Monthly Column by Carol Dean-Porter |
SUMMER HORSE SHOWS
Here in California we are fortunate to have
some wonderful summer shows to attend.
The GTE Summer Classic Horse Show is an annual show, sponsored by the GTE (phone company)
Yellow Pages, and benefitting the Huntington Beach Art Center. This show is held at the
Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center and also at the Huntington Central Park, next
door. The facility is only 3 miles from the ocean, so there are cooling ocean breezes in
the afternoon. The park has a wonderful grass field, studded with Eucalyptus trees, which
normally during the year is a frisbee golf course open to the public. The city closes this
area in the park in June and starts watering, sanding and leveling the field for the horse
show.
The stabling is quite a far walk from the grass, about ½ mile, so most people bring
scooters or golf carts (or hitch a ride on a cart).
There are three hunter rings on the stable site, with 3 large warmup rings, plus lunging
areas. The rings have Footings Unlimited Airfoot, (shredded tennis shoes) so the footing
stays excellent throughout the day with a minimum of maintenance necessary.
The jumpers show in the park in two temporarily fenced grass rings. Both jumper fields are
adjacent to their own grass warm up areas. The lower level jumpers show on a field which
has undulating terrain and a variety of trees to wind around.
The main ring is very large, somewhat sloping, and is surrounded by tents with seating.
Footing stayed excellent throughout the show.
There is a class for every level, from short stirrup to a Grand Prix. Featured events on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday include a Gambler's Choice (during the exhibitor's party),
Music Derby, Grand Prix and the GTE High Jump class in which a $30,000 Audi is offered to
anyone who can break the California State high jump record of 7'2". (I won the class
at 6'3", but didn't try for the record!). The Grand Prix and High Jump are televised
live, while portions of the Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic and the Music Derby are
shown previously taped.
This is a real community event. On the weekend there are puppet shows, petting zoos and a
variety of vendors selling everything from art work to hats to horse cookies. The turn out
is huge and for the featured events, it is standing room only.
There is excellent communication between all the rings, barns and office. The Stephanie
Pinske/Robert Ridland management team kept the show running smoothly.
