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Gulf Coast Week 4 Wrap Up
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Mar 10, 2025
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THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC WEEK 4 WRAP UP |
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For Immediate Release: March 10, 2025 Gulfport, Mississippi |
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Zonderling and Munson Winthe $35,000 Allen Beverages Grand PrixThe Horse of a Lifetime |
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Genevieve Munson from Athens, Texas, rode her own Zonderling [Joey] to the winner’s circle in the Week 4 $35,000 Allen Beverages Grand Prix, besting a field of twenty horse and rider teams.
At 21 years of age, Joey was the oldest of all the horses that competed in the Sunday Grand Prix. According to Munson, “This is one of the final one or two shows that Joey will compete at the Grand Prix level. Every round is emotional and special for me.”
With a first round time allowed set at 84 seconds, five horse and rider teams advanced to the jump-off round.
Munson and Joey were the first to tackle the abbreviated course with a time allowed set at 50 seconds. Munson commented, “In the first round, the course and lines were really connected. You needed to stay engaged over the whole course, and there wasn’t a lot of time to take a breath. You had to create a good canter from fence one and maintain it, with very few places to catch up. It flowed well, and it was challenging, but it was plenty safe and a perfect ask of the field.”
Munson continued, “The jump-off had a lot of lengthy lines where you had to cover a lot of ground. It was about getting from one end of the grand prix field to the other as efficiently as possible. When the buzzer went off, Joey was ready! I felt some pressure to not be in the way of his results and do him justice.”
The pair turned in a fault-free jump-off round in 35.690 seconds and set the new time to beat.
Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, aboard Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules, followed in the order. The clear round in 36.170 seconds would not beat Munson, and Shepherd and HJ Hercules earned second place.
Madison Ann Skarzenski of Little Elm, Texas, and her own L Train followed in the jump-off order. Eight jump faults in 42.769 seconds earned them a fourth-place finish. Douglas King of Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Royal Crown Stables’ Main Line Girl were up next. Their fault-free jump-off round in 38.800 seconds earned them third place.
Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida, and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP sat in the enviable last-to-go position for the jump-off. Four jump faults and five time faults earned them a fifth overall. |
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Munson commented, “For him to take the win and feel as good as he did today was exhilarating for me as a rider and as his partner. I owe my career to this horse. When I met him, neither of us had jumped more than 1.30 m. We trust each other to the ends of the earth. He does things for me that shouldn’t happen.”
“I never met a horse who loved his job or this sport more than Joey. He wants to be the first one on the trailer. He gets upset when the others go to the ring without him. He is a horse with all heart, and he loves competing as much as I do, if not more.” Munson continued, “We all call him the 'King', and he doesn’t want to relinquish his crown. He’s not one that can be retired because he loves competing. We want the end of his career to be as positive as possible, so we will be leasing him out to help a Junior/Amateur move up. He is a horse of a lifetime for me.” |
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Final results awarded sixth place to Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, and David O’Donnell’s MTM Turbojack after earning one time fault in the first round. Munson also earned a seventh placing with her own Contendro Star, as the fastest four-fault first round.
Michael Kocher of Lynn, North Carolina, and his own Dexterity Z earned an eighth placing and ninth was awarded to Happy Comly of Sachse, Texas, aboard Comly Sport Horses’ Derby CSH.
Skarzenski earned tenth place with her own Classic Man, and Michaela Munson finished in eleventh place with Genevieve Munson’s Charlene. Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Denison Park Combat, ridden by Elizabeth Schumann of Ocala, Florida, wrapped up the class with a twelfth place.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Compies, Jesus Ramirez of Allen Beverages, Lisa Davis Engel, Donna Ramirez and family, greet Genevieve Munson and Zonderling in the winners circle. |
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Allen Beverages, Inc. has been locally owned and operated since 1947. They are the only locally owned and operated soft drink distributor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
As a local business, they strive to enrich and support the economy in the Gulf Coast community.
At Allen Beverages, they strive to meet and surpass the service expectations of their partners. |
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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 and Dexterity ZWin the $7,500 Welcome |
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Michael Kocher and his own Dexterity Z bested a field of twenty-one horse and rider teams and won the $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome. With a first round time allowed of 83 seconds, eight would advance to a second round opportunity.
First to go in the order was Natalee Haggan of Argyle, Texas, and Bernadette Mulliken’s Fair Play. The pair turned in a fault-free round in 34.729 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Michael Kocher and Ellickson Equestrian, LLC’s Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh were the next to advance to a second round. Their fault-free time in 32.675 seconds took the lead. The lead was short-lived when Brian Murphy and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP posted a fault-free second round in 31.381 seconds, setting the new time to beat and taking the lead.
Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules followed in the order. A clear second round in a time of 38.200 seconds earned them sixth place.
Michaela Munson aboard Genevieve Munson’s Charlene, advanced to a second round, but four jump faults in a time of 32.489 seconds earned them an eighth place finish.
