classic Company President, Bob Bell. “The future of this Heritage Competition will be made in September,” added Bell.
The historic silver and crystal trophies will be moved to the Aiken Summer Classic in June. “We certainly hope that our cancellation of the 2020 show will not greatly inconvenience anyone,” he said.
Kris Killam of Naples, Florida and Empire Show Stables’ Boreale De Talma, winners of the Week I $25,000 EMO Grand Prix, returned Week II of the Charleston Summer Classic to collect the blue in the $25,000 Bohicket Marina Grand Prix, presented by Sidelines Magazine Friday night. He also earned the second and third place ribbons with Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS and Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane, respectively.
“I’ve had a pretty epic two weeks here in Charleston,” said Killam. “I won first, second, and third in the Week II grand prix, which I have never done before! Pretty darn awesome, I would say! But I really just need to thank my owners and Empire Show Stables and most importantly, my staff. They have worked so hard here over the past two weeks and while I get all the glory, they are working putting horses away. Everyone from the folks back home, to my wife to my staff here at the show, they put it all together and really deserve the credit. I’d also like to thank Bob Bell and the Classic Company for putting on such a great show,” he added.
Six of the fifteen horse and rider teams advanced to a jump off round opportunity. The jump off round was set with a time allowed of 49 seconds. First to go, Chase Boggio of Canton, Georgia and Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle, went clear and their time of 40.420 seconds set the new time to beat.
Killam and Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS followed Boggio and Quesada D’Elle with a fault free round in 39.108 seconds and took the lead.
Rodney Harkey of Charlotte, North Carolina and his own Equador followed Killam and Gangster CHS in the order, but four jump faults in a time of 38.476 seconds would see them finish in fifth place overall.
Killam returned to the grand prix arena, this time in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane and turned in a fault free jump off round in 39.712 seconds. Boggio, this time aboard his own Co Pilot, followed Killam and with four jump faults in a time of 40.545 seconds would finish in sixth overall.
Killam sat in the enviable last to go spot with Boreale De Talma and flew through the course fault free in a time of 38.433 seconds, securing the win and the second and third placings. Boggio and Co Pilot earned a fourth place.
Daniel Pizarro Rosas of Milton, Georgia rode his own Ontario Eclipse to a seventh place finish, and Cool Down S, owned and ridden by Mary Meghann Huitt of Savanah, Georgia, placed eighth. Ninth place was awarded to Dana Noga of Ocala, Florida and her own Obos Pepperpot, and tenth was awarded to Legacy Stables’ Chaventyno, ridden by Sarah Middleton of Wellington, Florida. Huitt returned for an eleventh place ribbon with Robin Huitt’s Chiara, and Michael Kearins of Wellington, Florida and his own Evloien wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.
Killam Pilots Boreale De Talma to the Win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix
The $25,000 EMO Grand Prix took place Friday evening in the grand prix arena and Kris Killam of Naples, Florida in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Boreale De Talma rode into the winner’s circle to collect the blue ribbon and his share of the prize money.
The jump off time was set at 55 seconds. Killam, in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane, was the first to go and with their clear round in a time of 42.06 set the new time to beat.
Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot followed in the jump off round, but four faults in a time of 51.28 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Sarah Middleton of Wellington, Florida and Legacy Stables, LLC’s Chaventyno followed Boggio in the jump off order. The pair turned in a fault free round in a time of 54.89 seconds, earning fourth overall.
Daniel Pizarro Rosas of Milton, Georgia and his own Ontario Eclipse earned four jump faults in the jump off round and their time of 49.443 had them finish in fifth overall.
Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina and Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence gave Killam and Memory Lane a run for the money with their fault free jump off round in 45.349 seconds, taking the lead.
However, Killam and Boreale De Talma sat in the last to go spot. Their fault free time in 44.886 seconds won the class and moved Payne and Quintessence into the second place position. Killam also grabbed the third place ribbon with Memory Lane.
“I’ve been chasing Doug Payne now for two months and we finally beat him in a grand prix, so that was awesome,” said Killam.
Doug Payne and Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence Win the $5,000 Fabbri Boots Welcome
The $5,000 Fabbri Boots Welcome kicked off the jumper action at the Charleston Summer Classic and welcomed Doug Payne to the winner’s circle, in the irons of Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence.
