Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural Equine Canada Gold-sanctioned A-level event last year, Cedar Run Horse Park is pleased to announce an expanded program for 2012, featuring two back-to-back events in July and a culminating event set for August.
“Based on last year’s phenomenal achievement and a great deal of positive feedback from coaches, trainers, competitors and spectators, we’re ramping up our A-level show series for our 2012 season,” said Cedar Run president Peter Lush. “With state-of-the-art footing and beautifully engineered rings, we are dedicated to creating a positive show experience for our competitors, but it’s equally important to us that they have a great time while they are here as well.”
The three Equine Canada-sanctioned Gold Level events planned for the upcoming season are the Cedar Run Classic, July 4-8; the Cedar Run Tournament, July 11-15; and the Cedar Run Blue Mountain Celebration, August 8-12. Each one is a true destination event that combines a challenging equestrian show experience with an enjoyable summer vacation experience, including a golf tournament, shopping, dining and entertainment on site plus numerous recreational and leisure activities throughout the Blue Mountains area.
Feature series will run across all three shows (competitors must compete in at least one July show to be eligible for the August final) and include the $6,000 Pony Classic; $10,000 Open Hunter Classic; $12,000 Child/Adult Hunter Classic; $6,000 Beginner/Low Child/Adult Classic; $20,000 Canadian Hunter Derby; and a $50,000 Modified Grand Prix, part of the Jump Canada Cup series. Additional highlights include the ever-popular Grooms Class, Horseless Jumping Competition and more. High Point Prizes will also be awarded to series champions in each division.
“We’re going to have something for everyone, from the beginner short stirrup pony rider all the way up to the professional grand prix rider and everyone in between,” says show manager Roy Fish, noting that 600 horses are expected at each event, an increase of 50 per cent compared to 2011. Most divisions will incorporate special qualifying classes as riders work towards the August finale, he added.
Course designers for the Jumper Grand Prix ring are: respected horseman Dave Ballard for the Classic; Mexican Manuel Esparza, who assisted in the past four Olympic games, for the Tournament; and, Chris Brandt, chair of course designers for Equine Canada, for the Blue Mountain Celebration. Main Hunter rings will be designed by Jenn Ferguson, assisted by Sue Fish and Ed Haley.
Noted American judges participating in the 2012 Cedar Run A-level series include Todd Karn, Barbara Fillipelli and Andy Lomker (New York); Otis Brown (Kentucky); and, J.A. and Linda Reynolds (Virginia).
“We’re offering an expanded line-up that is attracting high-profile riders, course designers and judges, as well as spectators,” said Fish.
Upgrades for the 2012 show season are numerous, including additional wash stalls and a new warm-up ring; improved footing in the Hunter Annex ring, addition of a Jumper Annex ring, widened laneways for traffic control and increased parking facilities.
Set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment on one side, with spectacular views of Georgian Bay on the other, Cedar Run offers miles of manicured trails for competitors to use during the show. At the same time, they can take advantage of everything the Blue Mountains area has to offer, including nearby Blue Mountain Village, neighbouring towns Thornbury & Clarksburg and Wasaga Beach just down the road, all offering superior accommodation, great shopping and fine dining, plus award-winning golf courses.
“At Cedar Run, we are very fortunate to be able to provide a fantastic vacation experience as well as a challenging equestrian competition for our destination shows,” said Lush.
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