Gulf Coast Winter Classics 2022 |
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On the War Path!
Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s War Machine Clinch the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix Win
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For Immediate Release: February 27, 2022
Gulfport, Mississippi
Week 2 wrapped up with Shepherd and War Machine winning the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix as the only horse and rider team to turn in a clear first round in a time of 79.028 seconds out of a field of twenty horse and rider teams.
Shepherd commented, “The course was a little bit tricky and had some technical rides. The footing and course were good, but it was built so that that the jumps came down easy. I think the oxer line got half the class and the combination away from home was a little tight in the triple too,” she said.
“I was third to go, so I just wanted to be under the 86 seconds time allowed and go clear in my first round,” she added.
War Machine is a new horse for Shepherd. “We just got him last November. An Amateur owned him in Sweden, but we got him in Germany where he had done some young jumpers. We tracked him down and I fell in love. I figured I could give him the extra mileage myself,” she said. “He’s new to the Grand Prix ring and he’s only done a couple of them,” she said. “But he is fantastic to ride, a gentleman around the ring and super scopey,” she added. “I’m really thankful for Loretta Patterson; she is a great horse owner and a really good friend. And I am also so thankful for Dennis Murphy and Pat Bostwick for all of their help!"
Second place finisher was Colby Coltrain of Argyle, Texas, aboard Gianna Aycock’s Conquer. The pair turned in a four fault first round in a time of 73.963 seconds. Third place was awarded to Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida, and Light Speed Equestrian’s Dubolensky for their four fault first round in a time of 75.177 seconds.
Fourth went to Collin Reynolds of Oxford, Pennsylvania, and his own Chicco W for their four fault first round in a time of 76.076 seconds and fifth was awarded to Allison Kroff of Scottsdale, Arizona, and TC Sport Horses, LLC’s T-Quick Hurricane Z for their four fault first round in a time of 76.358 seconds.
Elizabeth Schumann of Ocala, Florida and Light Speed Equestrian’s Denison Park Combat earned a sixth-place finish and Kroff returned to the winner’s circle to pick up a seventh-place ribbon with Imara M, owned by TC Sport Horses, LLC.
Eighth was awarded to Christian Rogge of Cypress, Texas and Avequest, LLC’s Cashmere 33 and Brian Murphy and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Monte Classico earned a ninth-place finish.
Katey Kozeny of Tempe, Arizona piloted her own Isolde De Wacht to a tenth-place finish and Shepherd picked up the eleventh-place ribbon with Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules. Kroff and Elyse Buscema’s Emmy Lu 3 wrapped up the class with a twelfth-place ribbon.
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Not every business or company can claim they have stood the test of time.
It means continuing to serve with dedication over many years if not decades. It means making a commitment and always staying the course through thick and thin.
The EMO Agency has stayed the course for 3 decades, thirty years, making sure the finest coverages from the best companies were made available at competitive prices and delivered rain or shine 24/7/365.
When you ride with the EMO Agency you can be confident that you are safely riding with the leaders.
World-Wide Coverage for the equine industry! Visit them on the web for more information.
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The Clothes Horse is the Official Awards Sponsor of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. The Clothes Horse has been manufacturing custom made horse blankets, tack room drapes and trunk covers since 1972.
The Clothes Horse now makes items for some of the most prestigious show barns and horse shows in the country, as well as for private horse owners nationwide. The Clothes Horse has grown to be the manufacturer of the most elegant and well-crafted horse products available. Visit them at online.
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Brian Murphy Pilots Dubolensky to the Win in the $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome
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Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida rode Light Speed Equestrian’s Dublolensky to the winner’s circle in the $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome Classic on Friday, besting a field of twenty-three horse and rider teams.
The first round was set with a time allowed of 88 seconds and the second round at 48 seconds. Fourteen would post double clear rounds, but the winning time belonged to Murphy and Dublolensky, posting double clear rounds and a second-round time of 33.481 seconds. The pair were the last to go in the class and beat Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Manchester’s previous leading time of 34.226 seconds.
Final results put Colby Coltrain of Argyle, Texas and Gianna Aycock’s Conquer in third place for their double clear rounds with a second-round time of 34.495 seconds. Murphy picked up a fourth place with Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Monte Classico for their double clear rounds and a second-round time of 39.534 seconds. Shepherd also collected a fifth place with Loretta Patterson’s War Machine for their double clear rounds and second round time of 36.506 seconds.
Elizabeth Schumann earned a sixth-place finish aboard Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Princeton for their double clear rounds and a second-round time of 36.577 seconds.
