Browse > Home / Fidelity Jumper Classic, Press Releases /




September 4, 2025

Hampton Falls, New Hampshire - September 4, 2025 - Perfect weather allowed for the successful start of the 2008 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, taking place for the first time at the vastly spectacular Silver Oak Equestrian Center in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. The day began with spirited equestrian competition and Katie Prudent took the blue ribbon for the $750.00 Wolfstone Stables Seven and Eight year old class. At the conclusion of the competition, fans and riders gathered for the “Meet & Greet” press conference in the RV Sales of Broward riders’ tent next to the main show jumping arena. The press conference was a Question / Answer format surrounding a common theme, that this exciting, challenging, sometimes life-threatening sport is considered a “secret sport,” a term coined by Nona Garson, one of the panel riders and former Olympian, to convey the fact that Equestrian Show Jumping is not that well-known by the general public.

The press conference was hosted by Miele Professional, who is on-hand at the show displaying their quality appliances, including equine laundry systems, and was catered by Joppa Fine Foods of Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Miele’s Director of Business Development, Dan McDougall welcomed the audience of 100 people, including young riders from local barns. Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Board for the Jumper Classic emceed the event which opened with Grand Prix rider Nona Garson answering a few questions. “I think this move is great for the show - it gives them a little expansion room,” she said. Nona Garson has successfully represented the United States in the 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, and was the 2002 Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic Grand Prix champion, has a young horse as well as her Grand Prix stallion Languster at the show. She was at the new location at Silver Oak Equestrian Center for the first time.

Garson fielded questions from the audience about her Olympic experience and her impressions of the 2008 Olympics, noting that she enjoyed seeing the U.S. win the team gold medal and also appreciated seeing Canada do so well. “Ian Miller is a great friend and it was so good to see him come through and have a clear ride for Canada,” she said of the show jumping rider who has been to the Olympics nine times.

All the riders on the panel agreed that even though the U.S. had such a strong show jumping team in the Olympics, there was little air time for the equestrian events on television.

“I tell everyone I compete in a secret sport,” Garson joked. Noting that the riders really enjoy competing for the large audience at the Jumper Classic, Chairman of the Board Jeff Papows stressed the importance of spectator support as well as promotion through the many sponsors that make the show possible. Papows was the moderator for the event.

In addition to Garson, the panel included the Irish-born 2004 Olympian Kevin Babbington of Pennsylvania; Candice King, World Cup rider and the only American in 30 years to win the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Cup at Hickstead in England; Darren Graziano, the show jumping star and trainer whose photograph has gained wide recognition on the billboards and advertising for the Jumper Classic; and Linda Allen, world-renowned Course Designer.

Questions arose about the equine athletes, who travel long distances and compete regularly throughout an intense year of competition. “Some horses need more time to settle than others,” explained Babbington, who knows which of his horses need an extra day of rest or can arrive at the show and compete the next day. “I had one horse who had more stamps on his passport than most people,” he said, of one frequent flyer who travels especially well.

Following the panel discussions, riders signed saddle pads and posters for the young fans. Everyone enjoyed a variety of freshly prepared fruits, cheeses, sandwiches, quesadilla points, polenta, wine, beer, and other beverages from Joppa Fine Foods in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Joppa, which is owned and operated by two culinary experts for the past five years, highlights New England cheeses at this time of year, a perfect accompaniment for a bright September afternoon on the new show grounds of the Jumper Classic.

The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic is taking place all week through Sunday, September 7, 2008. The Jumper Classic is one of only 33 AGA (American Grand Prix Association) events in the United States and the largest in all of New England.

For more information visit www.jumperclassic.com or call 978-283-7708.

Written by Fidelity Jumper Classic · Filed Under Fidelity Jumper Classic, Press Releases 
Tagged:

Comments

Got something to say?

You must be logged in to post a comment.