For Immediate Release:  February 16, 2018

Gulfport, Mississippi

The Gulf Coast Classic and Classic Company is pleased to announce that Kruse Cushion Ride (KCR) has returned as the Official Footing for the Gulf Coast and Classic Company horse shows and is named title sponsor of the inaugural Kruse Cushion Ride Classic Hunter Derby.

Angela Millon and in the KCR Classic Hunter Derby

The Kruse Cushion Ride Classic Hunter Derby made its debut Week I of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic in the Main Hunter Ring. The KCR Hunter Derby offers a weekly purse of $2,000 and also awards low and high non pro rider bonuses. "I used to do the USHJA Hunter Derbies when they first started and really enjoyed them," commented Angela Millon. "With all the professionals competing in them, it was hard to get a ribbon even after earning an 82 score. When I read the specs on this class, it got me off the bench and back into a Derby. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it next week too," she added.  The KCR Hunter Derby will be held each week in the Main Hunter Ring, except for Week V, when the KCR Hunter Derby will take to the beautiful grand prix field.

Each year since 2015, the Gulf Coast Classic Company has added KCR footing in more rings and schooling areas. The improvements were met with rave reviews from riders and course designers alike, including Michel Vaillancort, Pan American Course Designer and Olympic Medalist. Most importantly, KCR footing has continued to consistently perform, year after year.

Professional Shannon Hicks rode several horses in the Week I $25,000 Domino's Grand Prix, "The sky just opened up here half way through the class, which is what happens sometimes when you horse show. I've never seen so much rain come down! But the footing was really great and despite the rain, provided a safe surface on which to compete," she commented.

Allen Rheinheimer, Technical Coordinator for the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies as well as the 2015 World Cup Finals commented, "We chose Kruse Cushion Ride because it stabilizes sand without making it too tight and too firm for jumping. The footing decreases the concussion from jumping while it also stabilizes the surface. It's been used in many places and has been consistent in delivering the same results every time," he added.

Kruse Cushion Ride can be applied to new arenas as well as pre-existing rings. It works great on moisture and has a uniform color. It is graded at the facility and can be sorted by fiber type as well as color to guarantee its consistency.

Kruse Cushion Ride is made of recycled material, "We care about competitors and their horses," commented Gulf Coast Classic President, Bob Bell. "The KCR product does not arrive with a health warning label and has continuously proven itself as excellent footing," he said. "KCR reduces the amount of maintenance needed in the KCR arenas," added Allen Rheinheimer, Technical Coordinator for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and Classic Company Shows.

The material is used equally in outdoor and indoor arena applications. The difference is the cost effective nature of the product. The environmentally friendly composition of post-consumer material is integral. KCR footing is the perfect way to allow farm owners and families to enjoy the perfect riding surface without materials that break down which can become hazardous.

Each arena has different needs and requires a specific amount of material to ensure the best performance. Proper installation is key to the success of their product and those riding on it. KCR is able to evaluate each ring on an individual basis and make recommendations from there.

Visit Krusecushionride.com or talk to Allen Rheinheimer at the shows for more information.

CELEBRATE OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH US!
The AA six week circuit kicked off in Gulfport, Mississippi on February 7th and has plenty to offer your entire barn. The $5 3' and 3'3" Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions are back and that's right...only $5 for the entire division! What a great way to earn mileage for your up and coming hunters and riders! The offering has been extended to the Young Hunter Division too! Only $5 for the Young Hunter Division. All 3' and 3'3" Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions will be qualifiers for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic slated for the Atlanta Fall Classic. Top qualifiers do not pay an entry fee to compete! Start earning your points now!
The prize list is online so enter and pay for your stalls now and enjoy the savings all winter long!

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE:
The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby is scheduled for Week V, March 9
$1,500 USHJA Pony Derby Week III, February 23rd
$500 USHJA Zone 4 Children's Hunter Pony Handy Hunter, Week IV NO ENTRY FEE
$1,000 USHJA Zone 4 Children's/Adult Amateur Handy Hunter Week IV NO ENTRY FEE

WEEKLY:
$25,000 Grand Prix
$7,500 Open Welcome
$5,000 1.25 M Gulf Coast Jumper Classic
$2,500 1.20 m Jr/AO Jumper Classic
$3,000 1.30 m Jr/AO Jumper Classic
$5,000 1.40 m Jr/AO Jumper Classic
$2,000 Kruse Cushion Ride Classic Hunter Derby PLUS $1,000 Non-Pro Rider Bonus Awarded Each Week-Week V takes place on the world-class grass grand prix field
$1,000 Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions 3' and 3'3" $5 Division Entry Fee
Young Hunter Divisions, 3', 3'3" and 3'6" $5 Division Entry Fee

Come discover why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is the smart choice and the preferred destination show location for winter circuits. Join us in the winner's circle this winter!

All sponsorship and press inquires should contact Lisa Davis Engel. All program advertising requests should be directed to Drew Coster.

875 Beach Boulevard

Biloxi, MS 39530

Luxury is what it's all about! Beau Rivage is a 32 story, 1740 room AAA Four Diamond resort. With two gourmet restaurants, BR Prime and Jia, new Casino lounge, Tom Fazio designed Fallen Oak golf course, 85,000 square foot casino, spa, salon and lots of shopping, this is the ultimate destination on the Gulf Coast.  Visit the website for a complete tour of the resort.

9475 US 49

Gulfport, MS 39503

The Best Western Plus Seaway Inn is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $59 per night.
Just off Highway 49, this airy hotel is a short distance from the Equestrian Center.
Featuring free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels, the contemporary rooms offer desks, coffeemakers, minifridges and microwaves. Suites have in-room whirpool tubs and/or sitting areas. Exterior corridors leading to the rooms surround a courtyard. Amenities include free hot breakfast & parking, an airport shuttle, a pool in a courtyard, and a cocktail lounge. There's also a business center and a fitness facilities.
Pet Friendly.

9445 US 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-868-3300

Horse Show Rate of $64 per night.
Off Interstate 10, this casual hotel is short distance from the Equestrian Center.

The traditional-style rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers; some have seating areas with pull-out sofas and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. Freebies include hot buffet breakfast, an airport shuttle and parking. There's also an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a furnished terrace, in addition to a business center and meeting space. Pet Friendly.

Call 228-868-3300 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.

9515 US 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-679-1700

The award winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport - Airport is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $89 per night.
You can enjoy a relaxing stay at our Gulfport accommodations, ideally located off I-10 and Highway 49, just a short distance from the Equestrian Center. Also, be sure to enjoy the complimentary airport shuttle provided by our hotel to the nearby Gulfport Airport. While lodging in Gulfport, take advantage of our heated, indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center and on-site restaurant, which offers a casual dining atmosphere where kids can eat for free.

Book Online or Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.