Green Cove Springs, FL-November 29, 2010- Winter plans are in the making and the management of the 2011 Jacksonville Series has made some enticing changes for exhibitors to consider.
The first news centers on the schedule going to three weeks instead of the five in previous years. “The reduction of weeks was due to a combination of the upside down economy and the USEF date rotation that put the first week so close to New Years.” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company and show manager of the Jacksonville Series said. The dates for 2011 will be January 12th through January 30th. Management feels the abbreviated schedule helps to alleviate the pressure of rushing precious Holiday time with families that some trainers might have faced, as well as exhibitors who need to arrange airline transportation. “Booking flights during the Holidays is hard and busy enough so why should we add more stress to our exhibitors.” Bell added.
Susie Rindal of the Jacksonville Winter Series has gone all out in creating a unique atmosphere where exhibitors can relax and/or dine at “The Margues at Green Cove Springs”. This special open seating tent will be adjacent to the grand prix arena. Rindal has arranged an array of parties and activities guaranteed to delight exhibitors each weekend. Wristbands for admission to all festivities held in “The Margues” will be sold on a weekly basis; cost for persons over age 12 will be $40 and $25 for those under 12 years of age. The only exception to admission coverage will be the Carrabba’s Italian Grill Charity Luncheon on January 22nd. Arrangements for wristbands and/or luncheon tickets can be made through the horse show office.
To kick things off the Jacksonville Series’ first week will host international elites from the discipline of show jumping with two major events. Friday evening, the 14th, will be an excellent preview of the world class athletes competing over the weekend, exhibitors and guests are invited to cocktails, dinner and the $25,000 FEI Welcome Class. And no one wants to miss the thrills of Saturday evening’s $100,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier event presented by Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club. “This is always the most anticipated class of the series! We are privileged to have some of the world’s most recognized names from the Olympics to World Equestrian Games compete here. It’s always an exciting night.” Bell said.
Week two’s jumper highlights will include the $3,500 Gamblers Choice, always a fast paced-quick thinking event. Following the awards presentation guests are invited to cocktails and dinner. Sunday afternoon’s featured attraction will be the $25,000 Grand Prix. “Folks can make a day of it at the horse show on Sunday; we’ll have a benefit luncheon and afterwards some great show jumping to entertain them.” Bell said. And for a finale weekend the spotlight will turn to the $10,000 Children’s- Adult Jumper Classic on Friday, January 28th and the $25,000 Grand Prix on Saturday, January 29th.
Moving over to the Hunter rings-in January of 2009 USEF passed the rule change proposed by USHJA in the point structure for the professional hunter divisions that effectively meant deciding champions by the amount of money won versus points earned. Last year the Jacksonville Winter Series attempted to use the new rule to make big changes to the professional divisions that would serve both the horses’ and owners’ best interest by running only three over fence classes and one under saddle class for each of the professional sections, while preserving the prize money amounts equal to the five classes of previous years. “In 2010 we offered the four class divisions to save both the horse a trip and time to keep the show going. We had mixed reviews so for this coming season we will return to the five class division structure which will allow exhibitors to get their State Association points (those are not based on money won).” Bell shared.
Other news for the Hunter competitors is the addition of weekly $2500 USHJA National Hunter Classics currently on the schedule for noon of each Friday. “These classes are popular and a wonderful way for our amateur riders to enjoy a Derby experience similar to the professionals.” Bell said.
However, the biggest news for the Hunters is during week two of the series with the debut of the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Jerry Parks, Great American Insurance Group and The Bruning Foundation.
Scheduled for Saturday January 22nd, it will be a celebration of the Hunters complete with Cocktails, Dinner, and a Silent Auction to benefit HOPE Therapeutic Riding Center. To make the Derby even more exciting on the Friday evening before there will be a special Calcutta where guests can bid on their favorites to win the Derby!
“We have so much to offer to our exhibitors this season, new classes each week and more social gatherings. I believe once they read the prize list and see all that’s available; Jacksonville Winter Series will be one of the stops on their winter itinerary. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new season!” Bell concluded.
The Jacksonville Winter Series begins January 12th at the Green Cove Springs Show Grounds for 3 weeks of exciting fun in the sun! Featuring the $100,000 Green Cove Springs CSI3*-W Grand Prix, $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, $10,000 Children’s Adult Jumper Classic, and two $25,000 Show Jumping Grand Prix-plus numerous social gatherings weekly!
To learn more about 2011 Jacksonville Winter Series please visit www.nfhja.com or www.classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503. You can also email questions or information request to [email protected] . To book hotel or condo reservations please contact Connections at 800-262-9974.