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Gulf Coast Week 1 Wrap Up
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Feb 17, 2025
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THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC WEEK 1 WRAP UP |
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For Immediate Release: February 17, 2025 Gulfport, Mississippi |
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Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida rode Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP to the win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix, to kick off a successful Week 1 of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic.
With a first-round time allowed of 83 seconds, half of the class qualified for the jump-off round. “Nancy [Wallis] set a lovely course that asked enough questions, but was fair enough to everybody,” commented Murphy.
Denison Park Combat, ridden by Elizabeth Schumann, of Ocala, Florida, and owned by Light Speed Equestrian, LLC, were the first to tackle the jump-off round. While they beat the 52-second time allowed with their own 39.242 seconds, four jump faults would see them finish in fourth. |
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Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules, followed in the jump-off order and her fault-free round in a time of 38.962 seconds, took the lead. The lead was short-lived after Murphy and Chacco took to the field. The pair turned in a fault-free round in a time of 38.347 seconds, taking the lead and moving Shepherd and HJ Hercules to second place. ”I was lucky enough to see Holly go before me in the jump-off. She’s truly the queen of Gulfport and is so difficult to beat,” commented Murphy. “Luckily today was our day and luck was on our side,” he added. “Chacco is a character, super scopey and exceptionally careful.”
Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere followed Murphy and Chacco in the jump-off order, and despite their second round time of 37.764 seconds, four jump faults would see the pair finish in third overall.
Murphy also placed fifth with his own Kiara DP and Schumann returned for a sixth placing with Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Ivanhoe.
Identiek, owned by Susan Cline-Wilkenson and ridden by Kianna Luscher of Hawthorne, New Jersey earned seventh place as the fastest four-fault first round in a time of 74.533 seconds. Luscher also piloted E.G. Ita Vero, owned by Northeast Equi-Wave Therapy, LLC to a ninth placing. Lynn Macyk of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada rode her own Be Aware to an eighth placing and Anna-Rose Klingenstein of Salem Township, Maine, earned a tenth place with Ark Partners, LLC’s Dubolensky as well as an eleventh with Karen McFarland’s Sleipnir Z. Steve Schaefer’s Halo, ridden by Zoe Elizabeth Mielenz of Collierville, Tennessee, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.
“Sunday was really hectic,” said Murphy, “I had six horses in the class. Two for me, two for my partner Lizzy, and my student Anna Rose also had two to ride. The grass field was perfect, and our horses just love to jump out there. We’ve been coming here for seven years now. I only missed last year because of the birth of my son. We love it here, everyone is so nice and helpful, and the grass field is maintained perfectly each week,” he added.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.Te |
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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. EMO is part of the Marshall + Sterling Equisport family.
When you ride with the EMO Agency you can be confident that you are safely riding with the leaders. |
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The Clothes Horse is an Official Awards Sponsor of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics and 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 online.Text Link |
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Murphy and Elvis Winthe $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 m |
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Murphy bested a field of nine horse and rider teams in the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 m with Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Elvis Blue Hallelujah [Elvis].
With a first-round time allowed of 90 seconds, Murphy and Elvis were the first horse and rider team to post a clear first round. They advanced to a second round, posting a fault-free time in 45.731 seconds, beating the 48-seconds time allowed, which took the lead. Oakside LLC’s Currabawn Daisy, ridden by Courtney Wheeler of Jefferson, Louisiana, earned second after posting a clear second round in a time of 47.799 seconds.. Northeast Equi-Wave Therapy, LLC’s E.G. Scotia Boy, ridden by Kianna Luscher finished in third after posting a second-round time in 59.917 seconds.
Elvis is a 10-year-old gelding and, according to Murphy, this was his first class of the year. “He’s jumped some small grand prix, but I felt he we needed one class to shake off the rust. He’s a real trier and I brought him to Gulfport to sell him, so I guess we are off to a good start!” said Murphy. “The grass field felt fantastic and Elvis really enjoyed being out there,” he added.
