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Gulf Coast Week 2 Wrap Up
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Feb 24, 2025
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THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC WEEK 2 WRAP UP |
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For Immediate Release: February 24, 2025 Gulfport, Mississippi |
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Winning Week for Michael Kocher |
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The $25,000 Gulf Coast Classic Grand Prix wrapped up the Week 2 action at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and welcomed Michael Kocher of Lind, North Carolina to the winner’s circle with Ellickson Equestrian, LLC’s Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh.
Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida, and Light Speed Equestrian’s Glenara Chacco DP, owned by Light Speed Equestrian, was the first to take on the abbreviated jump-off course and posted a clear round in 37.598 seconds, setting the time to beat. Their lead was short-lived when Kianna Luscher of Hawthorne, New Jersey, and Susan Cline-Wilkenson’s Identiek followed, posting a clear round in 37.485 seconds.
The horse race continued when Kocher and Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh followed, posting a clear round in 34.850 seconds. |
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Kocher commented, “I just got this horse [Mandy] at the end of January, and this was our third Grand Prix. I have not shown her much and she just gets better and more fit each week. I don’t know how high she can jump, but these heights suit her well.” Kocher continued, “I figured after winning the Welcome that we’d have a good chance if I could be efficient and leave the jumps up, we’d be in the mix. I didn’t run her off her feet, she’s got a good natural gallop and is quick over the jumps too, a ‘skimmer’. I thought the course was pretty nice. The show moved the class to the morning since there was rain in the forecast. It was a fast class and there were a lot of double clear rounds. Even though it just started raining, the grass field rode really well.”
Following in the order, Flower Mound, Texas’ Brandon Howard aboard his own HF Andiamo posted a clear jump-off round in 35.202 seconds, which earned them a second place overall.
Junior rider, Zoe Elizabeth Mielenz of Collierville, Tennessee aboard Steve Schaefer’s Halo, followed Howard, but with four faults in the first round, finished in tenth place.
Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere turned in a clear jump-off round in 35.389 seconds, which earned them a third overall. Lynn Macyk of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada rode her own Be Aware and turned in a clear jump-off round with a time of 39.748 seconds, earning them a seventh placing.
Murphy returned to the jump-off, this time aboard his own Kiara DP. The pair earned four jump faults in 35.819 seconds, earning them eighth place overall and sixth with Glenara Chacco DP.
Kocher also returned to the Grand Prix field for another jump-off round, this time in the irons of his own Dexterity Z. The pair posted a fault-free time in 35.391 seconds, earning them a fourth place.
Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules were the final horse and rider pair to tackle the jump-off round. Four jump faults and eight-time faults earned them ninth place.
Final results had Luscher and Identiek in fifth overall and eleventh with Northeast Equi-Wave Therapy, LLC’s E.G. Ita Vero.
Kocher said, “Our ultimate goal is to sell her [Mandy] in the next few weeks. She’s a really nice Jr/Amateur horse and can do classes like this. Hopefully, we have a good time here and find a suitable client for her."
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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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. |
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Kocher Pilots Ellickson Equestrian, LLC’s Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh to the Win in the $7,500 Welcome |
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Kocher and Ellickson Equestrian, LLC’s Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh kicked off their winning week by taking first place in the $5,000 Gulf Coast Welcome, besting a field of nineteen horse and rider teams.
Nine horse and rider teams advanced to a second-round opportunity with a time allowed of 46 seconds.
Kocher and Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh were the first pair to take on the second round and posted a time of 26.991 seconds, which set the new time to beat. None would beat it!
Kocher commented, “She turns really well and has a good gallop.”
Kianna Luscher and Susan Cline-Wilkenson’s Identiek finished in second place with a clear second-round time of 30.857 seconds. Third was awarded to Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere, after posting a clear second round in a time of 31.458 seconds.
Brian Murphy rode Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chaco DP to fourth place with a fault-free second round in a time of 31.943. Fifth was awarded to Luscher and Northeast Equi-Wave Therapy, LLC’s E.G. Ita Vero and Lynn Macyk rode her own Be Aware to a sixth place. Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana rode David O’Donnell’s MTM Vinze and earned seventh place, and Murphy wrapped up the class with an eighth placing with his own Kiara DP.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Warmachine Wins the $5,000 1.25m Schneiders Saddlery Jumper Classic |
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Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Warmachine won the $5,000 1.25m Schneiders Saddlery Jumper Classic Week 2 with a fault-free time of 30.074 seconds, well within the 47 seconds time allowed.
Brian Murphy and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Elvis Blue Hallelujah kicked off the class and set the time to beat in the second round with a fault-free round in 32.198 seconds. Kianna Luscher and Educated Guess, LLC’s EE.G. Quality Time followed in the order and moved the time to beat to 31.270 seconds. Amanda Wilson of Bush, Louisiana, and her own Tempranillo followed, and despite double clear rounds, their time of 31,605 seconds would see them finish in fourth overall. Shepherd and Warmachine followed in the order, and their lightning-fast time of 30.074 seconds took the lead.