As the first to go, the pair turned in a clear first round and second round, setting the time to beat at 30.967 seconds. Killam got close to beating Payne’s time with Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS with their clear second round time in 33.016 seconds and even closer with the last entry of the class, Empire Show Stables’ Boreal De Talma, with their clear second round in a time of 32.812 seconds. But those times could not beat Payne’s time and Killam placed second and third.
Chasen Boggio and Victoria Price’s Quesada D’Elle picked up fourth place for their double clear rounds and Darby Pease of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina aboard Katie Dalsimer’s First Lady BH earned a fifth place for their double clear rounds. Payne also picked up a sixth place as the fastest four faulter in the irons of Wendy Luce’s Marshal M. Dillon.
Boggio returned for a seventh place ribbon in the irons of his own Co Pilot and Killam and Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane earned an eighth place finish.
The Classic Company is thrilled to announce that the USEF Board of Directors voted unanimously to award Heritage Competition status to Charleston Summer Classic I & II. Heritage designations are reserved for those competitions within the sport of Equestrian that have been established for a long period of time and have made a substantial contribution toward the development and promotion of the sport of equestrian, both within the sport and as well as within the broader community, by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.
The Charleston Summer Classic started in July 1992 at the Seabrook Equestrian Center on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. The show was very successful for seven years then the land that surrounded the event was sold for development and the show was forced to move. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC welcomed the event and it was held on the Estate behind the Biltmore house in a converted cornfield for seven more years. While this worked very well, Bob Bell, Classic Company President, knew the show needed to return to Charleston one day. Mullet Hall, a former plantation owned by Charleston County Parks and Recreation, was chosen to be the site for an equestrian center. Permits, public meetings, funding and construction took six years and a lot of community support, during which time the show remained at The Biltmore Estate. The show then moved to the Georgia International Horse Park for one year. The Charleston Summer Classic finally returned to the lowcountry to Mullet Hall the following year. The show’s sterling silver perpetual trophies document the show’s 26 year history recalling the dates and the names of the horses and riders that have shaped the equestrian sport.
“We are so pleased that the Charleston Summer Classic has been designated a USEF Heritage Competition,” commented Bell. “Our flagship show has been a part of the equestrian sport’s history. It took a village to make this happen! The community support has been phenomenal and the Charleston Summer Classic is a perfect example of how the community and a horse show community can come together as one. We wholeheartedly thank the USEF for granting the Charleston Summer Classics this prestigious USEF Heritage Competition designation,” he added.
Chase Boggio and Co Pilot [Photo credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]
It was a winning Week I at the Charleston Summer Classic for Chase Boggio of Canton, Georgia who rode off with the blue ribbon on Nancy Boggio’s Co Pilot in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and went on to win both first and second places with Nancy Boggio’s Conway and Co Pilot, respectively, in the Grand Prix.
“We bought both horses from Derek Peterson about seven months ago,” said Boggio. “My parents were nice enough to go in on them with me. We bought them so we could have some fun with them and they are great horses, but quite different from one another,” he said.
“Conway is ten years old and completely opposite from Co Pilot. He’s almost 18 hands and has a huge stride. He jumps like he could touch the moon! He’s a little slower but he’s a little greener. Derek [Peterson] discovered his jump and threw him right in the ring. I usually ride him in the Amateur classes, but this show was the perfect place to get him into a Grand Prix and I’m happy we did so well,” he said.
“Co Pilot is eleven and has lots of experience having been ridden by Derek [Peterson] and before that Aaron [Vale]. We recently started to click. He’s a little quirky but we’ve been really consistent. We’ve placed in the last three Grand Prix we’ve done. Considering Conway is a little greener, it’s great to have a horse with a bit more experience,” he said.
The jumper action continued in the $2,000 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner 1.25m Jumper Classic and awarded Christine Couper of Port Wentworth, South Carolina and her own Cora the blue ribbon after her double clear rounds.
Couper purchased the Hanoverian mare in June 2014 and brought her to compete at the Charleston Summer Classic as her first show three years ago and they were victorious. “She has gotten better,” said Couper. “I recently moved her up to the 1.25m and haven’t campaigned her as much as in the prior years. We’ve been working on the height and she just keeps getting better the more we show. Since Charleston is so close to us, we’ve been commuting back and forth to the show. To have a AA show here in Charleston is great. The footing felt really good and the weather was awesome,” she added.