Christian Rogge of Pinehurst, Texas, aboard Avequest, LLC’s Cashmere 33 won seventh place for their double clear rounds and a second-round time of 37.211 seconds.
Chicco W, owned and ridden by Collin Reynolds of Oxford, Pennsylvania, placed eighth with double clear rounds and a second-round time of 37.604 seconds. Kelly Arvidson of Nashville, Tennessee, and Ark Partners, LLC’s Oak Groves Celebrity, winner of the Week 1 $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 m Jumper Classic, earned a ninth-place finish with double clear rounds and a second-round time of 37.633 seconds.
Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules placed tenth overall and Allison Kroff of Scottsdale, Arizona in the irons of Elyse Buscema’s Emmy Lu 3, placed eleventh and twelfth with TC Sport Horses, LLC’s T-Quick Hurricane Z.
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Aycock and La Belle Sauvage Win the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 m Open Jumper Classic
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Gianna Aycock of Argyle, Texas and her own La Belle Sauvage won the Week 2 $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 m Open Jumper Classic Saturday, besting a field of eleven horse and rider teams.
With a first-round time allowed set at 91 seconds, only five would advance to second round opportunities.
Brian Murphy, winner of the Friday $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome, was the first to turn in double clear rounds in the irons of Ina Mcnichols’ Ambassador Van Berkenbroek Z. The pair beat the second time round allowed of 48 seconds with their own 41.231 seconds and set the new time to beat.
Dennis Murphy of Vandiver, Alabama aboard Lila Sessums’ Jet was the next pair to advance to a second round and although clear, their time of 41.726 seconds wasn’t fast enough to beat Murphy and Ambassador Van Berkenbroek Z’s leading time.
Allen Nabors of Morriston, Florida rode his own Bonchatsworth Pierre to double clear rounds and their second-round time of 38.364 seconds, propelled the pair to the lead. Four rounds later, Aycock and La Belle Sauvage took the Grand Prix field and the lead after posting double clear rounds with a second-round time in 35.393 seconds.
Elizabeth Schuman of Ocala, Florida and Light Speed Equestrian LLC’s Elvis Blue Hallelujah finished up the class with double clear rounds and a second-round time of 43.600 seconds, finishing in fifth place overall.
Final results saw Aycock and La Belle Sauvage in the winner’s circle with Nabors and Bonchatsworth Pierre in second. Brian Murphy and Ambassador Van Berkenbroek Z finished in third place while Dennis Murphy and Jet took home fourth.
Schumann and Light Speed Equestrian’s Up to You De Lorage, the fastest of the four-fault first rounds, placed fifth overall and Shannon Hicks riding Helen Gilbert’s Lucio, placed seventh overall.
Katey Kozeny of Tempe, Arizona and her own Cincinatti Reds wrapped up the class with an eighth place.
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About Schneiders Saddlery |
At Schneider’s, their family-owned company has maintained a dedication to value, product quality, innovation, customer service, and a love and commitment to the equestrian industry. Visit them online at sstack.com.
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Derby Queen Shepherd Pilots Sincerely to the Win! |
Derby Queen Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama in the irons of EMO Stables’ Sincerely grabbed the blue ribbon in the Week 2 installment of the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, besting a field of sixteen horse and rider teams.
Shepherd commented, “I love riding for the Oares, they are just the nicest people. Sincerely went really well this week. She [Sincerely] was also Champion in the 3’6” Greens and I think that horse has a lot of future in her,” she added.
“The course was good, and it was a little bit intricate. There was a trot bounce combination and there were some inside turns available to step up your game a bit. It’s a great class and I hope to qualify for the Finals,” said Shepherd.
Nicole Harris’ Le Diplomate, ridden by Jason Schnelle of Collierville, Tennessee, placed second overall. Naomi Gillen of Eads, Tennessee, earned the third and fourth place ribbons with Calder Trotz’ Fate and Ella Trots’ As Ever, respectively.
Peroni, owned by Carol Meharry and ridden by Gabrielle Young of Spring Hill, Kansas, placed fifth and won the $200 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Diamante T, owned and ridden by Caitlin Burns of Denton, Texas, placed sixth as well as won the $300 Marshall & Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Burns also won the $200 Marshall & Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus with her own Fila; the pair placed twelfth overall.
Wind Haven Farm’s Ollivander, ridden by Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana, placed seventh overall and Claudios, owned and ridden by Rebekah Laconsay of Robertsdale, Alabama, earned an eighth-place finish as well as won the $300 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Heidi Duke’s Delaney, ridden by Naomi Gillen of Eads, Tennessee, placed ninth and Lena Perger’s Debakey, ridden by Laura Simpson of Albuquerque, New Mexico earned a tenth-place finish. Calistro, owned by Kristin Kulinski and ridden by Ellarose Lewis of Ethel, Louisiana, finished in eleventh place.