According to Shepherd, “I’ve had a few time faults the past few times with Warmachine because, honestly, he’s so dreamy to ride you get kind of lost in his canter. I went in the middle of this class and I wasn’t going to take any chances pulling on the reins. I definitely put my foot down on the peddle this time and told myself to ‘hurry up’. He loves to jump on the run and is too fun to ride.”
Emily Straw of Overland Park, Kansas, and Manor Bridge Farm’s Clouseau Deux posted double clear rounds, and with a second-round time in 32.337 seconds, finished in seventh place.
Courtney Wheeler of Jefferson, Louisiana, and Oakside, LLC’s Currabawn Daisy followed in the order. The pair turned in double clear rounds and their second round time of 30.190 seconds just missed taking the lead from Shepherd and Warmachine. The pair finished in second place.
Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, and Jeanne Pitre’s MTM Rolo turned in a clear second round and their time of 32.257 seconds earned them a sixth place. Luscher and EG Quality Time finished in third and Murphy and Elvis Blue Hallelujah finished in fifth place.
Shepherd commented, “Everyone here appreciates the footing upgrades the show management has done here. They’ve done a great job, and the new footing is holding up beautifully. We’re all very happy.”
For more information, please visit horseshowsonine.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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Winter Moon Wins theMarshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby |
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Winter Moon, owned by Cathy Rheinheimer and ridden by Heather Kuiper of Indianapolis, Indiana won the $3,000 Marshall + Sterling Hunter Classic, including Non-Pro Rider Bonus, besting a field of fifteen horse and rider teams.
According to Kuiper, “Winter Moon [Forest] is one that we bred and raised.” Kuiper started him as a four-year-old and he was Circuit Champion in the Baby Greens in Gulfport as a 5-year-old. Kuiper started his Pregreen last year in Gulfport. “Cathy [Rheinheimer] took over for me while I was pregnant,” said Kuiper. “These are my first shows back after having my daughter and I couldn’t be more thankful for a horse like him to ride while getting back into riding shape! This was only his second derby and handled all of the handy parts like a pro. All of the places where I was a little worried, like the green rails vertical and the trop jump, he was extra brave and acted like he’s done those a million times. He’s the kind of horse that makes you look good! He just covered the ground so nicely everywhere with the new footing, and the turns for the handy part were smooth because of the footing. It was overall a fun course and a great way to start the circuit,” she said.
A Royal Obsession, owned by Sarah Zuckerman and ridden by Claudia Billups placed second, and All Rise, owned by Leslie Kramer and ridden by Francesca Senior of New Orleans, Louisiana, finished in third place.
Beckham, owned by Victoria Watters and ridden by Tori Wiesner of Conroe, Texas finished fourth and won the $250 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Fifth place was awarded to Casuall, owned by Kesler Bridgforth and ridden by Catie Beth Varian of Naples, Florida. Bon Voyage, owned by Jennifer Durr and ridden by Holly Shepherd, earned a sixth placing, and Cosmos, owned by Maida Clifton and ridden by Clay Alder of Germantown, Tennessee, placed seventh.
Santino VT, owned by Wilkie Gonwa and ridden by Carie Beth Varian finished in eighth, and ninth place was awarded to Going Global, owned by Kendall Lacy and ridden by Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas.
CR Headlines, owned and ridden by Samantha Burns of Roanoke, Texas, placed tenth overall and earned the $250 Marshall + Sterling 3’3 Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Lightning Colors, owned and ridden by Emma Henry of Vestavia, Alabama, earned the $150 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and True Life, owned and ridden by Leslie Kramer of New Orleans, Louisiana, earned the $100 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Calaco R, owned by Wind Haven Farm and ridden by Emma Rheinheimer of Lebanon, Indiana, won the $150 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Diana, owned and ridden by Addison Pierce of Birmingham, Alabama, won the $100 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
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.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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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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True LifeWins the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship |
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Congratulations to Leslie Kramer and her own True Life on winning the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship.
Kramer commented, “I always look forward to showing in Gulfport and this year, with the new footing, True Life [Truman] is performing at his best. It is such a nice feeling to walk in the ring, pick up a canter, and ‘enjoy the ride’. It makes it more special to find out you won! The new hunter rings are first class. I have the same footing at home I feel it increases the longevity of the horse and rider by being softer, yet not deep.”
According to Kramer, “I use Perfect Products on my Baby Green Huner. Incognito. He has been champion both weeks at Gulfport and has won the Classic both weeks.”
Lennox RW, owned and ridden by Lynn Rice of Purcellville, Virginia, was awarded Reserve Champion. |
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Beckham Wins the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 18-49 Championship |
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Congratulations to Victoria Walter’s Beckham, ridden by Tori Wiesner of Conroe, Texas on winning the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 18-49 Championship.
According to Wiesner, "I've only been with Beckham for a year and our lease is coming to a close just next week. He is just a phenomenal horse to ride. He has taught me so much in such a short amount of time, and he is truly an unforgettable horse. The courses were so fun to ride and i just had a blast with Beckham as my partner."
Got My Mojo, owned by Cameron Franck and ridden by Melissa Marshall of Middleburg, Virginia, won the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 18-49 Reserve Championship. |
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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 2 |
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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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