Summer Classics Location Gets A Major “Space Lift”
Somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean eight years ago while at the helm of his sailboat, Classic Company president Bob Bell began brain storming aloud with friend Bonnie Lingerfelt, a Joint Master of the Tryon Hounds, about possible new locations for the popular but growing Charleston Summer Classic held at Seabrook Island each July. “The current show grounds seemed to be shrinking fast and the heat waves of the past few years were increasingly unbearable to both horse and human” reminisced Bell, “I wanted to find a location in the mountains.” The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) in Tryon, NC was penciled into the new season’s schedule but Bell feared the venue could not accommodate the still expanding series. Lingerfelt causally suggested Biltmore Estate in Asheville, as she was a personal friend of Mimi Cecil, the owner’s wife. “Sure” Bell had responded half kidding.
Trying to find land that provided enough space, had an infrastructure of some kind, and be capable of accommodating a show of 1000 horses had not been an easy proposition. Allen Rheinheimer, Director of Operations for Classic Company and well known steward Tom Brennen had investigated several locations of older shows in the area only to discover most of the sites had become housing developments, golf courses or had far too many issues to be developed into quality show grounds. Lingerfelt true to her word had called her contacts at Biltmore then contacted Bell with the news the Estate would be interested in a discussion. Though surprised Bell called Rheinheimer to arrange the meeting in Asheville. On a cold December afternoon, Biltmore Estate President & CEO William Cecil Jr., and several of his staff, escorted Bell and Rheinheimer around the estate. The tour included all large flat parcels on the property as well as a personal tour of Biltmore House. “When the tour concluded we returned to the parcel that is the current home of the show and an invitation was extended to move the series to the Vanderbilt’s celebrated home.” Bell recalls fondly. After confirmation with AHSA, then the governing body of equestrian sports, to move the dates from Tryon to Asheville a press release announcing the big move was sent out and a very rare experience in showing began.
Beginning in the fall of 2005, Biltmore Estate has stepped up their commitment with the Classic Company in producing one of the best possible showing experiences for the 2006 summer circuits with vast improvements and additions to the equestrian venue.
One of the top engineering firms in the southeast was hired, Brooks and Medlock Engineers, to evaluate the current site’s needs or possible relocation of the event. The report highlighted the good and bad, as well as suggested improvements of all the locations under consideration. Based upon the information gathered from the various river analysis, soil samples, measurements and other testing the overall results concluded the current location with marked improvements was best suited for hosting the show. Armed with this valuable insight the estate in partnership with the Classic Company invested nearly $200,000 to immediately start the construction. JD Galloway of Roseman, NC was brought in for the project. “The Biltmore Estate Horse Classic is a really important event for us and we want to do everything we can to make sure it continues to be so successful,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Special Projects for the estate. “We’ve put considerable time and effort into improving the site for better drainage in the event of rain and to increase parking. We’re committed to making improvements each year as we continue to build a strong partnership with the Classic Company.”
Among the physical changes to the venue is the construction specifically for the stabling areas with raised tent pads. For exhibitors familiar with the show grounds in Gulfport, the new pads at the estate will be similar. The height at the center of the pads is over 25 inches. “This project will assure that for years to come, the horse show at Biltmore Estate will be very dry in the stabling areas.” Bell, president of Classic Company stated. Other additions include over 900 feet of drainage pipe that will connect to newly installed catch basins throughout the equestrian grounds. Traveling about the venue will be a lot easier this year with the inclusion of new roads into and throughout the equestrian area. Roads to be used primarily by exhibitors for unloading trailers and driving golf carts are under construction now. The surface will consist of hard packed sand-small gravel material. “This is a very large commitment by both Classic Company and Biltmore Estate, but one necessary for the continuation of the event. We both are insuring that the show grows and continues the tradition of horses being on the estate for years to come.” Bell further commented.
Along with the make over of the show grounds, Classic Company is offering a variety of new classes to the event this year. Beginning week one with a $25,000 Hunter Classic sponsored by Classic Company and keeping with their commitment, a portion of the proceeds will again be donated to the Horses Helping Horses program benefiting Old Friends Equine Rescue. The first Horses Helping Horses Hunter $25,000 Classic was introduced at the Jacksonville Winter Series in January with a field of 24 riders showing their support for the charity event. Also added is a $5,000 Children’s – Adult Jumper Classic presented this year by WB Equestrian of Lake Mary, FL. And not to leave the younger riders out a $5,000 Pony Hunter Classic provided by the Flashpoint Photography. This two round classic will be one of the last events prior to the USEF Pony Finals.
Both weeks of competition are again USEF AA rated Hunters and USEF Three Star Jumpers. Each week of show will again include two special $25,000 Grand Prix honoring the spirit of two great contributors of this sport by spotlighting some of the finest show jumpers in the country. Week one’s main event, The Juan Hernandez Memorial Grand Prix will be presented by Farm House, an avid supporter the Biltmore Summer Classics since it’s conception. The second week’s Grand Prix, the Louise Salter Memorial event will be sponsored by the EMO Agency. Not to be forgotten are the popular grand buffet dinners under the VIP tent each week. Exhibitors and spectators will want to order tickets early as these parties sell out quickly. Table reservations can be sent in with entry forms and are recommended.
The social highlight of the event will be the 15th Annual Unbridled Affair held at the Biltmore Estate on the Monday evening between shows. This year’s date is July 17th. Keeping with the tradition of unique themes for each, this year’s choice of “Pajama Party” will continue to inspire attendee’s creative sides. Classic Company President Bob Bell, H & D Stables located in Aiken, SC, and the Wilton Connor family of Charlotte, NC will share the hosting duties for 2006.
One of best aspects of showing at the summer classic for exhibitors is the beautiful backdrop of Biltmore Estate itself. Participants are invited to experience everything during their stay. Here they can find four acres of historical luxury under one roof. The estate’s crowning jewel is Biltmore House consisting of 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, and even a bowling alley all surrounded by priceless art, antiques, and a legacy the Vanderbilt family proudly shares with the public. Adjoining the main house and throughout the surrounding acreage are some of the world’s most magnificent gardens. Guests can stroll through an ever-changing display of color and fragrance, ranging from the unique Shrub Gardens to the formal Italian Garden and into the amazing Rose Garden home to a collection of more than 2,300 various buds. Other activities available include touring Biltmore Estate Winery, miles of hiking trails, and even off roading with the Land Rover Experience Driving School. Exhibitors have the distinct pleasure of touring the estate and grounds throughout the event with their length of stay pass or Summer Classic 12 month pass. Information on the passes will be included with show documents.
The Biltmore Estate Summer Classics begin on July 12th and will conclude on July 23rd.
For more information on the 2006 Biltmore Estate Summer Classics please visit http://www.classiccompany.com/ or call 843.768.5503.
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