“My horse is kept about thirty minutes from the show but I live in downtown Charleston,” she said. Originally from outside Boston, Massachusetts, Couper went to college in Charleston and then decided to stay. “For out of town folks, I recommend that they make the trip to downtown – it’s a blast! Go out for the night, check out the architecture and history, there are great restaurants and it’s really such a beautiful city,” she said.
The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby took place Week I and welcomed Liza Boyd and Finally Farm’s Clemens to the winner’s circle after the pair bested the field of fifteen horse and rider teams with an overall score of 180.
“These are so useful for the hunters in the pipeline,” said Boyd. “Clemens is a first year horse and 7, so this is great opportunity to have an atmosphere of an international derby with VIP tent, the party, the 5 pm start and the excitement of the environment. There were people from town lying on blankets, picnicking near the ring and lots of distractions-typical of what may be going on during an international derby,” she said.
“He’s [Clemens] scopey so I’m not concerned about his ability, but it’s more important at this stage to acclimate him to the environment. He’s actually won an international derby and can jump a mountain and he’s very handy. I don’t want to jump his legs off, but I’ve got to train him. Allen [Rheinheimer] designed the course with tons of bending lines and I really need to practice that. I even skipped the first years with him this week and did a jumper class which went in the same ring as the derby. The horse and I need to get to know each other in that way and answer those questions we’re going to come across in the international derbies. And, the derby really had some great competition. With Jason [Berry] and his wife riding against me, I thought,’Oh gosh, they are going to make me do those turns’,” she laughed.
“I really appreciated show management making the effort to switch up the Derby jumps. They added some with no ground lines, brought in some spookier jumps and really did a nice job,” she said.
“We did one week in Charleston and have returned home to take a week off before we head out onto the road again. We stayed in a condo on Kiawah and really had a great time. It’s a boutique horse show and it was fun to be somewhere different and go to the beach, go shopping, boating and tubing. My girls and husband had a great time and my clients really enjoyed themselves. I would recommend it for anyone!” she said.
Central Park, owned by Lee Cesery and ridden by Jason Berry, earned a second place with their overall score of 172, and Michael Cline’s Esprite De Corps, ridden by Alisa Berry, placed third.
Twenty-eight horse and rider teams tackled the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome at the Charleston Summer Classic.
Ten advanced to the second round and only seven turned in double clear rounds over a course designed by Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana, who set the first round time allowed of 81 seconds and second round time of 43 seconds.
Hayley Iannotti of Wellington, Florida, in the irons of Sandalwood’s Vanda Gabbana, was the first to go, turning in a fault free effort in a time of 79.960 seconds. Their second round was also clear and their time of 41.764 seconds set the new time to beat.
Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina and Debi Crowley’s Vandiver followed several rounds later and turned in clear first round in a time of 74.167 seconds and bested Vanda Gabbana’s time with their own fault free 38.489 seconds, taking the lead.
Iannotti returned to the jumper ring, this time in the irons of Pumpkin Patch Farm, LLC’s Carlos G. They advanced to the second round after going fault free in their first round in a time of 76.440 seconds. However, eight jump faults in their second round in a time of 40.349 seconds would keep Payne in the lead.
Paul Macrae of Alpharetta, Georgia and Maartin Huygins’ Corini followed with the next clear first round in a time of 77.112 seconds. They also turned in a fault free second round in a time of 38.145 which took the lead and set the new time to beat.
Christoph Schroeder and his own Heliante Ter Wilgen, winners of last week’s $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix, followed with the next clear first round in a time of 77.160 seconds. However, their second round in a time of 37.778 seconds with eight jump faults would keep the lead with Macrae and leave them in finishing in ninth place overall.
Payne returned to the arena, this time in the irons of Courtney Young Alston’s Botanja, for a clear first round effort in a time of 75.536 seconds. Although their second round was the fastest thus far in a time of 32.802 seconds, two rails for a total of eight jump faults would have them finish in eighth overall.
Amanda Forte of Glenview, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables, LLC’s MHS Automatic, second place finishers in last week’s $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix, followed in the order and turned in double clear first and second rounds in times of 76.241 seconds and 34.297 seconds, taking the lead and setting the new time to beat!
Schroeder followed Forte, this time with Nuvolari Holdings, LLC’s Commissario. The pair turned in double clear rounds in times of 77.447 seconds and 37.238 seconds which would keep Forte in the lead and have them finish in fourth place overall.
