It was Surf, Sun and Fireworks at the Huntington Beach Surf Classic

Jamie Taylor and Kristin Hardin Take Home the Blue Ribbons at Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, CA - July 5, 2014 - This week's Huntington Beach Surf Classic featured fireworks in and out of the ring. The Grand Prix Hunter Derby, presented by Villas at Rancho Valencia was held on Friday evening where Jamie Taylor and Patton (owner Marion Lowry) took home the blue ribbon with a score of 173. Nicole Kane riding Samba Gracious (owner Heidi Kane) came in second with a close score of 168. Updated standings are listed below for the Grand Prix Hunter Derby Final held at the Del Mar International Horse Show.

On Saturday, Kristin Hardin and Bert (owner Emily Cohodes) secured the victory in the $25,000 GGT Footing Grand Prix, presented by S&S Bankcard Systems with a jump off time of 28.841. Trailing close on her heels was Lane Clarke riding Kiss The Sky (owner Horsemanship Unlimited) with a time of 29.106. Kristin said, "The time allowed made it really challenging. The horses jump great on that footing. You can really take a shot when the footing is that perfect in the Jump Off." Lane Clarke of Mickey Hayden Show Jumping brought all 3 of his horses through to the jump off that had 7 competitors vie for the win.

Kristin Hardin and Bert

Lane Clarke and Semira De Saulieu

Photos by Bethany Unwin

Before the Grand Prix, a beautiful cocktail party was organized by the vendors of the Huntington Beach Surf Classic. Renee Spurge of LA Saddlery organized the event with other vendor partners including CWD and Equiline. The cocktail party brought exhibitors to the vendors where they were treated to in store specials. Renee emphasized that the vendors are there to support the exhibitors with their apparel and tack needs throughout the shows. This was a really nice way to connect with their client base and was enjoyed by all.

Toni McIntosh and Lexito