Kocher returned to the grand prix field, this time in the irons of his own Dexterity. The pair posted a clear jump off round in a time of 31.113 seconds and took the lead. “The course suited him perfectly, and there were a lot of places to leave out strides on the gallop,” said Kocher.
Douglas King and Royal Crown Stables’ Main Line Girl were the next to advance to a second round, but four jump faults in a time of 31.504 seconds would earn them a seventh place.
Genevieve Munson and her own Zonderling sat in the enviable last-to-go position. The pair turned in a clear second round in 31.319 seconds and finished in second overall.
Final results saw Murphy and Glenara Chacco DP in third place, Kocher and Ellickson L’Amant Van De Zeilh in fourth, and Haggan and Fair Play in fifth.
According to Kocher, “I think Dexterity is a horse for big classes, and I’m hoping to develop him here at these shows and then step him up a bit in the spring and summer.”
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Kocher and Ellickson LLC Kannan CavalierWin the $5,000 1.25mSchneiders Saddlery Jumper Classic |
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Michael Kocher piloted Annie Irwin’s Ellickson LLC Kannan Cavalier to the win in the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery Open Jumper Classic 1.25 m, besting a field of sixteen horse and rider teams.
With a first round time allowed set at 78 seconds, nine would advance to a second round opportunity.
Happy Comly and Emory Simpson’s Kalito were the first to tackle the course and, after advancing to a second round, earned four jump faults with a time of 32.307 seconds, well within the 47 seconds time allowed.
Natalee Haggan and MTM Farm’s MTM Hyperion Z followed in the order. The pair posted double clear rounds and, with a second round time of 38.215 seconds, took the lead.
Lily Johnson of Jackson, Mississippi, and her own Juno followed, posting double clear rounds with a second round time of 41.092 seconds. Kocher and Ellickson LLC Kannan Cavalier followed. The pair posted double clear rounds, and their second round time of 33.820 seconds, took the lead.
According to Kocher, “Kannan Cavalier is a client’s horse and is ultra-fast and careful, making him competitive in any jump-off class. He was able to stay on the gallop and keep the rpms up while making tight turns.”
Kianna Luscher of Hawthorne, New Jersey, and Northeast Equi-Wave Therapy, LLC’s E.G. Scotia Boy followed Kocher. Four jump faults in a time of 39.536 seconds earned them seventh place.
Kocher returned to the arena, this time on his own Commando QT. The pair earned eight jump faults and, with a second round time in 37.201 seconds, finished in eighth place.
Natalee Haggan and MTM Farm’s Ladykilla LS were the last horse and rider team to advance to a second round. Their fault-free time in 36.831 seconds earned them a second place, and a third with MTM Hyperion Z.
Lily Johns and Juno finished in fourth overall and Happy Comly and Kalito earned a fifth place. Adrianne Gamboa of Houston, Texas, rode her own CR Lionheart ES to a sixth placing.
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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Sidenote Wins Again!$5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby |
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Derby Queen, Derby Diva or Hunter Queen, Holly Shepherd, and EMO Stables' Sidenote continued their winning ways Week 4 of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic.
“What can I say? Sidenote could possibly be the most winningest derby horse I’ve ridden,” said Holly Shepherd.
For the second consecutive week, Shepherd rode EMO Stables’ Sidenote to another victory in the $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby out of a field of twenty-nine horse and rider teams.
Shepherd commented, “There were a lot of nice horses in the class and many with good scores. Tom Brennan was very hard to top!”
Jackpower, owned by the JP Group and ridden by Tom Brennan of Charles Town, West Virginia, earned second place.
Ballentine’s F, owned and ridden by Christine Moody of Flora, Mississippi, finished in third and also won the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Meredith Mouney’s Wayfarer, ridden by Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas, placed fourth overall, and Bon Voyage, owned by Jennifer Durr and ridden by Holly Shepherd, earned fifth place.
Margaret Snyder’s Marseille, ridden by Arianne Gamboa, finished in sixth place, and Copy That, owned by Storytime Equine and ridden by Alexandra Ansteth of Spring, Texas, placed seventh.
Eighth place was awarded to Hayden Moody’s MTM Figurative, ridden by Brittan Sommer Desalvo of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Debutante, owned by Addison Bihm and ridden by Jason Schnelle of Memphis, Tennessee, finished in ninth. EMO Stables’ Curious George, ridden by Holly Shepherd, earned tenth place.
Royally Epic, owned by Julia Little and ridden by Michaela Munson of Rogers, Arkansas, finished in eleventh place and won the $300 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Kiara Lemaire of Bartonville, Texas, rode her own Rivers Bank to a twelfth placing and earned the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Who Dat, owned and ridden by Tori Wiesner of Conroe, Texas, was awarded the $300 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Furst Filou, owned by Julia Little and ridden by Michaela Munson, won the $200 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Shepherd commented, “As always, the Oare’s are amazing owners, and I always enjoy riding all of their horses. Thank you to the entire EMO team!”
