The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic is warming up for the 2010 show at Silver Oak Equestrian Center in Hampton Falls, NH. New England's only international show jumping event has added several new classes that will appeal to both amateur and professional exhibitors during the five full days of competition from September 15-19, 2010.

Leading up to the premiere event, the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix held on one of the top grass grand prix fields on the East Coast, featuring the only Speed Derby in New England and the exhilarating Speed Stake. A Pro-Am class, introduced to the delight of many exhibitors and their trainers in 2009, will again be offered as well as the Master's Classic with wide appeal for senior riders, and the Welcome Stake on the Coldwell Banker Previews Grand Prix Field.

Multiple schooling classes will be offered in two rings with all-weather footing to give horses and riders more choices this year. New 1.30 and 1.40 meter classes are being added "to offer more variety and competition throughout the week for horses preparing for the bigger track classes. This was a direct and thoughtful response to feedback from the riders during last year's event," said Bridget Fleming, the new show manager of the Jumper Classic™. "The modified division has been added to accommodate riders needing a transition between child/adult jumpers and the Low Amateur Owner division." Five- and six-year-old horses can compete in one division as opposed to two different divisions.

Prize money has been increased for the Junior Division, which now offers a $3,000 Low Classic and a $5,000 High Classic, rewarding riders at the top of their game for their hard work throughout the show season. Additionally, many riders will be ending their show season and want to get the most for their efforts as the year winds down. "This horse show is, for many, a culmination of their show season with a true new England flare. With this in mind, we are now offering a Farewell Class to the Child/Adult division riders who do not qualify for the Classic," said Fleming.

The Jumper Classic, now in its 21st year, is traditionally held the week after Labor Day, but we have moved the date for the 2010 event. "We are pleased to be able to offer a new date the week after the spectacular opportunity that the elite riders are looking forward to—the Pfizer $1 Million Dollar Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson," said Melissa Lovasco, President and CEO of the Jumper Classic. "Moving the dates has meant we can offer riders an opportunity to return to the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, a New England tradition for show jumping's top equestrians and its devoted fan base, without a conflict in dates."

In the past four years, top international rider Kent Farrington has won the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix, three times, twice with USEF Show Jumping Horse of the Year Up Chiqui and once on Madison. Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward returned from the Beijing Olympics to win the 2009 $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix aboard Goldika after his stunning win aboard Sapphire at the Olympics the previous week.

In 2008, the Jumper Classic moved from the Myopia Hunt Club Schooling Fields in South Hamilton, MA, to Hampton Falls, NH. The move provides not only superb footing and a venue that is unparalleled for a competition of this caliber, but also accommodates the ever-growing exhibitor and spectator crowds. The Silver Oak Equestrian Center is home to Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior rider Victoria Birdsall.

Bridget Fleming, who has worked with the Jumper Classic as exhibitor, vendor, and show official, has seen all sides of the event before taking on her new role as show manager. For her, 2010 offers many new opportunities. "We look forward to the continued growth and improvement catering to the needs of the horse and rider satisfaction. Positive changes will only add to a better experience for our exhibitors."

Offering more jumper classes, two all-weather rings running concurrently, and the grass Coldwell Banker Previews Grand Prix Field, the Jumper Classic will release the 2010 Prize List online this spring. Visit www.jumperclassic.com or become a fan on Facebook or Twitter for updates. For additional information, call (978) 283-7708.