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About Marshall & Sterling |
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at all Gulf Coast and Classic shows and new for 2022, the title sponsor of the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling 3’ and 3’3” Classic Hunter Derby Finals, with Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, slated for Week 2 of the Aiken Summer Classic.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options, uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.
Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs, and those who just plain love horses. With a client service and claims team second to none, one quick call to their office will provide you with instant answers.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance has been around for more than 100 years. Reach out to the company that stands the test of time. For more information visit them on the web.
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EquiFit Childrens Hunter:
Below Deck continues winning streak!
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Madison Poole of Shamong, New Jersey, returned to the winner’s circle week 2 to claim her championship in the EquiFit Children’s Hunter Division with her own Below Deck. This makes two in a row for the New Jersey native.
More Optimistic, owned and ridden by Lauren Paz of Collierville, Tennessee was the EquiFit Childrens Hunter Reserve Champion.
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EquiFit’s love of horses, as well as experience in the ring, in the barn and on the road drives every idea and influences every decision they make.
EquiFit is dedicated to providing excellence in both products and service to customers and their horses.
For more information on how EquiFit is bringing new industry leading technology to equestrians around the world every day, visit EquiFit.net.
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Thank you to Domino’s for a rocking great Friday Exhibitor Party! Mardi Gras season is underway here on the Gulf and we hope everyone enjoys themselves!
Please join us next Friday for another fabulous wine and cheese reception adjacent to the Marshall & Sterling Hunter Lounge-sponsored by Equest Farms! All are welcome!
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The Domino's Exhibitor Party was a huge success! |
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Join us every Friday for Exhibitor Appreciation Parties! All are Welcome! |
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About Marshall & Sterling Insurance |
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Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Marshall & Sterling Hunter Classics at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and Classic Company shows in 2022.
Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs and those who just plain love horses.
Their client service and claims team is dedicated exclusively to support their horse insurance clients. One quick call to their office will provide instant answers to your questions. Claims are handled quickly and efficiently. They work to exceed every customer’s expectation for quality and service.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options, uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is your true advocate when it matters most—when you apply for insurance, and when your horse has an accident, becomes sick, or injured.
For more information, visit them online or call their office at 800-836-3046.
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Sidelines Magazine is the Official Equestrian Lifestyle Magazine of the Gulf Coast and Classic Company and is title sponsor of the Sidelines Green Hunter 3’ and 3’3” Divisions at all 2022 Classic events.
Click here for a discounted subscription to Sidelines Magazine.
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Prize List and Online Entries |
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Click to download Prize List |
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Join us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! |
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The 2022 Gulf Coast Winter Classic kicked off on February 16th on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast and runs through March 27th.
Back by popular demand is the NO ENTRY FEE Grand Prix! That’s right: Pay for the Welcome and enter the $25,000 Grand Prix for ZERO DOLLARS! This is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable mileage for your horses and riders without breaking the bank. Ride courses designed by world-class course designers on the best grass grand prix field in the country every week of the circuit!
Each week also offers the $5,000 1.25m Schneiders Saddlery Open Jumper Classic and Jr/Adult Jumper Classics
The Gulf Coast Winter Classic also offers special Hunter competitions every week:
EVERY WEEK:
The $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3’ and 3’3”, including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses are offered every week and are all qualifiers for the No Entry Fee $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby Finals held at the Aiken Summer Classic Week II.
$1,000 Green 3'6"/3'9" Incentive Classic each week
$1,000 Green 3'/3'3" Incentive and Challenge Classics each week
Week 3:
Week 4:
WCHR
Week 4 Multiple Division Classics each week
Week 5:
$10,777 USHJA International Hunter Derby
All entries are online and you can reserve your stalls now!
The facility is fantastic and its claim to fame is the beautiful grass grand prix field that rivals Spruce Meadows. Ample stabling, complimentary Riders’ Lounges, just minutes from the Biloxi Gulfport Airport, the beach and hotels.
Gulfport is situated along the pristine beaches of the Gulf of Mexico with charming waterfront towns, fine dining and shopping. If you’re craving entertainment, take the short drive to neighboring Biloxi or head to New Orleans.
Exciting sponsorship and vending opportunities are still available for our upcoming 2022 Gulf Coast and Classic Company show season. Contact Lisa Davis Engel for more information.
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About the Gulf Coast Classic Company |
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The Gulf Coast Classic Company’s philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, the Gulf Coast Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.
