AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular: The Nations Finest Hunters Under the Lights at WEF
Equestrian News Release
February 2, 2006—Wellington, FL--Mark you calendars now for Saturday evening February 18, 2006, 7:00-10:00 p.m. for the The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation Hunter Classic Spectacular to be held at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. This qualifying, no entry fee event showcases the top national amateur, junior and professional show hunter riders under the lights in the beautiful Internationale Arena, while the AHJF’s major fundraising dinner and silent auction take place in the Jockey Club Pavilion.
Since it’s inception in 1997, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular has been a highlight event for hunter horses and riders, who put great effort into being one of roughly 25 riders to qualify. Champion and reserve champion riders, who are current members of the AHJF, qualify throughout the week (February 15-18) in the various hunter divisions to compete in this prestigious two-round competition under the lights. Approximately $50,000 (through 12th place) is awarded with $12,000 guaranteed to the winner. Since it is an add-back competition the final prize money is not determined until that night.
About the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular
Show hunters are judged on the style of the horse. The horse should look as if it could carry a rider smoothly, comfortably and safely over a course of natural style jumps. The horses should be both elegant and agile as they negotiate obstacles similar to those encountered on a foxhunt.
Eight judges are paired in teams of two and positioned in four places around the arena. Each team presents a single numerical score (0-100) and the four scores are averaged for a single round score. After the second round, the two scores are averaged for a final two round score. Roughly, 25 horses compete in the first round and the top eight highest performers come back for a second round. The height of the fences varies from 3’6” to 4’. The winner of the class is the horse with the highest two-round score. The judges who are scheduled for this evening include Susan Ashe, Wellington, FL; Susan Barret, Southern Pines, NC; Joan Boyce, Greensboro, NC; Archie Cox, Los Angeles, CA; Shane George, Magnolia, TX; Cynthia Hankins, Ste Magnance, CAN; Mark Jungherr, Amesbury, MA; Julie Winkle, Reno, NV. JP Goddard, Aiken, SC is the course designer for the evening and Kenneth Kraus, Wellington, FL will be the voice everyone hears announcing the class.
The final list of competitors won’t be decided until that day but a number of horses and riders are already qualified. These include Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA, who was last year's winner and the 2005 WCHR Pro Champion; Jenny Karazissis, Calabasas, CA, the winner of the 2005 Pro Challenge; Caroline Moran, Wellington, FL, the 2005 Amateur-Owner Champion; and Jack Hardin Towell, Jr, Camden, SC, 2005 Junior Champion. These riders are allowed to compete on any horse, but must show at the height for which the combination is eligible.
The Fundraising Dinner Party & Silent Auction in the Jockey Club Pavilion
One unique aspect of the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular is the activity happening in the Jockey Club Pavilion. The annual dinner party and silent auction overlooking the main arena is one of the AHJF's major fundraisers. The tent filled with sponsors who have purchased tables buzzes with conversation while on the grassy hillside around the arena friends, family and newcomers enjoy watching the nation’s top hunters.
Chaired by Mr. & Mrs. S. Craig Lindner and Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs, there’s food, friends, frivolry but most of all fun happening for this annual fundraiser. It’s an event for which you need to reserve your table early if you want to be a part of the festivities.
The activities start around 6:30 and offer a perfect view of the Internationale Arena. At 7:00 the Dinner and Silent Auction begin and continue throughout the evening. Graff Jewelers will have several beautiful models in evening gowns modeling some extraordinary Graff diamonds. Some of the items featured at the Silent Auction will be be showcased throughout the week in the AHJF Tent.
While the VIP Tent is humming the horses and riders begin by first walking the course before the formal introduction of each of the riders to the public begins. Riders and horses will then be prepping in the schooling area shortly before they enter the ring, beginning at 7:30, to each take their turn over the galloping hunter course.
About the AHJF
The AHJF was formed to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan and the Legacy Cup.
The AHJF will be presenting an array of prize awards, in addition to the prize money being distributed to the winner. The winner of the class will receive a saddle donated by CM Hadfield’s Saddlery; the “The Dark Continent” trophy, courtesy of Jim Green; a custom jacket specially designed by Personalized Products; a cooler donated by Grazing Fields Farm; Leather halters for 1st–6th place and leather shanks for the 7th–12th place ribbon winners. Additionally, the winning trainer will receive a check for $1,000 and the groom $500, sponsored by Archie Cox/Brookway Stables. A total of $2,100 will be split between the 2nd–4th place trainers and grooms. The winning rider receives the new “Let’s Dance Trophy” established by the AHJF in honor of Friend and Horseman Eugene R. Mische. And all competitors will be in contention for the “Strapless Challenge,” with a trophy and check going to anyone winning the class four times.
For more information contact the AHJF, 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, http://www.ahjf.org, E-mail: ahjf@earthlink.net.
PAST WINNERS
1997 – Monday Morning, rider - Liza Towell
1998 – Hudson, owner - Peter Wetherill, rider - Elizabeth Bross
1999 – High Hearts, rider - Clara Lindner
2000 – Most Wanted, Hanoverian gelding, chestnut, 16.2 hands, Large Junior 15 & Under, Shows at 3’6”,
Rider - Cody Baird, Greenwich, CT; Trainer – Scott Stewart
2000 Score: 91.33
2001 & 2002 & 2003 – Strapless, Dutch Warmblood mare, Regular Working Hunter, 4’
Rider - Emily Williams, Cincinnati, Ohio; Owner - Clara Lindner; Trainer – Tom Wright
2001 Score: 93.66 2002 Score: 91.375 2003 Score: 95.750 (185)
2004 – Strapless, Dutch Warmblood mare, Amateur-Owner Working Hunter, 3’6”,
Rider/Owner - Clara Lindner, Cincinnati, OH; Trainer – Tom Wright
2004 Score: 181.312
2005 – Costello, Germanbred gelding, 1st Year Green, 3’6”
Rider/Trainer: Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA; Owner: Shaw Johnson Price, Chestertown, MD
Score: 89 + 89.5 = 178.5
The objective of Phelps Media Group, Inc.’s customized promotional plan for each client is to gain coverage in print, broadcast and televised media outlets. By delivering consistent international media attention to the people and events it represents, PMG creates public awareness of the client’s message as well as a positive and recognizable image for the client. PMG’s ultimate mission is to assure success for its clients’ endeavors with the public.
Reader Comments
Be the first to submit a comment on this article!
Submit your comments
Link to this article
---------------------- It's easy! Just copy code below and paste into your webpage --------------------
<a href="http://www.equestrianmag.com/article/ahjf-hunter-classic-spectacular-wef-equine-2-06.html">AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular: The Nations Finest Hunters Under the Lights at WEF</a> ~ EquestrianMag.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your link will appear like this:
AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular: The Nations Finest Hunters Under the Lights at WEF ~ EquestrianMag.com
|
