February 8, 2007

AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular - The Battle for the Qualifiers Is On

The Fundraising Dinner Party in the Jockey Club Pavilion

One unique aspect of the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular is the activity happening in the Jockey Club Pavilion. The annual dinner party overlooking the main arena is one of the AHJF's major fundraisers. The tent - filled with sponsors who have purchased tables - buzzes with conversation while on the grassy hillside around the arena friends, family and newcomers enjoy watching the nation’s top hunters.

Chaired by Mr. & Mrs. S. Craig Lindner and Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs, there’s food, friends, frivolry but most of all fun happening for this annual fundraiser. It’s an event for which you need to reserve your table early if you want to be a part of the festivities.

The activities start around 6:30 and offer a perfect view of the Internationale Arena. While the VIP Tent is humming the horses and riders begin by first walking the course before the formal introduction of each of the riders to the public begins. Riders and horses will then be prepping in the schooling area shortly before they enter the ring, beginning at 7:30, to each take their turn over the galloping hunter course.

About the AHJF

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan.

The AHJF also hosts the Legacy Cup (May 9-20, 2007 in Kentucky) and the Monarch International's Show Circuit Magazine Professional WCHR Finals (October 5, 2007 in Upper Marlboro, MD). Another featured event this year will be a fundraiser for its Emergency Relief Fund, a program that assists equestrians in their time of financial crisis. “Bowling for Equestrians” will be a fun-filled evening of strikes and spares and will be held 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Greenacres Bowl (6126 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, FL) on February 18, 2007. This year a WCHR World Cup Hunter Challenge will be showcased for the second time at the World Cup in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 21 as a rematch of the 2005 event.

The AHJF will be presenting an array of prize awards, in addition to the prize money, the winner of the class will receive a saddle donated by CM Hadfield’s Saddlery; the “The Dark Continent” trophy, courtesy of Jim Green; a custom jacket specially designed by Personalized Products; a cooler donated by Grazing Fields Farm; Leather halters for 1st–6th place and leather shanks for the 7th–12th place ribbon winners. Additionally, the winning trainer will receive a check for $1,000, 2nd place $750, 3rd $500 and 4th $250. The grooms of the 1st through 4th place winners receive a check for $500, $300, $200, $100 (consecutively) sponsored by Archie Cox/Brookway Stables. The winning rider receives the “Let’s Dance Trophy” established by the AHJF in honor of Friend and Horseman Eugene R. Mische. And all competitors will be in contention for the “Strapless Challenge,” with a trophy and check going to anyone winning the class four times.

For more information contact the AHJF, 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, E-mail: ahjf@earthlink.net.

PAST WINNERS
1997 – Monday Morning, rider - Liza Towell
1998 – Hudson, owner - Peter Wetherill, rider - Elizabeth Bross
1999 – High Hearts, rider - Clara Lindner
2000 – Most Wanted, Hanoverian gelding, chestnut, 16.2 hands, Large Junior 15 & Under, Shows at 3’6”, Rider - Cody Baird, Greenwich, CT; Trainer – Scott Stewart 2000 Score: 91.33
2001 & 2002 & 2003 – Strapless, Dutch Warmblood mare, Regular Working Hunter, 4’ Rider - Emily Williams, Cincinnati, Ohio; Owner - Clara Lindner; Trainer – Tom Wright 2001 Score: 93.66 2002 Score: 91.375 2003 Score: 95.750 (185)
2004 – Strapless, Dutch Warmblood mare, Amateur-Owner Working Hunter, 3’6”, Rider/Owner - Clara Lindner, Cincinnati, OH; Trainer – Tom Wright 2004 Score: 181.312
2005 – Costello, Germanbred gelding, 1st Year Green, 3’6” Rider/Trainer: Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA; Owner: Shaw Johnson Price, Chestertown, MD Score: 89 + 89.5 = 178.5
2006 – Late Entry, 7-year-old, bay, 15.3 3/4H, Hanoverian, 2nd Year Green, 3’9” Rider/Trainer: Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA; Owner: Sarah Chovnick Score: 86.687 + 87 = 173.687