Missy Clark’s Baluga, ridden by Michael Kocher of Tryon, North Carolina, was the next horse and rider team to turn in double clear rounds in times of 78.004 seconds and 36.796 seconds, which would earn them third place honors overall.
Schroeder and Faith Davis’ Dekadenz was the last to turn in double clear rounds. However, despite their fault free efforts in times of 77.558 and 36.589 seconds, respectively, their time could not beat Forte and MHS Automatic, which would have Schroeder and Dekadenz finish in second place overall, leaving Forte and MHS Automatic victors!
“Automatic went great!” commented Forte. “We showed last winter in Gulfport and then he injured himself in turnout so he’s been on a break,” she said. “He’s just coming back and we’re getting to know each other again,” she added. “He’s very talented and I’m really happy with how he is progressing,” she said.
All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, at lisa@classiccompany.com.
Why does Christoph Schroeder of Wellington, Florida love the Charleston Summer Classic? Well, besides winning the Week I $5,000 Horseflight Welcome, he rode away with the win on Marion Head’s Heliante Ter Wilgren in Friday’s $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix, coached his student KC Aarem to third and fifth place finishes, grabbed eleventh place with Faith Davis’ Dekadenz, and will be spending Saturday trail riding on the more than 23 miles of beautiful scenic trails at the Equestrian Center while planning a day of beach riding on Sunday with six of his horses!
“We love showing, vacation and our family,” Schroeder said. “We are so glad we came here!” he added.
Twenty-three horse and rider teams tackled the $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix last night before a sold out VIP tent, sponsored by Seabrook Equestrian Club and Schroeder rode away with the blue ribbon and big check. Schroeder has been riding Heliante since November last year. “She’s only nine and has the best character in the world,” commented Schroeder. “This was her first win with me,” he said happily.
Classic Company Course Designer and Technical Coordinator, Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana, set a first round course with a time allowed of 84 seconds, which included a combination that saw many in the first round dropping rails. Only six would go clear and advance to the second round.
The time allowed in the jump off round was 41 seconds and had both Schroeder with one and his student, KC Van Aarem, with two in the lineup. “I had to get my horse ready, but I had to help KC too. I didn’t want to slow the class down, so I’d rather take time away from me and my horses and help her,” he added.
KC Van Aarem, of Woodbine, Maryland, in the irons of her won Temple Run, was the first to go in the order and had two rails for a total of eight jump faults in a time of 37.535 seconds.
Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida and her own Demi followed Aarem with a four fault round in a time of 36.335 seconds, which temporarily took the lead. “I was really happy with her performance,” said Paternoster. “She is only eight and has gone two for two in advancing to the jump off rounds for her first Grand Prix,” she said.
MHS Automatic, owned by Cerulean Stables, LLC and ridden by Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, followed Paternoster and turned in the first clean jump off round in a time of 31.592 seconds and took the lead from Paternoster.
Michael Kocher of Tryon, North Carolina followed in the order in the irons of Missy Clark’s Baluga; however, two refusals at the first fence of the combination would have them eliminated and finishing in sixth place overall.
Schroeder and Heliante Ter Wilgren followed Kocher and Baluga. “My plan for the jump off with Heliante was I wanted to try a five instead of a six at the first line and a four instead of a five on the last line, and in between, keep the turns tight,” he said. “We’ve been getting to know each other and she is the kind of horse where you need to listen to her more than you need to have her listen to you,” he said, “She knows that if I depend on her, she gives a lot,” he continued. “She can turn well and then she even gets more active,” he said. “When you have a really scopey horse like her, the tighter turns make it more interesting for her and she jumps even better,” he said. “And I guess that’s the trick,” he added. The pair turned in a clear round in a time of 30.254 seconds, taking the lead and setting the new time to beat.
Sitting in the enviable last to go position, Aarem followed Schroeder with her second mount Mastermind. Despite their clear round, their time of 31.654 seconds would not be fast enough to take the lead and the pair would settle into a third place finish.
Finishing in seventh place was Maggie Sjoberg’s Something Gained, ridden by Abbly Sjoberg of Ila, Georgia, with a first round time of 84.933 seconds with one time fault.
Eighth place honors went to the fastest four fault first round, Kasarr, owned and ridden by Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina, after posting a time of 74.192 seconds.
Mackenzie McGehee of Jacksonville, Florida and her own Fiona Van’t Paradus placed ninth with their four fault first round in a time of 80.246 seconds, and Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina rode Courtney Young Alston’s Botanja to tenth place with an eight fault first round in a time of 76.526 seconds.