Fourth place was awarded to Amy Guenther Boyd’s Cleared for Takeoff, ridden by Claudia Billups of Eads, Tennessee, and Loretta Patterson’s War Machine, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, earned fifth place. Beluga Osetra, owned and ridden by Adora Dinh, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, finished in sixth.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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About Schneiders Saddlery |
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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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The Gulf Coast Classic $7,500 Welcome |
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Susan Cline-Wilkenson’s Identiek, ridden by Kianna Luscher won the $7,500 Gulf Coast Classic Welcome to kick off the opening week of the show.
With a first-round time allowed of 93 seconds, six advanced to a second-round opportunity with a time allowed of 45 seconds. Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere were the first to go and advance to a second round, setting the time to beat at 35.663 seconds.
Brian Murphy and his own Kiara DP followed in the order and their second round time in 35.781 seconds, leaving Shepherd in the lead.
Luscher and Northeast Equi-Wave Therapy, LLC’s E.G. Ita Vero followed in the order with a second round time of 37.741 seconds, which would see the pair finish in fifth place.
Elizabeth Schumann and Light Speed Equestrian, LC’s Ivanhoe were the next to advance to a second round. Four jump faults in a time of 44.251 seconds earned them a sixth placing.
Shepherd returned to the Grand Prix field, this time aboard Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules. Their fault-free time in 37.573 seconds earned them a fourth overall. |
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Luscher and Identiek were the last horse and rider team to advance to a second round and with a clear round in a time of 33.939 seconds, took the lead and the win, moving Shepherd and Giovanni Massuere to second place, and Murphy and Kiara DP into third.
According to Luscher, “The track was set really nicely. Nancy [Wallis] and Paul [Jewell] always do a great job. The jumps were far enough apart for the first class of the week, so there was plenty of time to make adjustments where needed. The course worked out quite well for my horse because he has a big step, so I was able to do eight up the first line in the jump off where everyone else was doing nine. The field was absolutely beautiful to ride on, as per usual. It is our favorite part of the horse show and one of the biggest reasons we come to Gulfport.”
Luscher continued, “The show is so incredibly well run and everyone is friendly and accommodating. Overall, it is just a wonderful experience, especially for the young horses to be able to jump classes out on the field.”
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Bon Voyage Wins the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby |
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Derby queen Holly Shepherd is back in Gulfport and kicked off the opening week by earning the win in the $3,500 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, including Non-Pro Rider Bonus, with Jennifer Durr’s Bon Voyage.
Sophia Cruise of Covington, Louisiana, rode Japonica Cruise’s Thank You Robert and CSH Carbonado to second and third place, respectively, and also won the $250 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus with CSH Carbonado and the $250 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus with Thank you Robert.
Calaco R, owned by Wind Haven Farm and ridden by Emma Rheinheimer, of Lebanon, Indiana, placed fourth overall and also earned the $150 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Psychedelic, owned and ridden by Heather Mills of Winona, Minnesota, finished in fifth and also won the Marshall + Sterling 3’ $150 Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Meghan Felts’ Heist, ridden by Blakely Dobronich earned sixth overall and the $100 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Southern Takhi, owned and ridden by Amy Clemson of Hammond, Louisiana, finished in seventh and earned the $100 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Silver Lining, owned and ridden by Sadie Guillory, finished in eighth overall, and Wind Haven Farm’s Vida De Roca NPF, ridden by Emma Rheinheimer, wrapped up the class with a ninth overall.
All riders who earned ribbons in the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby will be provided a free entry for the Week 2, $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby at the Aiken Summer Classic, thanks to the generosity of Marshall + Sterling Insurance.
