Are you searching for the perfect summer family activity? Then check out the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic horse show, July 9-25, at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field located at the corner of Route 87 and Chagrin River Road in Moreland Hills.
The highlight of the horse show is the $30,000 Cleveland Grand Prix on Sunday, July 18, featuring exciting competition among top local riders and Olympic riders. The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic is proud to announce that this is the 45th anniversary of the Cleveland Grand Prix.
Whether you prefer spending the day watching exciting horse show jumping, or strolling through the lush Cleveland Metroparks and shopping at antique and gift boutiques, or seeing the sparkle in your child’s eyes when they take their first carriage ride or compete in a horseless horse show—the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic has something for everyone, all for one ticket!
Show Jumping Competition
The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic will begin with the Schneider Saddlery Opening Weekend competition Friday, July 9 through Sunday, July 11. Visitors can enjoy local equestrian competition from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, July 9, the Classic will host the Riders with Disabilities competition, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
National horse show jumping competition will begin on Wednesday, July 14. Three rings of competition will be run simultaneously from 8 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 8:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, July 18, there will be two rings of competition running from 8 a.m. until approximately noon and at 1:30 p.m. the Cleveland Grand Prix festivities begin, with competition beginning at 2:30 p.m.
New this year, the Classic will include a third weekend of horse show jumping competition, Thursday, July 22, through Sunday, July 25. Three rings of competition will be run simultaneously from 8 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. each day.
Special Attractions
Visitors can enjoy unique boutiques from as far away as Texas and Florida. The shopper’s paradise displays jewelers, artists, clothing, gifts, horse and dog equipment, and a selection of eateries. The beautiful Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field will be accented by floral arrangements and horticulture creations, displaying the talents of many local landscapers and nurseries.
Family Weekend
Along with daily show jumping competition Friday, July 16, through Sunday, July 18, will include daily exhibitions by The Classic K-9 Show, Family Fun Day activities (including carriage rides, the Horseless Horse Show, appearances by Hunter the Horse, and arts and crafts) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, and Grand Prix Day festivities on Sunday, July 18.
Competition Highlights
The $10,000 Welcome Stake will be held after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 16. This competition, sponsored by the Friends of Sarah Steffee, will display exciting jumper action. The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Craighead Farm and Magic Hoof Cushion, will take place after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. This competition showcases top show hunters from around the country.
Sunday, July 18, will open with championship hunter and jumper classics at 8 a.m. Grand Prix festivities will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the highlight of the Classic, the $30,000 Cleveland Grand Prix, begins at 2:30 p.m. This competition features the nation’s top horses and riders competing over jumps of five-foot heights and widths. The Cleveland Grand Prix, North America’s first show jumping grand prix, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
Ticket Prices
General admission tickets are free July 9-15, $5 Adult/$3 Senior and 12 & under July 16, $5 Adult/$3 Senior/Free 12 & under July 17, $10 Adult/$5 Senior and 12 & under July 18, and free July 22-25. Tickets are available at the gate. Classic Box Seating is available in advance.
The Classic is presented by the Chagrin Valley Professional Horsemen’s Association (PHA) Horse Show, Inc. This nonprofit organization, headed by a voluntary Board of Trustees, is comprised of local residents, business leaders and equestrians who run the show with a large volunteer team of more than 200 individuals.