New this year to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour kicked off its first show of the eight-part tour Wednesday at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show with three divisions offered for 5, 6 and 7-year-old horses. Featured in the Rolex Stadium on Thursday, the 7-year-old division saw Peter Wylde capture the top honors aboard Chester Siuda’s Gemino, besting a class of talented up-and-comers.
“This is the most exciting opportunity that we’ve had yet,” said Cynthia Hampton, founder and president of Classic Champions, Inc. “We have the whole series followed by a championship, which is really optimal for showing the development of the young horses. The championship will take place here at the Kentucky [Horse Park] in September.”
Classic Champions, Inc. brings European principles to course design for young jumpers, and helps young horses to become the future stars they can be, offering competition opportunities that are both sporting and educational. With specific classes for 5, 6 and 7-year-old horses, the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour features adapted heights, type of fences, lines and turns, as well as experienced, specifically trained course designers at top-notch show venues.
Competition for the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour will continue Saturday, May 11, at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show with the 7-year-old division once again featured in the Rolex Stadium, while the 5-year-old division will kick off jumper competition in the Walnut Ring at 8 a.m., after which the 6-year-old horses will follow. The tour will return for the second week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show CSI3* series for the Kentucky Spring Classic, and will culminate with the year-end championships at the Kentucky National Horse Show, held September 18-22.