Hampton Falls, NH - World class equestrian competition, elegant luncheons, children's games, aerial entertainment, fine automobiles, and shopping for locally crafted and uncommon specialty items were all part of the 2011 Fidelity InvestmentsJumper ClassicPresented by Porsche last week (September 14-18). Held on the show grounds of the Silver Oak Equestrian Center in Hampton Falls, NH, the event was named one of the Top 25 Horse Shows in North America by the North American Riders Group in 2010.
"It was our biggest turnout to date with many of the top showjumping riders in the country headlining the list of competitors," said Melissa Lovasco, CEO and President of the show. "We had more than 580 horses on the show grounds, more than 40 different classes, local riders and many of the nation's top riders including several Olympic medalists."
Highest Level of Show Jumping Competition
On Sunday, September 18, the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix was hotly contested by 47 riders, but 30-year-old Kent Farrington claimed victory for the fourth time at this show since 2006. He was the star of the day, also winning the preceding class, the $15,000 Speed Stake sponsored by Equine Insurance Services (Presented by Great American). The previous afternoon, he was also victorious in the $12,000 Millbrook Ventures Speed Derby.
For the first time, the Welcome Stake was sponsored by UBS, with a $12,000 purse, and Jeffrey Welles captured first place on Thursday. For all competition results throughout the week, including the children's classes and Master's classes, visit www.jumperclassic.com.
Cars, planes, and musical entertainment
The weekend of the show offered spectators a variety of entertainment. A number of Porsche automobiles were on the grounds for patrons to look at during the horse show. PlaneSense aircraft flew overhead during the PlaneSense Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, prior to the Grand Prix. The University of Maine's all male group of acapella singers performed during The Cayman Islands Intermission on Sunday and also on Saturday and at the Riders' Kickoff Party. The winners of the 107.1 WERZ radio National Anthem Contest were two young equestrians who performed for the audience.
Matti Burns of Boxford, Mass., a student at Dana Hall in Wellesley, Mass. sang the anthem on Sunday during the PlaneSense Opening Ceremonies as skydivers parachuted to the middle of the Grand Prix field with the American flag. Nine-year-old Anthony Ratti of Hanover, Mass. sang the anthem astride an 18+ hand stallion to the delight of the crowds on Saturday.
Gala Luncheons and Ladies' Hat Contest
A show tradition is the VIP luncheon in ringside tents, with a garden party atmosphere and gourmet dining. VIP patrons were invited to participate in the annual Ladies' Hat Contest, which was judged by Sharron McCarthy, President of McLean Communications, Publishers of New Hampshire Home and Parenting NH magazines. Prizes were awarded for Most Elegant Hat, worn by Tammy Ranson of Dracut, Mass., Most Creative Hat worn by Carrie Madison of Newbury, Mass., and Best Children's Hat worn by Tess O'Conell of Wilmington, Mass. "We have been sponsoring the Ladies' Hat Contest for three years and those that participate put a lot of creativity into it. We hope even more will participate next year," said Ms. McCarthy.
As a present to the VIP patrons, gift certificates and a raffle prize were awarded by Links of London.
107.1 WERZ Family Day Activities and Benefit Luncheons
On Saturday, Family Day activities for children included pony rides, Brittany's Bran Mash Derby, face painting and more. Two luncheons were held ringside in the VIP tents to benefit the University of New Hampshire Therapeutic Riding and New England Equine Rescue of West Newbury, Mass. combined with Lucky's Legacy, an equine rescue from Exeter, NH.
Riders' Kickoff Party and Annual Elite Shavings Meet & Greet On Friday evening, sponsors, riders, and invited guests enjoyed a Riders' Kickoff Party, held in the Alpha Flying Hangar in Portsmouth. Presenting Sponsor Porsche held a Porsche Driving Experience on the airfield, while PlaneSense Fractional Aircraft Program gave tours of their elegant and versatile blue and white Swiss-built Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The cocktail reception, also sponsored by Lufthansa and The Cayman Islands, featured chocolate martinis prepared by Unbridled Chocolates of Marlborough, NH as well as a sumptuous selection of light fare prepared by Mizuna of Greenfield, NH.
The largest show of its kind in New England, offering the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix that attracts top riders from far and wide, is the perfect opportunity for fans of the sport to meet their equestrian idols during the annual Elite Shavings Meet & Greet. Many children and young riders came to enjoy having the riders sign posters and a new book featuring their stories. The book, "Unbridled Passion," was released at the show by author and Chairman of the show Jeffrey Papows. Children also won prizes for the best questions. The event, sponsored by Elite Equine Shavings, was catered by Hampton, NH's Bonta Restaurant in the SmartPak Riders' Tent.
The show also brings unique vendors with specialty items, and many sponsors who offer a variety of products and services. "We'd like to thank all of our exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, patrons, volunteers, and staff who made the 2011 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic a very special event this year," said Ms. Lovasco, President & CEO of The Jumper Classic. "It was great fun, and our location in the countryside of Hampton Falls is perfect, with easy access to overnight accommodations, and a classic New England setting with apple orchards nearby. At this time of year, it also marks the end of the outdoor shows, so it's a great sendoff for the summer season."