What a week! Equestrians from all over the country traveled to Pensacola and were welcomed by sunny skies, a world class facility at the Escambia County Equestrian Center Show Grounds and the best show management in the country.
The Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Pensacola shows started on January 9th and will run for three weeks. Offering weekly $25,000 Grand Prix, USEF AA Hunter Sections, weekly USHJA National Hunter Derbies, a USEF International Hunter Derby Week II, as well as a wealth of Jumper Classics for the Junior/AOs and the Children and Adult Jumpers, this is a show series that offers top competition and a vacation destination for the friends and families of the riders.
Yesterday’s feature event was the USHJA National Hunter Derby. In first place was Zivago, owned by Denise Clolery and ridden by Mary Lisa Leffler of Rolling Acres Farm from Brookeville, Maryland. Bringing home the reserve honors was Belvedere owned and ridden by Ellen Herrington. In third place was Ufonia P, owned by Paulexi, LLC and ridden by Ashley Foster. In fourth place was Sin City, owned and ridden by Annie Friedman. In fifth place was Caracas, owned and ridden by Mary Claire Ray, in sixth place was The Golden Compass, owned by Heatherfield Hunters and ridden by Alyson Gurney. In seventh place was Carino, owned by T and V Partnership and ridden by Christian Rogge. In eighth place was McGwire, owned and ridden by Allison Bergmeyer, in ninth place was Fortissimo, owned and ridden by Allyson Quirk. In tenth place was Hat Trick, owned and ridden by Briggs Surratt and in eleventh place was Rebels, owned and ridden by Taylor Dileo.
Course Designer Paul Jewell of Titusville, New Jersey said, “I made a safe course with a few technical options for the USHJA National Hunter Derby, since it is the beginning of the year. The riders all seemed to enjoy the course and Mary Lisa did an outstanding job riding her horse Zivago,” he added.
And in Classic style, the opening week of the Pensacola shows offered all exhibitors a complimentary welcome party in the vendor area. “The vendors loved welcoming everyone back and we just had a great time tonight, “said Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Classic Show Coordinator.
This weekend marks the first of the well-loved “Classic Saturdays”. Said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, “By moving many of our events to Saturday, it makes travel so much easier for our customers who need to get back home for school or work on Mondays. We don’t want anyone missing a flight or having to scratch a class because rings are running too long on a Sunday.” “While the show grounds are only twenty-five minutes from the airport, it is better to be safe than sorry,” he added.
While all of the permanent stalls are sold out for next week, there may be an opportunity to rent a tent stall if you act fast. And remember, be sure to book your stalls for Week III too. Visit the prize list or simply click on the Equestrian Connect link for a one minute, online entry — you can’t beat that!
Remember, there is no late fee for those last minute entries, so what are you waiting for? And while you’re at it, don’t forget to make your own reservations at the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Official Hotels. The Best Western Plus Blue Angel Inn and The Red Roof Inn offer the most convenient and horse show friendly accommodations and have partnered with the Gulf Coast Classic Company to make your experience showing in Pensacola even better. Make sure to mention you are with the Gulf Coast Classic Pensacola Shows!
The prize list is on-line. If you are not on Classic Company’s mail list, make sure to email info@classiccompany.com to receive prize lists and news.
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