Are you searching for the perfect summer family activity? Then check out the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic, July 14-22, at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field located at the corner of Route 87 and Chagrin River Road in Moreland Hills. Whether you prefer spending the day watching exciting horse show jumping, or strolling through the lush Cleveland Metroparks and shopping at antique and gift boutiques, or seeing the sparkle in your child’s eyes when they take their first pony ride or compete in a horseless horse show—the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper has something for everyone, all for one ticket!
The Week At The Classic
Organized by the nonprofit Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show, Inc., the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic will begin with opening weekend competition on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15. The weekend is free and visitors can enjoy equestrian competition from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Opening weekend offers more than horses. Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village will hold an Adoptathon on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with adoptable dogs and cats. An adoption tent will introduce adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village, all hoping to find their new best friend! Rescue Village will also present their “Ask the Trainer” program.
On Monday, July 16, the Riders with Disabilities competition will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. National horse show jumping competition will begin on Tuesday, July 17 and three rings of competition will run simultaneously throughout the show until about 5 p.m. each day.
All week visitors can enjoy nearly 50 unique boutiques from as far away as New Mexico and Florida. The shopper’s paradise displays jewelers, artists, antique shops, a masseuse and spa, clothing and hats, furniture, gifts, horse and dog equipment and a selection of eateries. The beautiful South Chagrin Reservation, accented by floral arrangements and horticulture creations, will also display the talents of many local landscapers and nurseries.
Youth and Family Days Remain Popular Events at the Classic, As is Friday Night Fun
“Family Day and Youth Days are both a very important part of our nine-day event,” said Classic Co-Chairman Gail Tobin. Youth Day, on Thursday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offers a variety of horse-related and hands-on educational activities for pre-registered children’s groups and camps. For more information or to register a group for Youth Day, call ahead of time to 330-903-9915 or email [email protected].
Also on Thursday, show jumping’s top competitors and horses will compete in the $10,000 Welcome Stake jumper class. New for this year will be a Cocktail Party held during the Welcome Stake class. This benefit will help support the endowment fund of the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show Inc. (separate ticket required) and will let people honor the past and the present to insure the future of this horse show.
The $5,000 Chagrin Valley NAL Speed Stake will kick off Friday evening entertainment at 5:30, featuring the show’s top competitors and horses, as they race against the clock. The goal of the race is to be the fastest combination to complete the course without knocking down any rails. Penalties for knock downs are converted into time faults and added to the final time for that horse.
Following the Speed Stake class, Fieldstone Farm TRC’s drill team will perform in a musical group ride of precision and coordination.
Shops will remain open late Friday evening and musical entertainment will be provided 6 to 9 p.m.. Summer Fling, a benefit for Fieldstone Farm TRC will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. (separate ticket required).
Family Day and Dog Events will highlight the weekend along with Top Show Jumping
Family Day, Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a fun day with a variety of fun and games activities for children under 12. Activities will include pony rides, stick horse decorating, face painting, a horseless horse show, arts and crafts, and character appearances with Hunter the Horse. The Cleveland Children’s Museum will also be participating with activities for the children. The Last Chance Corral will be on hand with some of their foals that are looking for new homes and can be adopted. Saturday’s Family Day at the Classic is free for children 12 and under and adult tickets are $5 that day, available at the gate. In the evening, Geauga Humane Society’s benefit, Dancin’ Dogs & Cool Cats will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. (separate ticket required).
Also on Saturday and on Sunday, the Heel’n Time Dog Drill Team along with Rockwood Flying Giblets Flyball Team and POD, Precision Obedience Demonstration, will perform. Heel ‘N Time was founded in 2000 by Greta Marchus, owner of Rockwood Dog Training Center, and is also the team owner of the Rockwood Flying Giblets. Last year, Greta’s dog groups entertained many and will be back again this year with additional demonstrations.
The final day of the Classic, Sunday, July 22, will open with championship hunter and jumper classics at 8 a.m. Providence House’s benefit, a Benefit Brunch for the Babies will take place starting at 11 a.m.. (separate ticket required). Grand Prix festivities will begin at 1:00 p.m. with exhibitions and demonstrations celebrating the 42th anniversary of the nation’s first show jumping event. The highlight of the Classic, the $50,000 Cleveland Grand Prix begins at 2:00 p.m. and features the nation’s top horses and riders competing over jumps of five-foot heights and widths.
Tickets are available at the gate during the week. There is no admission charge through Wednesday, July 18. Admission Thursday through Saturday is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors; and Sunday, July 22 is $10 and $5, respectively. Limited box seats are available in advance. For horse show information, phone 330-903-9915. Full information is available on the web site at www.ClevelandHorseShow.com.
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