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Gulf Coast Week 3 Wrap Up
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Mar 03, 2025
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THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC WEEK 3 WRAP UP |
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For Immediate Release: March 3, 2025 Gulfport, Mississippi |
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Happy Comly of Sache, Texas, and her own Derby CSH won the $25,000 Domino’s Grand Prix, besting a field of sixteen horse and rider teams. The pair won the week 3 Grand Prix in 2024 as well, making this a repeat win for them.
With a first-round time set at 90 seconds, only seven would qualify for the jump-off round. Douglas King of Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Royal Crown Stables’ Main Line Girl, were on the top of the order of go, posted a four-fault jump-off round in 42.979 seconds, and set the new tie to beat.
Madison Ann Skarzenski of Little Elm, Texas, aboard her own Classic Man, followed in the jump-off order. Four jump faults in a time of 49.635 seconds earned them fifth place.
Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, rode Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere and posted the first clear jump off round in 42.580 seconds and took the lead.
Michael Kocher of Lynn, North Carolina, and his own Dexterity Z followed in the jump-off order. They earned four jump faults and, with a time of 41.563 seconds, finished in third place.
Comly and Derby CSH were up next. The pair turned in a clear jump off round in 39.300 seconds and took the lead, moving Shepherd and Giovanni Massuere to second place. |
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Comly commented, “It was another amazing grass field course from Paul [Jewel], as usual. It was a pretty long track that took us across the field several times, so I was worried about our stamina holding up through the 90-second first round since we’ve only been indoors all fall and winter so far! Derby was in full-blown red dragon mode from the moment he left the cross ties to go up for the Prix today. I had to Facetime with my boyfriend and Derby’s ‘dad,’ Ryan [Tucker], before the jump-off to try to calm Derby down for me since Ryan is back home taking care of our new farm this week and couldn’t be here. He told Derby to take a breath and listen to me in the jump off, and he did exactly as he was told!"
Comly continued, "There were a lot of long runs in the jump-off where I could let him go for a few strides but then asked him to come back to me so we could stay clean and also make the tidy turns we needed to edge out so many other fast riders in the jump-off today. In the end, it was the perfect, most beautiful Gulfport day, with the most perfectly maintained grass field in the country, a perfectly challenging but smooth course set by Paul and Nancy [Wallis], and my perfect red dragon, Derby. That made for a perfect win this week. I say it every single year, but this is mine and my horses’ favorite show, and not just because we love the amazing grass field, but because the Classic Company and everyone that is a part of it, set us up for success by making this show a blast to compete at.” |
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Brandon Howard of Flower Mound, Texas, and his own HF Andiamo followed Comly and Derby CSH. Eight jump faults in a time of 43.407 seconds earned them sixth place.
Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules sat in the enviable last-to-go spot, but eight jump faults in a time of 43.424 seconds would see them finish in seventh place. Kocher and Dexterity Z finished in third, and King and Main Line Girl earned a fourth place.
Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida and Light Speed Equestrian’s Glenara Chacco DP finished in eighth place as the fastest four-fault first round. Ninth place was awarded to Elizabeth Schuman of Ocala, Florida, and Light Speed Equestrian’s Denison Park Combat. Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, and David O’Donnell’s MTM Vinze placed tenth, and Kocher and Ellickson Equestrian’ LLC’s Ellickson L ’Amant Van De Zeilh finished in eleventh. Le Blanc also earned a twelfth placing with David O’ Donnell’s MTM Turbojack.
Comly added, “I dedicated my win today to Courtney Favre Smith, who cheered us on for the last several years at the Grand Prix in Gulfport. Sadly, she passed away last year after the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Her mother, Debra, still loves to come out on Sundays for the Prix to cheer on all the riders like she always did with Courtney. It would mean so much to me if our horse show community would help donate to the special needs camp that Courtney loved so much. They’re having a fundraiser in her memory at the end of March, and I’d appreciate it if our horse show community donated to honor her memory.”
