Holly Shepherd pilots Jade to the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by KCR, besting a field of 41 horse and rider teams
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
For Immediate Release: March 4, 2017
Gulfport, Mississippi
The Hunter numbers continue to grow at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit! The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, saw 41 horse and rider teams compete under sunny skies on a course designed by Paul Jewel and judged by Brian Lenehan and Jimmy Toon.
Jade, owned by Shaw Johnson Price and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, started off strong and led the pack after the first round with a score of 91. Shepherd and Jade continued their momentum in the Handy round with a score of 89 for a total of 180 and won the class. Rio Bandit, owned by Susan Tice-Grossman and ridden by Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia placed second, right behind Shepherd and Jade, with their first round score of 88.5 and second round score of 89 for a total of 179.5.
Shepherd returned to the winner’s circle to pick up the third place ribbon with Micaela Kennedy’s Balletomane after earning a first round score of 88.5 and Handy score of 90 for a combined 178.90.
Fourth was awarded to Gesture, LLC’s Norderney, ridden by Belynda Bond of Pilot Point, Texas after earning a first round score of 89 and Handy score of 86.5 for a combined 175.5.
Tom Brennan of Charles Town, West Virginia rode Riley King’s Refined to the fifth place ribbon with a combined score of 175 and also brought home the ninth place ribbon in the irons of Pamela Ward’s Trump Card for their combined score of 169.10.
Helen Gilbert’s Primera, ridden by Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas earned a sixth place ribbon with their combined score of 174.25 and Jane Gaston’s Taken, ridden by Paige Parker of Southampton, New Jersey, placed seventh with their combined score of 172.75. Eighth place went to Courtenay Billings’ Don’t Tell, ridden by Sarah Milliren of Athens, Georgia for their combined score of 172.25.
Holly Shepherd and Jade are greeted in the winner’s circle by Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Bob Bell and Drew Coster. Champion Cooler provided by Arenus
Roland Park, owned by Mount Fair Equine, LLC and ridden by Dudley MacFarlane of Crozet, Virginia picked up a tenth place ribbon for their combined score of 168, eleventh place went to Young and Elizabeth Faraci’s Phelps and Shepherd and Micaela Kennedy’s Magnus Jacque Mate Mail wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.
Kruse Cushion Ride is the Official Footing Provider for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit. Made of recycled material, with very little dust, it is absolutely the perfect footing for your indoor or outdoor arenas-all at an affordable price. Riders love the footing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and attest to its performance. For more information, visit Kruse Cushion Ride on the web or stop in the office for more information.
Gulf Coast Classic Company and Sidelines Magazine President, Bob Bell, greet Jane Curtin and Limelight, Ltd. in the winner’s circle
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
The overwhelmingly popular Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions, which are offered for only $5, thanks to sponsor Sidelines Magazine, hosted a field of 22 riders in the 3′ Division and 9 in the 3’3″ Division.
Limelight, Ltd., owned by Liz Hudspeth and ridden by Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia was Champion in the 3′ Division and Holly Shepherd and Belle Rolfe’s Boure earned a Reserve.
The Sidelines Green Hunter 3’3″ Division crowned Olivia Falkenberry’s Notes from the Underground, ridden by Tom Brennan the Championship while Phelps, ridden by Megan Young earned the Reserve Championship.
Tom Brennan and Notes from the Underground are congratulated by Bob Bell
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
Brennan is a strong advocate of the Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions and has commented that this is the most important division for the development of the hunter horses. “The pace that we develop our horses is more important than age specifications, especially in the instances of second career horses. The Green Hunter division allows flexibility for the trainer to bring the horse along according to the horse’s development, rather than by its age or some other specification. The $5.00 entry fee further incentivizes the trainers and owners and the end result is better developed hunters and happy horse owners and trainers,” he said.
Sidelines Magazine is the premier equestrian magazine focused on the people in the equestrian world. From beautiful photography to award winning editorial, Sidelines Magazine is distributed each month to 49 states throughout North America and can be found at the most prestigious equestrian events in the country. Celebrating 29 years as the leading equestrian magazine, Sidelines Magazine embraces the equestrian lifestyle and transports its readers from the sidelines to center ring. Pick up your complimentary copy in the office or view it online for free.
The $2,000 Sidelines Green Hunters is scheduled every week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit and costs only $5 to enter. Yes, Five Dollars! Earn valuable mileage and cash in this generous offering made possible by Sidelines Magazine.
