The Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series enjoyed a great start to the 2009 season at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. The series will see classes at more than 100 horse shows across the country before culminating in year-end championships at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 126th National Horse Show in Syracuse, NY, in October.
The Series hosts separate divisions for junior and amateur-owner riders in two Conferences—the East Conference and the West Conference. Series standings are used to help determine junior and amateur-owner entries for the National Horse Show.
Louis Jacobs and Kachina led the amateur-owner standings in the East Conference while Victoria Birdsall and Jerremy led in the junior division.
Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series East Conference—Amateur-Owner Division
Jacobs of Buffalo, NY, and Kachina led the East Conference amateur-owner standings with a total of 285 points. In second place on the standings board was Chelsea Moss of Medford, NJ, with 280 points aboard Lorena 90. In third was Marley B. Goodman of Wellington, FL, and U-2 with 250 points.
Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series East Conference—Junior Division
In the junior division, Birdsall of Topsfield, MA, and Jerremy held first place in the standings with 485 points. Birdsall and Jerremy were Series Champions of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series East Conference Junior Division in 2008. In second and third place was Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, with Flight and Ice D'Ancoeur with 350 and 340 points, respectively.
The first event on the West Conference schedule is the Oaks Blenheim Spring Tournament in San Juan Capistrano, CA, March 25-29.
The 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series is sponsored by the Lake Placid Horse Show Association, Practical Horseman, Langer Equestrian Group, Taylor Harris Insurance Services and Stadium Jumping, Inc.
The series is designed to give amateur-owner and junior riders an opportunity to compete at higher levels and serves as a proving ground for many riders who aspire to someday represent the United States in international competition.
The Show Jumping Hall of Fame was organized to promote the sport of show jumping and to immortalize the legends of the men, women and horses who have made great contributions to the sport. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame conducts the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, held under grand prix rules and specifications. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame has moved from its long-time home at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL. An announcement about the museum's new home will be made later this year.
Any horse show offering a class that meets all the criteria set forth in the 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series specifications and has prize money of at least $1,000 is eligible to be part of the series.
For more information about the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, including the 2009 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series schedule, please visit the Show Jumping Hall of Fame website at www.showjumpinghalloffame.net.