While many events are making cut backs in prize money, Bob Bell and Janet McCarroll, co-managers of the 2010 Gulf Coast Winter Series, were ecstatic to announce an increase to the High Junior and Amateur Owner Jumpers this season.
Over $100,000 will be awarded during the six-week 2010 winter series. “That is a lot!” a happy Bell commented. The high section will offer $2,000 per class, and on the weekends there will be a $15,000 High Jumper Classic. “This is for each and every week!” said Bell. Thanks to new sponsor, Nordic Lights Farm, the spotlight will shine brightly for this talented group of jumpers. “We’re so appreciative of the Bruheim family and Nordic Lights’ support and the ability to reward our exhibitors’ hard work to compete at this level of competition,” Janet McCarroll said.
The Low section of the Junior-Amateur Owners Jumpers will see an increase in their purses, as well. Each class will offer $1,000 and there will be six $5,000 Jumper Classics. And not to be forgotten, the Children’s and Adult Jumper divisions will award $500 in each class, and their weekly Classics will increase to $2,500 with no nomination fee required.
Grand prix jumpers have some added incentives—six $25,000 classes in four weeks. Befitting of the nearby casino action, Week Three will offer riders the chance to double down with a $25,000 Welcome Prix presented by EMO Insurance and the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix. But it doesn’t stop there. Nordic Lights Farm and the Bruheim family will sponsor a new $25,000 Welcome Grand Prix prior to the $25,000 Budweiser Grand Prix during week five of the series. “The added prize money is great, but it’s more than the money that keeps riders happy...and returning,” Bell continued. “We have one of the best grass fields in the country. Horses love it, riders love it, and our course designers love it! A lot of our riders say the money is just the cherry on top to their sundae treat of competing in Gulfport.”
New Orleans, LA-based professional rider and longtime attendee of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics Sean Steffee said of recent years' big growth in the jumpers, “Well the best-kept secret for winter showing is definitely out! Gulfport is becoming the place to be...and it should. Aside from great footing, stalls, staff, and the normal things we all look for in a series, Gulfport is simply GREAT fun!”
The Young Jumpers are expanding in 2010 as well. Instead of one class per age group, this season will offer three class divisions for the up-and-coming talents of tomorrow. “We wanted to provide a better showcase for the young horses outside of their previous choices of one special class and a handful of regular classes, so we’ve added divisions just for them,” Bell explained.
“And I want the hunters to know we’re not forgetting them either. Week Four will be our Celebration of Hunters!” Bell said. Packed into this special week will be the World Championship Hunter Rider class, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby, a delectable luncheon honoring the hunters, and the new USHJA Three Foot Hunter Derby.
Bell went on to say their new motto, “The Change You’re Looking For” is evident not only with new additions of prize money, special classes, wonderful venues, but in bringing the enjoyment of horse showing back to the exhibitors. “Isn’t it suppose to be fun? That’s what I ask myself with every show we plan,” Bell concluded. Classic Company believes they’ve got the answer with a combined total of 13 weeks USEF AA-rated competitions. Beginning with the blustery month of January, riders facing harsh cold weather in the U.S. and Canada can enjoy five weeks at the Jacksonville Winter Series, January 6-February 7, held in Green Cove Springs, FL, then take a leisurely drive over to Gulfport, MS, for the next six weeks, February 10–March 21, and finally welcome spring with two weeks at the Atlanta Spring Classics, March 24-April 4, located at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.
To learn more about Gulf Coast Winter Classics, please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the office at (843) 768-5503. To book hotel or condo reservations, please contact Connections at (800) 262-9974.