Charleston, SC—July 13, 2009—Driving under an arched canopy of moss covered oak trees toward the entrance of Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island, SC exhibitors immediately knew something special lay just ahead. The Charleston Summer Classics, the second of five Boutique Horse Shows produced by The Classic Company for 2009, kicked off with an air of perfection this week.

Returning to the Low Country area after nearly a decade absence Bob Bell, Chairman of the summer classic fondly remembered the original series. “I started the Charleston Summer Classics at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center in July of 1992, but the show out grew the facility after seven years and moved to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.” Classic Company is best known for producing larger events such as the Gulf Coast Winter Series in Gulfport, MS and the Atlanta Classics series in Conyers, GA at the Georgia International Horse Park and site of the 1996 Olympics, “but for years I’ve had this longing to return to Charleston…to our roots. And the concept of the Boutique Show was the perfect means to return.” Bell said.

Though limited in size, generally from 150-400 stalls, the Boutique Shows are designed around the memories of a by gone era in horse showing with it’s traditions and little nuances that made events truly unique. Taking these notions and putting them into today’s modern equestrian world would have been a challenge to most, but Bell saw it as an opportunity to introduce younger generations to “the glory days of family outings.” The Mullet Hall locale has it all for exhibitors- three beautiful rings, good footing, and nice stalls all set in a lush green environment of trails to explore or picnics to enjoy under the massive Hospitality Tent ringside or take a scenic 6 mile drive to enjoy some of the countries most beautiful beaches. Bell’s emphasis on where the Boutique Shows occur are an equally important ingredient to their success. “I chose the Charleston area largely because of the beauty and history surrounding it. People can make a real vacation out of this event. Water sports abound on the beaches, historical downtown Charleston’s shopping, museums, and fine dining is only a short drive away and we’re making the horse show itself quite special.” Bell said. On Thursday afternoon Robin Stoney hosted the Pussers Pain Killers party and the crowd under the tent were delighted with the spiced rum elixir. Friday evening Classic Company’s right-hand woman Tissy Principe invited exhibitors to enjoy a BBQ at her gorgeous farm that overlooks the waterway. And of course Sunday found Bell strolling throughout the grounds with a silver tray of Mimosas for all. Another highlight for Bell, “It was fun to buy 10 dozen donuts at Krispy Kreme and drive around the barn area in the mornings delivering a tasty wakeup to the grooms and exhibitors getting ready for the show to start. That’s something you can do when you only have 400 stalls.” 

Despite small in numbers the competition was big in talent, with exhibitors from all across the country including Canton, GA based Showcase, LTD with hunter great Terry Brown picking up four Championship titles- in the 1st Year Greens aboard the Sandy Gregory owned Formality, 2nd Year Greens with Lori Christman’s entry Nice, Pre Green 3’ Hunters with Foxdale Equine Vet Services’ Lifestyle, and the Pre Green 3’3 section riding Darcy Cooper’s Seduced. “This is a wonderful event. We have a lovely show and finish our days early enough to go enjoy the area’s great beaches and restaurants! Bob [Bell] is on to something here!” Brown said.  

The Mystery Man classes returned for added fun among the competitors. Dating back to 1999, this class is a summer classic and has Missy McCutcheon to thank for its creation. Each year she traveled from Texas to South Carolina to compete with her beloved horse Mystery Man. During one of the final shows held at Seabrook Island she jokingly suggested to Bell that he hold a class requiring a rider to find only seven of the original eight jumps, because that was usually all she could find. The concept became each rider completes their course, then trots to the judge and tells them which fence not to count. Sadly Mystery Man passed away the same year this fun idea began, but Bell honored the class by bestowing his name to it. This year’s winners are Lauren Fellows and Well Spoken from the Adult Hunter section, Anna Wells-Sharp and Kissme in the Child-Adult Hunters, Brittany Warden and Tycoon for the Children’s Hunters, and Shelby Sanderford aboard Sante Cavalier in the Junior Hunters.

Based on the rider’s overall performance in their respective divisions, this week’s Best Child Riders were named on Sunday afternoon. From the Junior Hunters it was Molly Gardner of Charlotte, NC, for the Children’s Hunter section it was Emily Weeks of the Atlanta, GA area, and for the Pony sections the winner was Bergen Sanderford from Mt. Home Stables, GA. 

Another point of pride for Bell at this Boutique Show are the beautiful and historical silver trophies to which Grand Champions’ names will be added to carry on the rich tradition of the original Summer Classics. And just to name drop a few of the wonderful gifts handed out this week, Champions receive highly sought after Vera Bradley bags while Classic winners receive great riding shirts from Essex Classics.

Some of the opening week’s Champions include:

Amateur Owner (18-35) - Isaac ridden by Sarah Ward

Amateur Owner (36 & Over)- Formality with Sandy Gregory

Amateur Owner 3’3- What D’Ya Know and Lee Cesery

Small Pony Hunter- First Edition with Bergen Sanderford

Medium Pony Hunter-Champlain Celebration and Nicole White

Large Pony Hunter- Cherrybrooke Skye Blue with Paige Parker

Adult Amateur (18-35)- Capital Gains and Jennifer Mundy

Adult Amateur (36 & Over)- Brunello and Caroline Clark-Morrison

Children’s Hunter (14 & Under)- Believe with Emily Weeks

Children’s Hunter (15-17)- On Star and Jessica Reber

Children’s Hunter Pony- Snickers and Sarah Sirles

Short Stirrup Hunter- Just Another Kid and Nicolas Gamboa

Pre Children’s Hunter-Exhibit A and Nicole Milburn

Pre Adult Hunter- Grand Slam and Susan McCann

“With perfect weather, great social gatherings, and good ole fashion fun we’ve had this week I just can’t imagine how much better it could get! Oh, but we still have another week to do it all again!” laughed Bell.  Week two will also host the annual Unbridled Affair –the party all longtime exhibitors at Classic events look forward to most. This year’s party will be hosted at the Seabrook Island Country Club with a grand patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Bell closed the opening week with this observation; “I don’t think there’s anything so impressive as seeing both a rider and horse turned out beautifully, combined with all the trappings of a classic social event. I want to recreate that fun atmosphere so both older and younger riders can cherish their showing experience.”  He’s convinced that larger doesn’t always mean better, especially in today’s economy. “People deserve to get more than their money’s worth and not feel like a mere number. Our goal with the Boutique events is to just spoil them as much as we can!”

For complete results or more information on the Boutique events please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503.