“We are grateful to all those responsible for the support and recognition of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit, a well-deserving and much needed cause,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, City of Boston, who will be on-hand to celebrate the Putnam Boston Equestrian Classic Preview Party.
“We are delighted to have both the equestrians from the Boston Equestrian Classic and the Boston Park Rangers show the public their talents at this picturesque location in downtown Boston,” said Antonia Pollak, Boston Park Commissioner.
The demonstration will be held at the premiere location on the Boston Common, located at the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets and will consist of Olympic Grand Prix Show Jumping by six riders who will perform over a course designed by Show Manager, John Manning. Following, there will be an exhibition by the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit. When the equestrian activities are complete, the Sponsors and Patrons will walk across the Boston Common to an invite-only social reception on the Roof of the Taj Boston hotel. The Boston Common gathering is a preview to the main event taking place on September 8 – 11, 2011 at the Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton, MA.
“The Putnam Boston Equestrian Classic represents the finest in classic show jumping in the Boston area,” said Donald V. Little, Chairman of the Boston Equestrian Classic. “It is an honor to host this amazing tribute to the sport of equestrianism. To top it off, one hundred percent of the proceeds of corporate and individual sponsorships of this preview event will go directly to benefit the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit.”
First established in 1988, the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit is the equestrian troop responsible for protecting the nine parks throughout the City of Boston known as the Emerald Necklace, which covers over 1000 acres and spans more than 5 miles. For many years the Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD), however, budget constraints removed this funding and the horses and seasonal rangers are now entirely sponsored by private individuals and corporations. At one time BPRD stabled and managed over 16 horses, employed 35 individuals and now, because of the challenges with the economy, has reduced to only 6 mounts and 12 staff members creating a significant imbalance for the number of parks and acreage they cover. The Rangers have been an integral part of the park system for many years, providing security and safety as well as a wonderful attraction for all of us to enjoy with their uniforms and stately horses.
“I am so moved by this endeavor, the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit have been in need of this type of charitable effort for a long time,” said Julia H. Donohue, Director of the Friends of Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit. “We are grateful to the Boston Equestrian Classic, Putnam Investments and the Taj Boston for their amazing philanthropic support,” she continued.
This year’s Putnam Boston Equestrian Classic will be held from Thursday, September 8, through Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton, MA. For the second consecutive year, Putnam Investments will serve at the title sponsor for the event, which has a top prize of $50,000 for its showcase Grand Prix event, an increase from last year’s $30,000. The Putnam Boston Equestrian Classic is expected to be bigger and better in 2011, promising new celebrities, new entertainment, and all the excitement from last year, yet much more. For more information please visit www.bostonequestrianclassic.com.