Gold Coast Series Horse Shows Popular with Competitors
RELEASE: June 12, 2008
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Marnye Langer
The Gold Coast Series is one of the largest and most popular USEF "B" circuit of shows in the country. "These are extremely popular events," explained Show Manager Michael Roy Curtis. Gold Coast shows are rated USEF and PCHA "B" and are also approved by local associations, like the Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association.
"With these ratings," Curtis continued, "we are able to offer something to almost every level of rider." However, the shows do not scrimp on quality. In addition, competitors at the shows also earn points toward the United States Hunter Jumper Association's (USHJA) Foundation Awards. These year-end awards are given to competitors in each zone who accrue points at USEF "B" and "C" hunter-rated shows.
Because of the popularity and success of the Gold Coast Series, Markel Insurance joined as a sponsor of the series awards for 2008. "We at Markel Insurance Company are delighted to be associated with the Langer Equestrian Group as the series champion sponsors of the 2008 Gold Coast Series," explained Markel representative John Seger. "Markel was attracted to the Gold Coast Series because of LEG's reputation for organizing the best horse events, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center as the show venue, and because the series allows riders to compete for championship awards while they balance their riding with work, family, and other personal pursuits."
So far, three of the seven shows in the Gold Coast Series have been held. Exhibitors at the Gold Coast 3 Horse Show (May 16-18) experienced unseasonable record-breaking heat, but the temperature was no deterrent to attendance or spirits as over 370 horses competed during the three-day show.
Ali Ohinger (Jim Hagman & Philip Klipa, trainers), who won the USEF Talent Search Class, was thrilled with her ride, her horse, and the event. "I was very happy with my ride, and I’ve been loaned D’Anconia Copper, as my horse has been off from an injury. He was fantastic for me on the flat, and I wanted to ride as positive as I could in the jumping round. ‘Classy’ was amazing." Ohringer is a fan of the Gold Coast shows. "I’ve been showing at Gold Coast shows for almost seven years. They’re a perfect step up from the more local shows and a less expensive alternative to "AA" rated shows with the same medals and classes."
Ohinger added excitedly, "With Gold Coast shows, we are given seven more opportunities to qualify for our medals, get division points, and practice over well-designed courses and new jumps."
Other notable winners from Gold Coast 3 included professional Rebecca Bruce, who picked up championships in both the Low Hunters on Gigi Hadid’s Satori and in Baby Green Hunters riding Sofia Melograno’s Donatello. Satori also helped his owner capture the Low Modified Championship honors. Holly Webb and her Risky Business garnered championship awards in both the .80 and .85 jumpers while Carolyn Biava took home both the low hunter championship on Soronto (Leslie Hanke, owner) and the Open Hunter championship with Time Out (Lisa Ball, owner).
One of the most memorable moments of the show was Sunday’s lead line class. In spite of the heat, an incredibly large constituent of family and friends cheered wildly for the four contestants: Brooke Brombach, Bailey Rose, Max Kira, and Brook Gath. "The enthusiasm was amazing," judge Regina Antonioli commented. "It really is quite heartwarming to see this much excitement for our sport in this heat. This is a real 'feel good' moment." All lead line riders at LEG shows receive participation awards, including a blue ribbon.
Seger continued with additional positive thoughts, "My wife, Lisa, is an amateur rider and as her sometime groom, it has helped me to appreciate the passion and effort given by riders, their horses, and their trainers during the show season. To sponsor the Gold Coast Series championship awards is Markel's sincere pleasure."
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