|
Gulf Coast Week 5 Wrap Up
|
Mar 17, 2025
|
THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC WEEK 5 WRAP UP |
|
For Immediate Release: March 17, 2025 Gulfport, Mississippi |
|  | |
$50,000 Harrah’s Grand PrixSweet Victory for Chacco Brown and Avery Wegmann |
|
Avery Wegman of Saint Rose, Louisiana, and her own Chacco Brown won their first grand prix on Sunday in the largest prize money offered this year at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic.
According to Wegman, she has been competing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic dating back to when she rode ponies. “It was very special for me to win my first Grand Prix in Gulfport with Chacco because I did my very first Grand Prix here with him when I was 16 and a Junior rider. Chacco has been a very special horse for me. He has taken me up through the ranks in the jumper ring, as well as the hunter and equitation rings. I am very thankful to my parents for their support, especially my Dad, Cullen Latimer, Holly Shepherd Farley Duson, and David Pellegrini.”
Wegman continued, “My Dad has trained me my whole life and put me in the ring today. It’s been very special to be able to share this with him.”
Of the eighteen horse and rider teams, only three advanced to the jump off round. With a time allowed of 50 seconds, Genevieve Munson of Athens, Texas, and her own Contendro Star were the first to go. The pair earned eight jump faults in a time of 41.060 seconds.
Next up was Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, and David O’Donnell’s MTM Vinze. A fault-free round in 42.029 seconds took the lead and set the new time to beat.
Wegmann and Chacco Brown sat in the enviable last-to-go position. “In the jump off, my goal was to get on a big gallop to the first jump and keep a smooth rhythm around the course and to treat the last jump with a little respect,” she added. That was the winning strategy when the pair posted a clear round in 41.097 seconds and won the class.
“I thought the course designers set a very technical course for today that asked a lot of difficult questions with a tight time allowed,” said Wegmann.
Final results awarded Le Blanc and MTM Vinze second place, and Munson and Contendro Star third place.
Elizabeth Schumann of Ocala, Florida, and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Denison Park Combat finished in fourth place after earning one time fault in the first round. Giovanni Massuere, owned by Loretta Patterson and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama finished in fifth place after earning three jump faults in the first round, and sixth was awarded to Munson and her own Zonderling, for their four-fault first round. Michaela Munson of Rogers, Arkansas, aboard Genevieve Munson’s Charlene, finished in seventh place with four jump faults from the first round and Michael Kocher of Lynn, North Carolina earned eighth place with his own Dexterity Z. |
|
Brian Murphy of Ocala, Florida, and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP, finished in ninth place, and Douglas King of Malvern, Pennsylvania, piloted Royal Crown Stables’ Main Line Girl to tenth place.
Shepherd returned for an eleventh place with Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules and Kianna Luscher and Northeast Equi-Wave, LLC’s E.G. Ita Vero wrapped up the class with a twelfth place.
Wegmann, now a Sophomore at Rhodes College, boasts a 4.0 GPA and majors in Chemistry and Art History on the pre-med path. “I haven’t been able to show so much since I’ve been in college and a thankful that my spring break gave me time to compete this week,” she said.
For complete information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
|
Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies, and Kimberly Williams of Harrah's Gulf Coast, greet Avery Wegmann and Chacco Brown in the winner's circle. |
|
Harrah’s Gulf Coast is the Official Casino and Resort of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Harrah’s is located in nearby Biloxi and offers wonderful rooms, onsite restaurants and bars, and gaming opportunities! |
|
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. |
|
Kocher and Ellickson LLC Kannan Cavalier Win the $7,500 Welcome |
|
Just last week, Kocher and Ellickson LLC Kannan Cavalier won the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25m class and upped their game in Week 5 to win the $7,500 Gulf Coast Welcome 1.30m.
Many of the eighteen horse-and-rider teams advanced to a second-round opportunity where the time allowed was set at 46 seconds.
Kocher was the first to tackle the second round aboard his first mount, Dexterity Z. The pair posted a clear round in 35.276 seconds and set the new time to beat. Michaela Munson followed with Genevieve Munson’s Charlene and beat that time with their own 35.271 seconds.
Anna-Rose Klingenstein of Salem Township, Maine, and Ark Partners’ Dubolensky were up next and with four jump faults in a time of 44.764 seconds, earned tenth place.
Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Giovanni Massuere advanced to the second round, but with four jump faults in a time of 38.189 seconds, finished in ninth place overall.
Fair Play, owned by Bernadette Mullikan and ridden by Natalee Haggan of Argyle, Texas followed in the order and turned in a clear round in 36.699 seconds earning them a sixth place.