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Holly Shepherd and Jennifer Durr's Bon Voyage are presented with the first place awards by Gulf Coast Classic Company President Bob Bell in the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby. |
| Sophia Cruise of Covington, Louisiana, and Japonica Cruise’s Thank You Robert, won 2nd overall and won the $150 Non-Pro Rider Bonus in the 3'3" Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby. They are greeted by Gulf Coast Classic Company President Bob Bell. |
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About Marshall + Sterling |
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Marshall + Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at all Gulf Coast and Classic shows.
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. |
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Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter |
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Bon Voyage and Jennifer DurrPerfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Championship18- 49 |
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Congratulations to Jennifer Durr of Folsom Louisiana and her own Bon Voyage on winning the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Championship 18-49.
Durr is part of Summer Haven which is about an hour and a half from the show. She commented, “We look forward to coming to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics every year and really appreciate the facility upgrades. The new footing in the main hunter ring was incredible! Our horses all loved it. With so much more shock absorption, we didn’t have any sole tenderness even after competing four days in a row.” Durr continued, “We had an amazing weekend with lots of highlights. Bon Voyage, whom we call Crew, won both the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby and the 3’3” Green Incentive with Holly [Shepherd] and then won the Adult Amateur Hunter Championship with me. We are looking forward to coming back next week!”
Ocean Eyes, owned and ridden by Meredith Mouney of Metairie, Louisiana, was awarded Reserve Champion. |
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Light RainWins the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship |
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Light Rain, owned and ridden by Emily Straw of Osprey, Florida, earned the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship, and True Life, owned and ridden by Leslie Kramer of New Orleans, Louisiana, was Reserve Champion.
According to Straw, “This week was incredibly rewarding as both my hunter Light Rain, also known as Huey, and my jumper Clouseau Deux, also known as Paddy, won their respective Classics. Rolling Acres Stable’s Sarah Young has been developing Huey, my hunter. My mother Elizabeth Straw bought him just over a year ago. It was really fun showing him as he has a classic hunter style, long stride, and an easy rhythm to find the jumps. Paddy is an accomplished jumper and we have built an incredible partnership over the past five years. He’s straightforward, brave, careful, and eager to win, making every ride a rewarding experience. Balancing a professional work life with the family and riding requires dedication, and I’m grateful for the team at Rolling Acres Stable that makes it possible, nurturing both my passion and commitments.”
Straw continued, “Showing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics has been a rewarding experience. The new hunter rings are large, have excellent footing, and offer spacious warm-up areas. The grass jumper field is truly spectacular. Between the footing, the stabling, and the turnout, the Gulf Coast Classic Company puts on an exhibitor and horse-friendly winter circuit. I’m looking forward to the next several weeks at the show competing in both the hunter and jumpers. We are so fortunate to have the Gulf Coast and Classic Company providing us with a series of shows that cater to the horses and exhibitors.” |
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Perfect Products’ company mission is to offer formulas that help support your horse’s mental focus and athletic potential when it counts.
Don’t get caught by surprise when you enter the ring! Prepare your horse mentally and physically with Perfect Products’ show safe line of nutraceuticals.
From the calming support you trust from Perfect Prep to their effective line of gastric, joint, muscle, and soundness solutions, Perfect Products supports your horse’s performance when it counts.
Enter the ring confidently with Perfect Products. |
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PERFECT PRODUCTSPICTURE PERFECT MOMENTOF GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICWEEK 1 |
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February 13-16, 2025 February 19-23, 2025 February 25-March 2, 2025 March 5-9, 2025 March 12-16, 2025 March 19-23, 2025 |
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The No Entry Fee Grand Prix Deal Continues! |
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The Grand Prix is held each week on our incredible grass field. Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 6 will offer a $25,000 Grand Prix Week and Week 4 will offer a $35,000 Grand Prix. Pay for the Welcome and enter these Grand Prix for zero dollars!