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Founded in 1960, Dominos is recognized as the world leading pizza delivery service operating a network of company-owned and franchise-owned stores in the United States and around the world. |
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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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Shepherd and HJ Hercules Win the $7,500 Welcome |
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Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules won the Week 3 Gulf Coast Welcome, besting a field of twenty horse and rider teams.
With a first-round set at 75 seconds, only four would advance to a second-round opportunity.
Brandon Howard of Flower Mound, Texas, and his own HF Andiamo, tackled the second round and earned four jump faults in 42.618 seconds. Shepherd and HJ Hercules followed and posted a clear second round in 44.697 seconds. Douglas King and Royal Crown Stables’ Main Line Girl followed Shepherd in the order, but their fault-free time of 47.245 seconds would earn them a second place and move Howard and HF Andiamo into third.
Shepherd also placed fourth with Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere. Madison Ann Skarzenski rode her own Classic Man to a fifth placing, and Happy Comly placed sixth with Comly Sport Horses’ Derby CSH.
Lynn Macyk of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, finished seventh with her own Be Aware, and Katherine Le Blanc rode David O’Donnell’s MTM Vine and MTM Turbojack to an eighth and ninth placing, respectively.
Ann-Rose Klingenstein of Salem Township, Maine, finished in tenth place with Karen McFarland’s Sleipnir Z.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
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Kudos for Kalito!Comly and Kalito Win the $5,000 1.25m Schneiders Saddlery Jumper Classic |
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Happy Comly and Emory Simpson’s Kalito won the $5,000 1.25 m Schneiders Saddlery Open Jumper Classic on Saturday.
Four horse and rider teams advanced to a second-round opportunity with a time allowed set at 46 seconds.
Elizabeth Schumann and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Ivanhoe were the first to advance to the second round and, with four jump faults in a time of 45.770 seconds, would finish in fourth place.
Douglas King and Royal Crown Stables’ Summersby followed with a clear second round in a time of 41.744 seconds and took the lead. Comly and Kalito were up next and posted a clear second round in a time of 37.905 seconds and advanced to first place.
Brian Murphy and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Elvis Blue Hallelujah followed, and despite turning in a clear second round, their time of 40.859 seconds would see the pair finish in second place, moving King and Summersby into third and securing the win for Comly and Kalito.
Comly rode four horses in the class and commented, “There were some tough lines in the first round that got me faults with my three other horses, but Kalito made it feel easy. It was also a great jump-off for him because he can easily leave two strides out with his huge canter and then is so rideable that he can turn on a dime afterward. He has no problem leaving the ground sideways on a half stride because he’s so scopey and careful! Basically, he’s all around so game, especially on that incredible field, that it was nothing but smooth sailing for him in the jump-off. He’s for sale and will make someone a great partner!”
Final placings had Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Quabouche Z in fifth place and Comly earning sixth, seventh, and ninth with Comly Sport Horses’ IFrench CSH, Emory Simpson’s Helko D’Amanlis, and Kailey Chreene’s Ipres KVJ, respectively. Shepherd also earned an eighth placing with Loretta Patterson’s War Machine.
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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Derby Queen Holly Shepherd Clinches Top Two Placings in the$5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby |
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Holly Shepherd was on a winning streak in the hunter ring Week 3, earning the top two placings in the $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby with EMO Stables’ Sidenote and Jennifer Durr’s Bon Voyage, respectively. Shepherd also rode EMO Stables’ Curious George to an eighth-place finish.
Snow Patrol, owned by Augusta Pines Farm and ridden by Alexandra Ansteth of Spring, Texas, finished in third place, and Thank You Robert, owned by Japonica Cruise and ridden by Sophia Cruise of Covington, Louisiana, placed fourth overall. Cruise also won the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus with Thank You Robert, and the $200 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus with Japonica Cruise’s CSH Carbonado.
