One of Geauga County’s premier charity events – the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic – will come galloping into July next week at Chagrin Valley Farms in Bainbridge Township.
One of Geauga County’s premier charity events – the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic – will come galloping into July next week at Chagrin Valley Farms in Bainbridge Township.
The annual horse show for both amateurs and professional riders is celebrating 75 years of equestrian tradition and competition with the support of a new presenting sponsor this year.
The main outdoor hunter ring of the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic will be named the Carr & Day & Martin Hunter Arena as part of the presenting sponsorship, according to a press release for the CHJC.
Horses and riders sparkle and shine as they compete for eight days in dozens of classes. Many saddles and bridles gleam from application of the Carr & Day & Martin products, as do manes, tails and glossy coats on the four-legged competitors.
Founded in 1765 in London, the company launched its traditional Belvoir Tack Conditioner soap in 1800, a product that has endured to the present day, according to the press release.
“We are proud of our rich heritage as the world’s oldest company involved in the manufacturing of horse care products. We are committed to offering customers the ultimate range of equine care products, putting the horse at the center of everything we do,” said Nicola Heyworth, commercial manager at Carr & Day & Martin, in the release. “We are pleased to be a part of the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, one of the country’s top heritage horse shows that is celebrating 75 years of equestrian tradition.”
The Classic, designated as an official Heritage Horse Show by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, has been thrilling crowds and showcasing some of the most promising horses and riders since 1949, according to CHJC. In 1965, it hosted the nation’s first show jumping grand prix, the Cleveland Grand Prix.
The Classic, a top attraction for visitors, exhibitors and spectators to the Chagrin Valley, is held at Chagrin Valley Farms, 9250 E. Washington Street, Bainbridge Township.
Opening weekend for many local competitors runs July 5-7. The Riders with Disabilities Horse Show, including many Fieldstone Farms Therapeutic Riding Center riders, is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 8 and National Rated Week starts at 10 a.m. daily July 10-14, according to CHJC.
Exciting features include the $1,500 open jumper class on July 6, hunter derbies on July 7, $1,500 open speed stakes on July 12, a $9,999 1.2-meter mini prix July 13 and the $7,500 national hunter derby and pony derby July 14.
Admission is free.
Hosting an annual world-class horse show allows the Classic to support a myriad of charities, according to CHJC, adding over the years, contributions from show sponsors, individual donors, exhibitors and spectators have helped Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field Fund, Ronald McDonald House, Rescue Village, Cleveland APL and PetFix.