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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Back in the Winner's Circle!Lennox RW Wins the Perfect ProductsAdult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship |
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Lennox RW, owned and ridden by Lynn Rice of Purcellville, Virginia, was crowned champion for a second week in a row, in the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50 + years Division.
Rice commented, “Once again my horse rose to the occasion. Lex is a special horse with an amazing team behind us. I can’t thank Tom, Tracy, Miranda, Aldo, and Nelson enough! We enjoyed everything about the show, especially Paul [Jewell] and Nancy’s [Wallis] courses. Thank you so much to everyone!”
Woodrow, owned and ridden by Amy Keene, was awarded Reserve Champion. |
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Got My MojoSecures Back-to-Back ChampionshipsPerfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 |
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Got My Mojo, owned by Cameron Franc and ridden by Melissa Marshall of Middleburg, Virginia, earned the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Championship for a second consecutive week.
Marshall commented, “I’m so excited about Mojo’s successful show weekend! He jumped beautifully and consistently across every round, and I’m so proud of him. He’s such a lovely partner and makes me smile every stride of the course. I’m grateful to my team at Vineyard Haven, especially Nelson Cano and Aldo Araujo, who work so hard at keeping our horses looking and feeling their best. Mojo is able to perform so well in the ring because of the exceptional care and attention that he receives back in the barn from Nelson and Aldo. It was another terrific weekend at a Classic Company horse show!”
Santino VT, owned by Wilkie Gonwa and ridden by Rachel Fitts of Canton, Mississippi, was awarded reserve champion. |
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Chacario Winsthe Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Championship |
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Congratulations to Chacario, owned and ridden by Sarah Morris of Memphis, Tennessee, on earning the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Championship 18-35.
According to Morris, they imported him a bit over a year ago and started showing together last spring. “He is incredible to ride, especially for such a young horse [he just turned six]. We had a lot of fun with the courses, and the new footing is great. It's always nice to show in such big and pretty rings. It was our first time showing in Gulfport together, and we’re excited to be back next week.”
Reserve Champion was awarded to Rivers Bank, owned and ridden by Kiara Lemaire. |
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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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$1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby,presented by Kickapoo Ponies |
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Congratulations to Family Circus, Inc’s Napa Valley, ridden by Myers Allen Saunders of Nashville, Tennessee, for winning the $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, presented by Kickapoo Ponies. Saunders also piloted Family Circus, Inc’s As You Wish to a second-place finish. |
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According to trainer Macy Wesson, “Myers Allen and Napa Valley have been partners a little over a year now, and the pair have really started to click! Many thanks to the Classic Company for hosting such a fun derby. Also, thank you to Kickapoo Ponies for sponsoring this important class. The pony kids love a reason to wear their shadbellies somewhere other than Pony Finals!”
Family Circus, Inc.’s Newsflash, ridden by Geneva Saunders, earned a third place, and Brooke Miller’s Empress Josephine, ridden by Amelie Maraist, finished in fourth.
Absolute Altitude, owned and ridden by Reese Edwards of Madison, Mississippi, placed fifth, and Kiara Lemaire’s Picturesque Dress Blues, ridden by Luna Valobra of Metairie, Louisiana, finished in sixth place.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com |
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Kickapoo Ponies, located in Texas, is known for producing your next champion. Visit them online and follow them on Facebook..
Kickapoo Ponies wishes all ponies and riders good luck at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic! |
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PERFECT PRODUCTSPICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTOF GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICWEEK 4 |
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Congratulations Spring Mill Farm2025 Tack Room Contest Winners! |
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Congratulations to our best-dressed Tack Room Competition Winners! 1st Place: Spring Mill Farm - David Pellegrini 2nd Place: Cornerstone - Macy Wesson 3rd Place: Bay Yard - Stacie Goodson |
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Friday Night Exhibitor Party! |
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Thank you, Domino's Pizza and RPM Pizza Gulf Coast for sponsoring the Friday night Italian Dinner exhibitor party! |
| Everyone enjoyed the complimentary Italian Dinner Friday night, thanks to the sponsorship of Domino's Pizza and RPM Pizza Gulf Coast. |
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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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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 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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Centennial Plaza
Whether you are looking for the best family vacation spot on the Mississippi Gulf Coast or a relaxing luxury hotel experience, Centennial Plaza has a room for you!
Oasis Resort offers rooms and suites designed with families in mind. Their Kid Suites feature fun layouts that include bunk beds while still giving parents a little more space to breathe.
Grand Centennial Hotel offers the Coast’s most relaxing luxury hotel rooms in a majestic historic building with a beautiful view of Centennial Plaza’s grounds.
Centennial Plaza guests are invited to enjoy all the amenities the property has to offer, including the extensive water playground, 950-foot-long lazy river, and zero-entry swimming pool. Front-row viewing of Centennial Plaza’s dancing fountain is a must-see, and no stay would be complete without dining at the on-site restaurants. |
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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. |
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| The Classic Company, Ltd. | PO Box 1311 | Johns Island, SC 29457 US |
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