Genevieve Munson and her own Zonderling followed. The pair turned in a clear 35.158 second round and took the lead.
Murphy and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Glenara Chacco DP followed but with four jump faults and eighteen time faults, earned an eleventh placing.
Kocher and Ellickson LLC Kannan Cavalier were up next. The pair turned in a fast, clear round in 33.291 seconds and took the lead.
Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules were the next pair to complete the second round and with no faults and a tie of 39.192 seconds, earned seventh place.
Avery Weggman and her own Chacco Brown followed Shepherd in the order. The pair posted a clear second round in a time of 34.460 seconds which earned them second place.
Elizabeth Schumann and Light Speed Equestrian’s Denison Park Combat sat in the last-to-go position. Four jump faults in a time of 37.565 seconds earned them eighth overall and secured the win for Kocher and Kannan.
According to Kocher, “Kannan has been going really well. He stepped up this week with this win. Although we are heading home, we are looking forward to building off of these classes at the next show.”
Final results saw Genevieve Munson and Zonderling in third place and Michaela Munson aboard Charlene in fourth place. Kocher also earned a fifth with Dexterity Z.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
|
Quabouche Z and Holly ShepherdWin the $5,000 1.25mSchneiders SaddleryJumper Classic |
|
Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Quabouche Z won the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery Jumper Classic 1.25m, week 5 besting a field of sixteen horse and rider teams.
Seven advanced to a second-round opportunity where the time to beat was set at 48 seconds.
Shepherd was the first to go clear in the second round with Loretta Patterson’s Warmachine and set the new time to beat at 32.476 seconds.
Lee Hatcher of Little Rock Arkansas and her own Cashmir, followed and posted a clear second round in a tie of 31.792 seconds.
According to Shepherd, “I thought we were winning on Warmachine until I was about to jump off with QB [Quabouche Z] and the announcers said that Warmachine was in second. I bent over QB’s head and told him the plan had changed, and we had to run! He stepped up like an old pro! He loves to gallop and jump and is so much fun to ride. He truly loves his daily routine.”
The pair posted a clear second round in a time of 31.257 seconds and took the lead and the win. Shepherd continued, “QB is the cutest thing in the barn with the sweetest personality. He has no idea he’s a rockstar.”
Kocher and his own Commando QT were the next pair to turn in a clear second round, but with a time of 33.152 seconds, would finish in fourth overall. Natalee Haggan and MTM Farm’s Ladykilla KS were the final horse and rider team to turn in a clear second round and their time of 34.196 seconds earned them fifth place.
The final results had Shepherd winning the class with Quabouche Z and taking a third with Warmachine. Hatcher and Cashmir finished in second and Kianna Luscher placed sixth with Northeast Equi-Wave, LLC’s E.G. Scotia Boy.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonine.com. |
|
About Schneiders Saddlery |
|
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. |
|
Stevie Ray Wins the $10,000 Open Hunter Classic |
|
A misty morning gave way to sunny skies over the beautiful grass grand prix field and welcomed a dozen horses to the $10,000 Open Hunter Classic.
First-place honors were awarded to Alexis Liles’ Stevie Ray, ridden by Julie Cleveland Beam of Argyle, Texas. Cleveland Beam commented, “It was a beautiful day for the class to be held on the grass field. I thought the horses jumped amazingly. We are so grateful to Bob Bell and Harrison County Fairgrounds for the continuous improvements and the year-round care of the grass field. A special thank you to the Liles family for the ride on Stevie Ray. He is truly a special horse.”
Wayfarer, owned by Meredith Mouney and ridden by Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas, earned second-place honors and EMO Stables’ Sidenote, ridden by Holly Shepherd placed third overall.
Jackpower JP Group’s Starpower, ridden by Tom Brennan of Charles Town, West Virginia, earned a fourth placing, and Folklore, owned by Amberlea Tribble and ridden by Alexandra Ansteth finished fifth overall.
Gabrielle Young of Spring Hill, Kansas, piloted her own Tinka’s Boy to sixth place, and Debbie Holland’s Tybee, ridden by Holly Shepherd, placed seventh.
Last Call, owned by Priscilla O’Donnell and ridden by Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana, finished in eighth place, and Copy That, owned by Storytime Equine, and ridden by Ansteth, earned ninth place.
Margaret Snyder’s Marseille, ridden by Adrianne Gamboa of Houston, Texas, finished in tenth place, and Light Rain, owned by Manor Bridge Farm and ridden by Sarah Young, earned eleventh place. CR Diaconcello ES, owned and ridden by Adrianne Gamboa wrapped up the class with a twelfth place.