Service is what sets the Gulf Coast and Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. The Gulf Coast and Classic Company provides champion service from in-gates to show office. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at the Gulf Coast and Classic Company produced events each year.
All sponsorship, vendor and media inquiries should be directed to Lisa Davis Engel.
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Official Lodging Partners
Support the hotels that support the Gulf Coast Winter Classics
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Harrah’s Gulf Coast is a Caesars Entertainment destination. Located on the beaches of Biloxi, Mississippi, the resort and casino features a 35,000-square-foot casino that includes a sports and entertainment venue, 406 Club, and a sports wagering venue, Caesars Sportsbook, along with five dining amenities: Magnolia House, a fine-dining restaurant by James Beard Award semi-finalist, Chef Kelly English, the American Classic, Steak ‘n Shake, Chef Thomas Genin’s The Blind Tiger – Biloxi Beach, fast-casual eatery, Mix & Mingle which connects to an outdoor year-round heated pool, and Starbucks coffeehouse, located in the hotel lobby. The restaurants complement Harrah’s Gulf Coast’s other award-winning amenities, including Grand Bear – a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course – the 16,000-square-foot relaxation retreat Bellissimo Salon & Spa, complete with a fitness center, and The Great Lawn, a 10.5 acre event venue that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring Caesars Rewards®, the most inclusive loyalty program in the country, guests have access to exclusive benefits across the country with the ability to redeem offers and reward credits at any of the 55 destinations within the network. For more information, please visit www.HarrahsGulfCoast.com.
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Hilton Garden Inn Airport |
The Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to all the Gulf Coast offers! Spacious rooms, onsite dining and bar, relaxing pool, fitness room, well-equipped office center, and complimentary airport shuttle are just some of the amenities the Hilton Garden Inn offers its guests. Friendly and courteous staff and well appointed and immaculate rooms will greet you upon your return from a busy day of competing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics! Be sure to use this link and enter corporate id: 3302632 to get your discounted room rates!
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Centennial Plaza, i s located directly across from the white, sandy beaches in Gulfport, MS. This property boasts the 152-room Oasis Resort which includes a full-service casual American eatery, alongside of the 63-room boutique hotel known as the Grand Centennial Hotel. The 3-acre water playground complete with slides, a lazy river and splash pad, complete the property. As an added feature, guests can enjoy the roughly 48 acres of neatly manicured grounds, much of it shaded by majestic Live Oak trees. Amenities include: Beach Front Views · Free Parking · Free Wifi· Water Playground · 24 Hour Business Center · Dancing Fountain · On-Site Breakfast Dining · On-Site Casual Dining · On-Site Bar(s) · Swim Up Bar · Event Venues · Meeting Spaces. In order to receive the horse show rate, use discount code GCWCHS22 when booking online.
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The newly renovated Residence Inn Marriott, a pet-friendly hotel located across from the Biloxi/Gulfport airport and ten minutes from the show grounds offer spacious accommodations for you and are pet-friendly. This all-suite hotel provides convenience and great amenities such as grocery shopping service, fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, seasonal outdoor pool and a daily hot breakfast buffet. Enjoy a spacious studio, one or two-bedroom suites offering separate living, eating and sleeping areas, complimentary high-speed Internet, full kitchens and luxurious bedding. Horse Show competitors will receive a 12% discount off the regular rate. Be sure to use these rate codes when booking your lodging at the Residence Inn Gulfport for each room type:
GQFI-Studio Suites
GQFO-One-Bedroom Suites
GQFP-Two-Bedroom Suites
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Elegance economy style! When showing this winter at the Gulf, the Sleep Inn offers stylish, comfortable, and affordable accommodations. Complimentary Wi-Fi, onsite copy and fax services, free parking, and complementary hot breakfast every day!
Guest rooms include a coffee maker with free tea and coffee, as well as a refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer and work desk. When you book with the Sleep Inn & Suites you can count on a simply stylish and restful stay. In order to receive the horse show rate, use discount code GCWCHS22 when booking online.
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Dad’s Camper Outlet is an RV dealership with three locations serving southern Mississippi in Gulfport, Lucedale, and Picayune. They offer camper rentals and a 15% discount to those competing at this year’s Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Use the code horses when booking online or call 601-653-9292 and connect with Amber at x702 or Kristine at x700 to make your reservation. Reserve the camper that suits your needs and have it delivered to the show grounds!
Their friendly and experienced staff are ready to offer outstanding service at every point, from assisting while you’re making your choice to ongoing maintenance and customization. At Dad’s Camper Outlet, they value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with their customers and do that by exceeding your expectations.
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Gulf Coast Classic Company | Website
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