WEEK V ON DECK: BIG $$ WEEK FOR THE HUNTERS
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
The Hunters are gearing up for the BIG Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit. Judges Tony Scarlata, Scott Fitton, Chance Arakelian and Marlene Thomas will officiate over the hunters next week for the biggest week in hunters on the Gulf Coast.
The $25,777 USHJA international Hunter Derby, presented by Devoucoux, will take place Friday morning on the world famous grass Grand Prix field. There will be a 7:30 am Derby breakfast sponsored by Loretta Patterson and Accolade Farm for all hunter riders, owners and trainers adjacent to the Grand Prix Field.
John Mastriano and Tustin Farm will sponsor the $1,000 Hunter Groom’s Class which takes place between the International and National Hunter Derbies next Friday. There is no entry fee! Visit the show office to enter!
Of course, the Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions will also take place in addition to hunter offerings for every level of horse and rider!
THE HUNTERS ARE HEADING TO ATLANTA!
Join us in Atlanta for the best in hunter competition!
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
Don’t miss the next stop on the Classic Company tour! The Atlanta Spring Classics kick off at the Georgia International Horse Park March 22nd for two weeks of AA competition. The hunters will love the beautiful, spacious, newly resurfaced Hunter Arena as well as the class offerings!
The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby takes place Friday, March 31st and a host of Hunter classes are offered daily both weeks. Reserve your stalls today and enter online!
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!
Fun describes the Gulf Coast Winter Classics!
Photo: Alison Hartwell Photography
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies’ philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer 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 and Gulf Coast Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. Consistently awarded the USHJA’s Member Choice Award for providing excellent customer-friendly competitions, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company produced events each year.
All sponsorship and media inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel.
All show program advertising inquiries should be directed to Drew Coster.
Exhibitor Information
2017 Gulf Coast Prize List
Grand Prix each week |
Lodging Information
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 
875 Beach Boulevard Biloxi, MS 39530 888-464-2556 Luxury is what it’s all about! Beau Rivage is a 32 story, 1740 room AAA Four Diamond resort. With two gourmet restaurants, BR Prime and Jia, new Casino lounge, Tom Fazio designed Fallen Oak golf course, 85,000 square foot casino, spa, salon and lots of shopping, this is the ultimate destination on the Gulf Coast. Visit the website for a complete tour of the resort. |
Best Western Plus Seaway Inn
9475 US 49 Gulfport, MS 39503 228-864-0050 The Best Western Plus Seaway Inn is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $59 per night. Call for the horse show rate |
Clarion
9445 US 49 Horse Show Rate of $64 per night. The traditional-style rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers; some have seating areas with pull-out sofas and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. Freebies include hot buffet breakfast, an airport shuttle and parking. There’s also an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a furnished terrace, in addition to a business center and meeting space. Pet Friendly. Call 228-868-3300 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate. |
Hilton Garden Inn Airport
14100 Airport Road The Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to all the Gulf Coast offers! Spacious rooms, onsite dining and bar, relaxing pool, fitness room, well-equipped office center, and complimentary airport shuttle are just some of the amenities the Hilton Garden Inn offers its guests. Friendly and courteous staff and well appointed and immaculate rooms will greet you upon your return from a busy day of competing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics! |
Holiday Inn Gulfport-Airport
9515 US 49 The award winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport – Airport is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $89 per night. Book Online or Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate. |
Comfort Inn & Suites Crystal Inn Sportsplex 9379 Canal RdGulfport, MS 39503 228-822-9600Comfort Inn – Closest hotel to the Horse Show Grounds is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show rate of $59 per night or if you stay for a week or longer, the rate will be $54 per night. Pet Friendly.Call 228-822-9600 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.Click here for reservations |
The Residence Inn
14100 Airport Road Gulfport, Mississippi 39503 228-867-1722 Located right next to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Residence Inn Gulfport-Biloxi Airport is an all-suite hotel. If you’re looking for an extended-stay hotel on the Mississippi Coast, you’ll find convenience and great amenities. Enjoy a spacious studio, one or two-bedroom suites offering separate living, eating and sleeping areas, complimentary high-speed Internet, full kitchens and luxurious bedding. Enjoy complimentary hot buffet breakfast daily, The Mix social hour three nights a week, grocery shopping service, fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, and seasonal outdoor pool. The Residence Inn is pet-friendly! |
ABOUT THE CLASSIC AND GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANIES
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies‘ philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer 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 and Gulf Coast Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. Consistently awarded the USHJA‘s Member Choice Award for providing excellent customer-friendly competitions, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company produced events each year.
All sponsorship and media inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel.
All show program advertising inquiries should be directed to Drew Coster.
ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457
