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Jumpers at 94th Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Take a Big Leap with Events Starting Tomorrow

A capacity crowd of horses, riders and trainers have begun descending on the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve for the second phase of the 94th Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. Spectators and exhibitors are getting a big boost at this year’s show which welcomes Hunters and Jumpers to the L. M. Tate Show Grounds for two weeks of intense competition. Events begin July 25. Major improvements to the schedule are being introduced for 2017 and prize money is taking a big leap.

 

All four of the premier events at the show will feature a $15,000 purse. And the addition of a Welcome Jumper Stake on both weeks will enhance the Jumper Division.

 

Sunday afternoon, July 30 will feature two of these featured events. The jumpers will ride for the ribbons in the Russell Hall Speed Class, which honors a beloved former President and long-time Blowing Rock summer resident. Immediately following the Russell Hall Memorial, a new course will be set for The Katheryn G. Clark Challenge of Champions which features the grace and elegance of the nation’s best hunters. Unlike the jumpers, hunters are judged on a quiet, relaxed and consistent way of going over fences which are designed to resemble what might be found in the hunt field.  

 

On Saturday, August 5 the best of the best Hunters go for Grand Prize in the International Hunter Derby where Olympic Gold medalist, teacher and author Melanie Smith-Taylor will join the Jury to determine the winners.  

 

On Sunday, August 6, the L. P. Tate Jumper Classic honors the late son of the show founder Lloyd M. Tate. A colorful horseman during his long career, LP always had great jumpers in his barn and rode regularly at Blowing Rock late into his life. In the jump-offs, both accuracy and speed test both horse and rider to the thrill of the crowd.

 

A new Peak of Excellence Reward is being presented by Wells Fargo Private Bank. There will be a collection of bonus rewards given for leading riders in several categories.

 

No one at a horse show works harder or longer hours than the grooms who care for the horses and the tons of equipment required to keep a horse on the circuit. In recognition of their dedicated commitment, Ingleside Stables and Caroline Clark are providing Rewards for the grooms who accompany the high score Hunters and Jumpers.

 

Show Chair, Burr Collier said, “We feel it is important to increase our prize money in order to continue attracting top quality riders with their best horses. In that vein, we are particularly grateful to Wells Fargo Private Bank for their enthusiastic participation in our new Rewards program.”

 

94th Annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

Hunter/Jumper Division

Featured Event Approximate Times

 

Sunday, July 30, 2017

1:00PM: Russell Hall Memorial Speed Class (Jumpers)

4:00PM:   Kathryn G. Clark Memorial Challenge of Champions (Hunters)

                      

Saturday, August 5, 2017

4:00PM: US Hunter & Jumper International Hunter Derby (Hunters)

                                

Sunday, August 6, 2017

                  2:00PM: L. P. Tate Jumper Classic (Jumpers)

 

Times are approximate.

Unavoidable delays may require adjustments to this schedule.