Press Releases

THE 12TH ANNUAL AHJF HUNTER CLASSIC SPECTACULAR RETURNS TO WELLINGTON

Photo by ©Diana DeRosa

Wellington, FL - February 11, 2008 - On February 23, 2008, 7:00-10:00 p.m. The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation will host its 12th annual AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular at the 2008 CN Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. The battle is on to qualify for this no entry fee event which showcases the top national amateur, junior and professional show hunter riders under the lights in the beautiful new all-weather footing International Arena. The International Club is where the party will be happening for the AHJF's major fundraising dinner.

Since its inception in 1997, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular has been a highlight event for hunter horses and riders, who put great effort into being one of the lucky competitors to qualify. Champion and reserve champion riders, who are current members of the AHJF, qualify throughout the week (February 20-23) in the various hunter divisions to compete in this prestigious two-round competition under the lights. Approximately $50,000 (through 12th place) is awarded with $12,000 guaranteed to the winner. Since it is an add-back competition the final prize money is not determined until that night.

Eight judges are paired in teams of two and positioned in four places around the arena. Roughly, 25 horses compete in the first round and the top eight come back for a second round. The height of the fences varies from 3'6" to 4'. The winner of the class is the horse with the highest two-round score.

The final list won't be decided until that day but a number of competitors are already qualified. These include Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX--the 2007 Monarch International WCHR Pro Champion; Tim Goguen, Wellington, FL, who was last year's winner; Kirsten Coe, Toluca, CA, the winner of the 2007 WCHR Pro Challenge; Krista Weisman, Sherborn, MA, 2007 WCHR Amateur-Owner Champion and Lucy Davis, Los Angeles, CA, 2007 WCHR Junior Champion.

Mr. & Mrs. S. Craig Lindner along with Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs will chair the activity happening in the International Club. The annual dinner party overlooking the main arena is one of the AHJF's major fundraisers. The tent - filled with sponsors who have purchased tables - buzzes with conversation while on the hillside around the arena friends, family and newcomers enjoy watching the nation's top hunters.

The activities start around 6:30. While the VIP Tent is humming the horses and riders begin by first walking the course before the formal introduction of each of the riders to the public. Riders and horses will then be prepping in the schooling area before they enter the ring, beginning at 7:30, to each take their turn over the galloping hunter course.

In addition to the prize money, the winner will receive a saddle donated by CM Hadfield's Saddlery; the "The Dark Continent" trophy, courtesy of Jim Green; a custom jacket specially designed by Personalized Products; a cooler donated by Grazing Fields Farm; Leather halters and leather shanks for the top 12 riders. Additionally, the winning trainer will receive a check for $1,000, 2nd place $750, 3rd $500 and 4th $250. The grooms of the 1st through 4th place winners receive a check sponsored by Archie Cox/Brookway Stables. The winning rider receives the "Let's Dance Trophy" established by the AHJF in honor of Friend and Horseman Eugene R. Mische. And all competitors will be in contention for the "Strapless Challenge," with a trophy and check going to anyone winning the class four times.

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider equestrian competition. In 2008 the AHJF also hosts "Bowling for Equestrians," a fundraiser for its Emergency Relief Fund (February 17th in Greenacres, FL); the Legacy Cup (May 8-17 in Lexington, KY) and the WCHR Professional Finals (October 3 in Upper Marlboro, MD).

For more information contact the AHJF, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, email: ahjf@earthlink.net.