“Excited and overwhelmed,” were how Gallop in the Glen co-chair Kim Burnett Mitchell described the opening week. "I feel the show was a success due to the GREAT exhibitors, GREAT parties every night, GREAT music each night, a GREAT staff, and GREAT officials!” an exuberant Mitchell said.
Even Saturday’s downpour of rain didn’t dampen spirits or good times. “Everyone still kept telling me how thrilled with the show they were. Actually this facility can handle an unbelievable amount of rain, and the drainage is super. Rings held up great and were practically dry by Sunday morning,” Mitchell shared.
Gallop in the Glen debuted in 2004 as the brainchild of Kim Burnett Mitchell along with the efforts of her husband Dennis and show manager Patrick Rodes of Argyle, TX. Set among the picturesque Smoky Mountain area at the River Glen Equestrian facility in New Market, TN, the show is already regaining it’s reputation of embodying the glam of yesteryear’s horse shows with it’s sumptuous parties and charitable giving. “This week’s donations will greatly aid SOS Animal Rescue in its mission of providing assistance to animals in need nationwide,” Kim said.
The $25,000 SOS Animal Rescue Grand Prix had 32 starters taking on a technical layout by renowned designer Michel Vaillancourt. A mere three advanced to the heart-stopping jump-off round, and from them, Leo Paoli aboard Remonta Escaupil emerged the victor. A hard-fought second place went to Christian Curry riding Cenzo, and third place went to David Beisel with Moet Walk. “Seeing the spectators lined around the ring cheering their favorites was as thrilling as the class itself,” Mitchell stated.
Also starting this week was the $25,000 Icon Sporthorse Challenge Cup for the children and adult jumpers. The first two legs have been completed with Randii Gobel and Defying Gravity taking an early lead, but there are still two more exciting legs to finish this week.
Aside from the personal decorating touches Mitchell has added all over the grounds, without a doubt the most talked about and enjoyed benefit of Gallop in the Glen is the seemingly endless amount of delectable food goodies offered to exhibitors. Each evening the party tent boast dinners and entertainment to rival nearby Gatlinburg’s most famous dining establishments. “Ellen Ahman has outdone herself with all the wonderful meals we’ve served this week! Can’t wait to see what she’ll come up with next week,” Mitchell said.
Ahman was ringside on Saturday morning cooking a family specialty—French toast casserole that had crowds lined up in the rain for a taste. And both Saturday and Sunday afternoons found a special ice cream social turning into a walk down memory lane, complete with cones and sundaes. “We [the staff] just want everyone to truly have a good time here," Mitchell said.
As week two of The Gallop in the Glen begins, exhibitors will find three special City League International competitions included. Beginning with the $5,000 Speed Class on Wednesday evening, on Thursday evening a $10,000 Jump-Off, and Friday evening competitors will vie for the top placing in a $25,000 Grand Prix. City League riders and horses can take Saturday off for a well-deserved rest and if they wish, return to the ring on Sunday for the exciting Gallop in the Glen finale $25,000 Grand Prix. “Just from word of mouth we have sold out stalls for this second week! We are so thrilled by how the show is being embraced by both exhibitors and spectators,” Mitchell said.
So much so that plans are already under way for next year’s event. “This show is going to be one of those that takes on a life of its own,” laughed Mitchell, then added in her best southern draw, “Ya come back now!”
More information and photos of The Gallop in the Glen are available at www.gallopintheglen.com or email [email protected]. For additional information and pre-registering of City League International events, please visit www.CityLeagueInternational.com.