Week 5 will offer a $50,000 Grand Prix! Horses that compete in two (2) or more Grand Prix classes offered during weeks 1 - 4 will receive an e-credit from each Grand Prix class participation if you have done two or more Grand Prix classes weeks 1 through 4. These credits along with entering the Welcome Class on week 5 will be used towards the entry fee of the $50,000 Grand Prix. Therefore, if you compete in two or more Grand Prix classes prior to the $50,000 Harrah's Grand Prix, your entry fee will be FREE. The $750 entry fee will be charged if you have shown in only one (1) Grand Prix Class or have not shown in any of the other Grand Prix Classes offered before the $50,000 Harrah's Grand Prix.
$7,500 Welcome Stake each week
$5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25m Open Jumper Classic each week
JR/AM Jumper Classics each week |
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HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES |
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EVERY WEEK:
$5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3' & 3'3" each week with Non-Pro Bonus Cash Awards and all ribbon winners will earn a free entry to the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, including non-pro rider bonus, in Aiken Week 2. $1,000 Green 3'6"/3'9" Incentive Classics each week $1,000 Green 3'/3'3" Incentive Classics each week Pony Hunter Breeding Divisions, presented by Kickapoo Ponies each week Hunter Breeding Multiple Division Classics each week
WEEK 4: WCHR $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, presented by Kickapoo Ponies
WEEK 5: $10,000 Open Hunter Classic 3'3" - 3'9" & Non-Pro Bonus Cash Awards |
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10 Opportunities to Earn a FREE Entryfor the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3' and 3'3", including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses! |
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NEW FOOTING FOR THE HUNTERS |
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You asked and we did it! We have new footing in the main hunter arena and the hunter warm-up! |
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JOIN US ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST |
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The facility is fantastic and its claim to fame is the beautiful grass grand prix field that rivals Spruce Meadows. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic offers ample stabling, complimentary Riders Lounges, and plenty of RV spots and is located just minutes from the Biloxi-Gulfport Airport, the beach, and hotels.
The town of Gulfport is situated along the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast with fun waterfront towns, fine dining, and shopping. If you're craving live entertainment, take a short drive to neighboring Biloxi or head to New Orleans. |
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Marshall + Sterling is the title sponsor of all $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies 3' and 3'3", including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, at all Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company events in 2025. |
| Allen Beverages is the Official Non-Alcoholic Beverage Provider at the 2025 Gulf Coast Winter Classic. |
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Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities |
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THE CLASSIC AND GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANIES |
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies' philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first-time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities, and courses, quality competition, and the best customer service in the industry.
Service sets the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies apart from other horse shows. The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. 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. |
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Gulf Coast Winter ClassicOfficial Lodging Partners |
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Support the Hotels that Support the Show |
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Harrah's Gulf Coast
Surrounded by white-sand beaches, Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers genuine Southern hospitality in the heart of Biloxi, Mississippi. Stay in one of their 499 luxe rooms and suites, chase thrills on the casino floor, make time for rejuvenation at their spa and salon, or kick back by the resort-style pool.
When you book your room, make sure to mention the special Gulf Coast Winter Classic discount using the code HORSE SHOW DISCOUNT.Text L |
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The Residence Inn
The Residence Inn offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes and is pet-friendly.
DISCOUNT BOOKING INFORMATION:
Click here to book online and receive the Discounted Gulf Coast Winter Classic rate or use GQF. With this special rate, receive 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points.
If you call the Residence Inn to make your reservation, use these codes when booking to receive your discount:
Studio Suite – GQFI One-Bedroom Suite – GQFO Two-Bedroom Suite – GQFPT |
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The Holiday Inn
The award-winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport - Airport is offering special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rates.
Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show rate. |
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Dad's Camper Rentals
Want to stay onsite? Dad’s Camper Rentals will deliver a camper to the showgrounds for you! They are offering special rates and have campers available for all party sizes. You will need to reserve your camper spot as well, so act now! Click here for the camper reservation form and be sure to contact Dad’s Camper Rentals. Place article copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs. |
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| The Classic Company, Ltd. | PO Box 1311 | Johns Island, SC 29457 US |
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