Submitted by Meg Irvin
Clemson, S.C. - There was a smile on every face when the gates swung open November 10th for the first class of the Clemson Fall Classic. New management and a new outlook on what the Saddlebred/Hackney exhibitor wants in a small show brought out exhibitors eager to show. Traffic and happy Clemson football fans were not even an issue. The weather was great except for a few showers.
Some riders showed one more time for those extra points towards high point awards. Others rode another time to see what they had to work on this winter. While still others tried out young horses and new horse and rider combinations. There were even a few riders right out of academy riding a show horse for the first time. Horses came from North and South Carolina, Georgia and as far away as Ohio.
The show expanded into two days to fit in more classes. This also gave horses a night to rest before the championship classes. There were championships for academy riders along with three drawings for $100 academy scholarships. Scholarships were given in three age divisions. The winner of the 8 and under prize was Erin Blankenblecklor of Columbia Riding Academy. The 9-13 year old winner was Evan Hamilton also of Columbia Riding Academy. The older age group was 14 years and up. The winner was Monique Hall of Countryside Stables. All academy riders were divided into age groups and the names were drawn on Championship night. But the winner had to be present to win.
Break Away Farms, Countryside Stables, Champion Hill Farm, Jon Walker Stables, Mountain Laurel Stables, Larry Bruce and Sam Mills, Cheryl Baird Stables, Columbia Riding Academy and Robert Scott Stables, to name a few, all came out to support the show. Carolina Rag, Caroline Fowler Embroidery, The Man of Steel, D and S Western Treasures, Engrave This! and Horse Videos were all there to sell their wares.
Show manager Liz Holmes and her team thank all exhibitors, staff, vendors and spectators for their help and support of this show. Madge Bass of Mount Washington, Kentucky expertly judged academy and performance classes. Gene and Jane Frye served as announcer and organist, respectively. Peyton Hamilton kept the ball rolling in the paddock. Laura Cowen served as ringmaster. Sandra Hall was the show photographer. Proofs are available on her website www.sandrahallphotography.com.
Liz Holmes is known for her appreciation of the exhibitor. Watch as this show grows, so will the benefits for exhibitors on every level. For information on next year’s show please contact Liz at lizholmes@mebtel.net.