Ansteth also rode Amberlea Tribble’s Folklore to a fifth placing and Pleasant Valley Sunday, owned by Kendra Madden and ridden by Kinsley Aadland of Louisburg, Kansas, finished in sixth. Aadland also went on to win the $300 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus with Pleasant Valley Sunday.
All Rise, owned by Leslie Kramer and ridden by Francesca Senior of New Orleans, Louisiana, placed seventh. Cohiba MD, owned and ridden by Kendall Harris of Richardson, Texas, placed ninth overall and won the $200 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Calisto, owned by Ally Boettger and ridden by Morgan Mickel of Molino, Florida, placed tenth, and Ballentine’s F, owned and ridden by Christine Moody of Flora, Mississippi, earned an eleventh placing.
Cosmos, owned by Maida Clifton and ridden by Clay Alder of Germantown, Tennessee, wrapped up the class with a twelfth place.
Psychedelic, owned and ridden by Heather Millis of Winona, Minnesota, earned the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Beckham, owned by Victoria Watters and ridden by Tori Weisner of Conroe, Texas, earned the $300 Marshall + Sterling 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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Holly Shepherd and EMO Stables’ Sidenote |
| Holly Shepherd and Jennifer Durr’s Bon Voyage |
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Holly Shepherd also piloted Jennifer Durr's Bon Voyage to the win in the USHJA 3'/3'3" Green Hunter Incentive. |
| Holly Shepherd piloted Evocative, owned by Barbara Risius, to the win in the USHJA 3'6"/3'9" Green Hunter Incentive. |
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Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter |
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Lennox RW Wins the Perfect ProductsAdult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship |
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Lennox RW, owned and ridden by Lynn Rice, won the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ Championship.
According to Rice, “Lennox RW [Lex] is an amazing amateur horse who tries his best every single stride. He is talented, kind, patient, and forgiving. I can’t thank Tom and Tracy [Brennan] enough for finding him for me. I’ve really enjoyed the courses the last two weeks and the new footing is fabulous! Gulfport is an extremely well-managed show where customer service is prioritized. It’s a favorite of ours at Vineyard Haven. Thank you, Classic Company!”
Woodrow, owned and ridden by Amy Keene, was awarded Reserve Champion. |
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Got My MojoChampion of the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 |
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Got My Mojo, owned by Frank Cameron and ridden by Melissa Marshall, was awarded the Champion ribbon in the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49.
According to Marshall, “This was a picture-perfect horse show weekend and the reason we all love to travel to Gulfport! Lovely weather, friendly staff, and the course was beautifully built and lent itself to a great flow to show off the effort of the horses.”
Marshall continued, “I’m so grateful to my lovely partner, Mojo. He’s a brand-new ride for me. I’ve been leasing him for only a month, and this is my second show with him. We have clicked really quickly, and I love how much effort he puts into our rounds. He’s very smart and takes pride in his job. My wonderful team at Vineyard Haven, led by Tom and Tracy Brennan, did an amazing job of preparing us to tackle this weekend’s competitive challenges as a new partnership.”
Ocean Eyes, owned and ridden by Meredith Mouney, earned the Reserve Championship.
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Rivers Bank Wins the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Championship |
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Congratulations to Rivers Bank, owned and ridden by Kiara Lemaire, on earning the Champion of the 18-35 Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunters.
Who Dat, owned and ridden by Torie Wiesner, was awarded Reserve Champion. |
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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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Kickapoo Ponies Pony Hunter Breeding |
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Cheryl Trego and her own Twin Oaks Campari in the Kickapoo Ponies Pony Hunter Yearling class. The pair won the Best Young Pony Award. |
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PERFECT PRODUCTSPICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTOF GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICWEEK 3 |
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Friday Night Exhibitor Party! |
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Thank you, Colorado Horse Shows and LEG Shows & Events, for sponsoring the fabulous Friday night exhibitor party! |
| Everyone enjoyed the complimentary Southern Dinner Friday night, thanks to the sponsorship of Colorado Horse Shows and LEG Shows & Events. |
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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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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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