For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
|
Snow Patrol Wins the$5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby |
|
Congratulations to Alexandra Ansteth, of Spring, Texas, and Augusta Pines Farm’s Snow Patrol, on winning the $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, besting a field of 24 horse and rider teams.
The class took place on the beautiful grass Grand Prix field and was designed by Nancy Wallis. According to Ansteth, “Stoney loved the field! That was his first time showing out on the grass and it was amazing! He likes a challenge and the open space in the field allowed him to show off his bravery and big stride.” |
|
Ansteth continued, “He’s a big fan of derbies and the handy round. We were all so excited when we heard that Bob was moving the Week 5 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby to the grass. It’s a really beautiful and unique venue at a well-run show. We will be back next year to defend our title!”
Calistro, owned by Kristin Kulinski, and ridden by Ellarose Lewis of Ethel, Louisiana, earned second place. Chloe Palato’s MTM Unlimited, ridden by Brittany Sommer DeSalvo of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earned third.
Ballentine’s F, owned and ridden by Christine Moody of Flora, Mississippi, placed fourth overall and won the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus. M2 Equestrian’s Creative, ridden by Melissa Marshall of Middleburg, Virginia, earned a fifth-place finish and the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Chacario PS, owned by Sarah Morris and ridden by Jason Schnelle of Memphis, Tennessee, finished in sixth place. Stevie Ray, owned and ridden by Alexis Liles, earned a seventh placing overall and won the $300 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Lord Dixon, owned and ridden by Kylee Richardson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, placed eighth and won the $300 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Victoria Clarke’s Alto Cinco, ridden by Thomas Brennan of Charles Town, West Virginia, finished in ninth place, and Carling, owned by Alex Williams and ridden by Catie Beth Varian of Naples, Florida, earned tenth.
Jennifer Wargo’s Diamant Star, ridden by Adrianne Gamboa finished in eleventh place, and Curious Geoge, owned by EMO Stables and ridden by Holly Shepherd, earned a twelfth placing.
Furst Filou, owned by Julia Little and ridden by Michaela Munson of Rogers, Arkansas, won the $200 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and S&L Forever Young, owned by Emersales, LLC and ridden by Finley Emerson of Flora, Mississippi, won the $200 Marshall + Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com. |
|
About Marshall + Sterling |
|
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. |
|
Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter |
|
Back to Back Wins for Chacario PS |
|
Chacario PS, owned and ridden by Sarah Morris, secured another championship week in the Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Division.
According to Morris, “I had another fun week with Chacario. He was fabulous all weekend and handled the wind like a pro.” She continued, “I always really look forward to the two weeks we spend in Gulfport because the Classic Company always puts on great shows and I really enjoy the nice, big, rings.”
Reserve champion was awarded to Commander, ridden by Emerson Strong.
|
|
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. |
|
PERFECT PRODUCTSPICTURE-PERFECT MOMENTOF GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICWEEK 5 |
|
Celebrating the Unsung HerosThe Groom's Award |
|
Congratulations to Daniel Silva with CalNemo. He won the winning prize for this year's Groom's Award.
Second place was awarded to Javier Arredondo with EMO Stables, and third place was awarded to Emily Taylor with Summer Haven Stables. |
|
Friday Night Exhibitor Party! |
|
Thank you, Acolade, for sponsoring the Friday night fabulous dinner exhibitor party! |
| Everyone at the show turned out for the Friday night exhibitor party, sponsored by Accolade. |
|
Not just hot dogs! The best hot dogs flown in from Chicago for the occasion! Everyone looks forward to this exhibitor party! |
| Gulf Coast Classic President, Bob Bell enjoyed dinner with everyone from teh show. |
|
The No Entry Fee Grand Prix Deal Continues! |
|
We're heading into the final week of the No Entry Fee Grand Prix! Put the Gulf Coast Winter Classic on your calendar for 2026!
Plus:
$7,500 Welcome Stake each week $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25m Open Jumper Classic each week JR/AM Jumper Classics each week |
|
HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES |
|
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 |
|
10 Opportunities to Earn a FREE Entryfor the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3' and 3'3", including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses! |
|
NEW FOOTING FOR THE HUNTERS |
|
You asked and we did it! We have new footing in the main hunter arena and the hunter warm-up! |
|
JOIN US ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST |
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities |
|
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. |
|
Gulf Coast Winter ClassicOfficial Lodging Partners |
|
Support the Hotels that Support the Show |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Subscribe today for all emails related to the Classic Company and Gulf Coast Winter Classics! |
|
|
|
| The Classic Company, Ltd. | PO Box 1311 | Johns Island, SC 29457 US |
|
|
|
|
|