Schroeder returned for eleventh place with Ruth Davis’ Dekadenz, and Megan Wexler of Reddick, Florida wrapped up the class in twelfth place in the irons of Penny Lane Farm’s Maximus.
“My horses went really well here,” said Schroeder. “We want to keep moving Heliante up and I’m really happy with her progress,” he added.
“We’re thrilled with the attendance this year,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “We have so many new people here showing with us from all over the country enjoying our ‘show-cation’ horse show, the beautiful islands of Kiawah and Seabrook and Charleston, which is Conde Naste’s #1 Destination city in the country,” he said. “We have all had a blast this week and are looking forward to another week of blue ribbons and beaches!”
All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, at lisa@classiccompany.com.
Christoph Schroeder of Wellington, Florida and his own Catungee won the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, besting a field of 27 horse and rider teams over a course designed by Classic Company’s Course Designer and Technical Coordinator Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana.
Schroeder was a busy man! He rode four horses in the class. “Three of the four that I rode today need the experience and this class was great for them,” he said. Schroeder competed at the Charleston Summer Classic three years ago and decided to return this year. “It’s been a great time for us and we’re glad we came!” he commented.
Rheinheimer’s first round course was very inviting and he set the time allowed at 86 seconds. Schroeder and Catungee were the second to go and the first to turn in back to back clear rounds, setting the new time to beat at 39.790 seconds.
Mastermind, owned and ridden by KC Van Aarem of Woodbine, Maryland, followed Schroeder in the order and turned in a clear first round. While their second round time of 39.288 seconds beat Schroeder’s leading time, four jump faults would find them finishing in ninth place overall.
Maggie Syoberg’s Something Gained, ridden by Abby Syoberg of Ila, Georgia, turned in the next set of double clear rounds, but their time of 45.492 seconds would see them settle in eighth place overall.
Schroeder returned to the arena in the irons of Faith Davis’ Dekadenz. They turned in double clear rounds, but their second round time of 43.065 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Kasarr, owned and ridden by Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina, followed in the order with double clear rounds. However, their second round time of 42.692 seconds would see the pair finish in fourth place overall.
Mackenzie McGehee of Jacksonville, Florida and her own Fiona Van’T Paradus also earned double clear rounds; however, their second round time of 45.391 seconds would find them finishing in seventh place overall.
Ann Horrell Glaus of Ocala, Florida and Troy Glaus’ Darling GR followed with clear rounds and a second round time of 42.860 which would finish them in fifth place overall.
Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida and her own Demi followed with double clear rounds. Their second round time of 42.528 seconds finished them in third place overall.
Amanda Forte of Glemoore, PA and Cerulean Stables, LLC’s MHS Automatic had the last double clear round and posted a time of 39.801 seconds for their second round which earned them a second place ribbon behind Schroeder and Catungee.
Schroeder also earned tenth place in the irons of Scott Head’s Carjo Z and twelfth with Marion Head’s Heliante Ter Witgen. Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina rode Courtney Young Alston’s Botanja to eleventh place.
“Catungee has more experience than my other horses I rode today and that definitely gave us that winning advantage,” commented Schroeder. “They all went well and I plan on having five in Friday’s Grand Prix,” he added.
All sponsorship and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, at lisa@classiccompany.com.
It’s almost time for the Charleston Summer Classic, set to kick off on July 12 at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island, South Carolina. It’s the 25th anniversary year of the original show-cation destination AA competition, located on scenic Johns Island, a few miles from downtown historic Charleston.
Class offerings this year not only include $35,000 Grand Prix and $2,500 National Hunter Derbies, but a class for everyone including a cross rails division, jumper divisions from .75 m to Grand Prix, and all levels of hunters and equitation catering to both novice and professional riders.
“We offer classes for every level so the entire family can attend,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.
The show runs from Tuesdays through Saturdays to allow for extra beach time and the social calendar is action packed. On Wednesday, July 13th, the Annual Unbridled Affair, sponsored by Cerulean Stables and Bob Bell, takes place at the exclusive Seabrook Island Beach Club and welcomes all to the Charleston Summer Classic. A live band, sponsored by Anson Restaurant, heavy hors d’oeuvres and an absolutely beautiful setting make this a favorite among riders and their families.
