AHJHUNTERCLASSICSPECTACULAR

AHJF HUNTER CLASSIC SPECTACULAR
The Nations Finest Hunters Under the Lights at WEF
February 1, 2006—Wellington, FL--Mark you calendars now for Saturday evening
February 18, 2006, 7:00-10:00 p.m. for the The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation
Hunter Classic Spectacular to be held at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington,
FL. This qualifying, no entry fee event showcases the top national amateur, junior
and professional show hunter riders under the lights in the beautiful Internationale
Arena, while the AHJF’s major fundraising dinner and silent auction take place in the
Jockey Club Pavilion.
Since it’s inception in 1997, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular has been a highlight
event for hunter horses and riders, who put great effort into being one of roughly 25
riders to qualify. Champion and reserve champion riders, who are current members
of the AHJF, qualify throughout the week (February 15-18) in the various hunter
divisions to compete in this prestigious two-round competition under the lights.
Approximately $50,000 (through 12th place) is awarded with $12,000 guaranteed to the
winner. Since it is an add-back competition the final prize money is not determined
until that night.
About the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular
Show hunters are judged on the style of the horse. The horse should look as if it
could carry a rider smoothly, comfortably and safely over a course of natural style
jumps. The horses should be both elegant and agile as they negotiate obstacles
similar to those encountered on a foxhunt.
Eight judges are paired in teams of two and positioned in four places around the
arena. Each team presents a single numerical score (0-100) and the four scores are
averaged for a single round score. After the second round, the two scores are
averaged for a final two round score. Roughly, 25 horses compete in the first round
and the top eight highest performers come back for a second round. The height of the
fences varies from 3’6” to 4’. The winner of the class is the horse with the highest
two-round score. The judges who are scheduled for this evening include Susan Ashe,
Wellington, FL; Susan Barret, Southern Pines, NC; Joan Boyce, Greensboro, NC;
Archie Cox, Los Angeles, CA; Shane George, Magnolia, TX; Cynthia Hankins, Ste
Magnance, CAN; Mark Jungherr, Amesbury, MA; Julie Winkle, Reno, NV. JP
Goddard, Aiken, SC is the course designer for the evening and Kenneth Kraus,
Wellington, FL will be the voice everyone hears announcing the class.
The final list of competitors won’t be decided until that day but a number of horses
and riders are already qualified. These include Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA, who
was last year's winner and the 2005 WCHR Pro Champion; Jenny Karazissis,
Calabasas, CA, the winner of the 2005 Pro Challenge; Caroline Moran, Wellington, FL,
the 2005 Amateur-Owner Champion; and Jack Hardin Towell, Jr, Camden, SC, 2005
Junior Champion. These riders are allowed to compete on any horse, but must show
at the height for which the combination is eligible.
The Fundraising Dinner Party & Silent Auction 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 and silent auction 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.
At 7:00 the Dinner and Silent Auction begin and continue throughout the evening.
Graff Jewelers will have several beautiful models in evening gowns modeling some
extraordinary Graff diamonds. Some of the items featured at the Silent Auction will be
be showcased throughout the week in the AHJF Tent.
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 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.
Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the
AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k
and Profit Sharing Plan and the Legacy Cup.
The AHJF will be presenting an array of prize awards, in addition to the prize money
being distributed to the winner. 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 and the groom $500, sponsored by Archie Cox/Brookway Stables. A total of
$2,100 will be split between the 2nd–4th place trainers and grooms.   The winning rider
receives the new “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, Click on Website at www.ahjf.org,
E-mail: ahjf@earthlink.net.
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

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
This year’s event takes place on February 18. Diana De Rosa Photo