On Thursday night, July 14th, the USHJA Derby Party takes place in the Grand Pavilion at 5 pm and offers an open bar and dinner sponsored by the Seabrook Equestrian Center. On Friday, the $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix takes place and Ridgewater Show Stables sponsors the open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Grand Pavilion VIP tent.
Week II starts off with the Annual BBQ at Tissy’s Oak River Farm, hosted and sponsored by Tissy and Ralph Principe. All are welcome.
On Thursday night the festivities continue in the Grand Pavilion with an open bar and dinner sponsored by Seithel Law Firm and Lynn Seithel. On Friday night the $35,000 Sidelines Grand Prix takes place during the Grand Prix Reception, sponsored by Black Ankle Farm, in the Grand Pavilion with an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
The show closes on Saturday July 23 and features the Farewell Brunch, sponsored by the Atlanta Hunt Club, in the Grand Pavilion, as well as ringside mimosas sponsored by Judy Porter. The Farewell Brunch also offers a Bloody Mary Bar, sponsored by Charleston Mix.
All events in the VIP Grand Pavilion, with the exception of the Farewell Brunch, require a table purchase of $400 per week or an individual ticket of $50 per person. Tables sell out quickly, so be sure to email Grace and reserve your table today.
The Charleston Summer Classic wrapped up last weekend to rave reviews from horsemen from around the country who couldn’t say enough good things about their “showcation” on Johns Island, South Carolina.
Besides offering the largest prize money of any horse show in South Carolina, the Charleston Summer Classic provided the perfect backdrop for family and friends looking to enjoy the entire experience and make memories to last a lifetime.
The fun was non-stop from the VIP to the Annual Unbridled Affair at the Seabrook Beach Club. The hottest firefighters in South Carolina increased the temperature promoting their 2016 calendar to benefit the Charleston Summer Classic’s Official Charity, the Charleston Animal Society. “Our fundraising efforts for the Charleston Animal Society were a huge success,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “Through our fundraising efforts, we raised more than $7,000.00 for the Charleston Animal Society,” he said proudly. “We are looking forward to partnering with them again next year,” he added.
The show offered many riders the opportunity for a series of “firsts”. Week I saw Tim Maddrix pilot Alina Dumitrescu’s Shutterbug to a first win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
Maddrix earned the title “Magic” Maddrix when he went on to win the $35,000 Regions Private Wealth Management Grand Prix the following day with Baily Martin’s Contador de Bornival Z. This was Contador’s first grand prix win!
Paternoster takes ‘Dolly’ on her victory gallop after winning the $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix
Spectators got to see Gemma Paternoster pilot her own Zonneglans [aka Dolly] to win her first Grand Prix Week II in the $35,000 Devoucoux Grand Prix. Dolly did a double that week, as the pair also won the $5,000 Open Welcome, presented by Finish Line Horse Products.
Fun in the sun and after hours is part of the Charleston Summer Classic’s “showcation” feel. Friends charter boats for fishing excursions, lie on the beach, windsurf and kayak. The Classic Company pulls out all the stops for its flagship show and welcomes all with parties at Red’s Ice House, the Annual BBQ at Classic Company’s Tissy Principe’s beautiful home, Bloody Mary Brunches in the VIP on Saturdays and the list goes on.
The Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour Champions, presented by Practical Horseman, were awarded on Saturday as well as the Division Champions. Congratulations to the Champions!
Grand Hunter Champion and recipient of the James Vaughn Perpetual Trophy:
Special, owned by Missy Nolan and ridden by Tim Maddrix
Grand Champion Amateur Hunter Champion and recipient of the Seabrook Perpetual Trophy:
All the Best, owned and ridden by Christina Fisher
Grand Junior Hunter Champion and recipient of the Hummel Perpetual Trophy:
Confidential, owned and ridden by Bergen Sanderford
Grand Large Junior Hunter Champion and recipient of the Rave Perpetual Trophy:
Antwerp, owned and ridden by Isabel Coleman
Grand Small Junior Hunter Champion and recipient of the Sweet Surprise Perpetual Trophy:
Confidential, owned and ridden by Bergen Sanderford
Grand Pony Hunter Champion and recipient of the Keith R. Nichols Memorial Perpetual Trophy:
Star Command, owned and ridden by Erica Van Dyken
Grand Children’s Hunter Champion and recipient of the Trick or Treat Memorial Trophy:
Cure the Blue, owned and ridden by Alyssa Talpos
Grand Adult Amateur Champion and recipient of the Hillbright Farm Trophy:
Geddaway, owned and ridden by Sherri Geddes
Grand High Point Hunter Champion and recipient of Marie Reynolds Memorial Perpetual Trophy:
Shutterbug, owned by Alina Dumitescu and ridden by Tim Maddrix
Grand Green Working Hunter Champion and recipient of the Sit Down Perpetual Trophy:
Special, owned by Missy Nolan and ridden by Tim Maddrix
Grand Pre-Green Hunter Champion and recipient of the Beverly Finkle Memorial Trophy:
Carrida, owned by DS Holdings, LLC and ridden by Frankie Owens
Grand A/O 3’3″ Hunter Champion and recipient of the Tormoline Memorial Perpetual Trophy:
Fabrege, owned and ridden by Sara Stephens
Grand Champion Adult Jumper and recipient of the St. Charles Place Perpetual Trophy:
Score, owned by Penelope Worsham and ridden by Mattie Worsham
Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour Circuit Champions, presented by Practical Horseman, received a silver loving cup to commemorate the prestige of earning points over six weeks of destination show locations at the Atlanta Summer Classic, Brownland Farm and the Charleston Summer Classic!
Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour Circuit Champions:
Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter Champion:
Enchanted Evening, owned by Lizabeth Fisher and ridden by Christina Fisher
Adult Amateur 36-50 Hunter Champion:
Overseas, owned by Mindy Werzburg, LLC and ridden by Mindy Werzburg
Adult Amateur 51 and over Champion:
Inked, owned and ridden by Holly Simms
Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Champion:
Ruby, owned and ridden by Holly Labry
Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″ Champion:
All the Best, owed and ridden by Christina Fisher
Child Jumper Champion:
Score, owned by Penelope Worsham and ridden by Mattie Worsham
Adult Jumper Champion:
Monte Carlo, owned and ridden by Eden Frye
Children’s Hunter 14 and Under Champion:
Equanimity, owned by Black Ankle, LLC and ridden by Laura Neely
Children’s Hunter 15-17 Champion:
Cure the Blues, owned and ridden by Alyssa Talpos
Children’s Hunter Pony Champion:
Artwork, owned and ridden by Paige Moose
Junior Hunter 3’3″ Champion:
Special, owned by Missy Nolen and ridden by Mary Elise Nolen
Large Junior Hunter Champion:
Playoff, owned by Howe Equine, LLC and ridden by Addison Howe
Small Junior Hunter Champion:
Confidential, owned and ridden by Sanford Bergen
Junior A/O Jumper Champion:
HH Narcos Du Marais, owned by River Mountain Farm, ridden by Anna Beth Athey
Green Working Hunter Champion:
Life Is Good, owned and ridden by Missy Nolen
Adult Hunter 2’6″ Champion:
Clark Kent, owned and ridden by Tricia Conahan
Children’s Hunter 2’6″ Champion:
Good Deal, owned by Dina Van Dyken and ridden by Hannah Kent
Large Pony Hunter Champion:
Woodlands Misty Rain, owned and ridden by Isabelle Aldridge
Medium Pony Hunter Champion:
Happy Feet, owned and ridden by Sloan Hopson
Small Pony Hunter Champion:
Baby Blue, owned by Bibby Hill and ridden by Libbie Gordon
Green Pony Hunter Champion:
Woodlands Polar Bear, owned by Bibby Hill and ridden by Devin Seek
Performance Hunter Champion:
Shutterbug, owned by Alina Dumitrescu and ridden by Tim Maddrix
Pre-Green Hunter Champion:
Valhalla, owned by the Wheeler Family and ridden by Hunt Tosh
“We would like to thank all of the competitors, sponsors and their families for attending the Charleston Summer Classic. Next year marks our 25th anniversary and we are planning THE show of the summer!” said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “We are already making outstanding plans to ensure its success and invite all to enjoy what the Charleston Summer Classic offers: the biggest prize money in South Carolina, the best exhibitor parties and cocktail receptions and of course, the beach!” The dates for the show are July 12-16 and July 19-23. “We’re running our show from Tuesday to Saturday in order to meet the condo rental schedule here on the island,” commented Bell, “and that way folks can still get to Blowing Rock for those who are going,” he added.
“Since our show is in the middle of the high season on the island, reserve your condo early!” Bell advised. “The prize list will be available online by February 1st and we hope you will join us to celebrate our 25 years!” 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. 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
