H.I.T.S. CULPEPER TO HOST ANNUAL TAD COFFIN USHJA ZONE III EQUITATION FINALS
Submitted by: Ellen Shevella
Phone: 540-272-4144
Email Address: allstarpro112(at)yahoo.com
Date Added: 8/22/2008
Circle the date on your calendar for August 23, 2008. That Saturday evening at 6pm will be post time for the third annual Tad Coffin Zone III Equitation Finals, an event not to be missed. You will be treated to a spectacle of the area’s (Md., Va., N.C., Del., W.Va.) most talented young riders vying for a chance to win not only the championship title, but a custom made Tad Coffin saddle, valued at approximately $4500.00.
Olympic Equestrian Gold Medalist Tad Coffin whose base is in Ruckersville, Va. is the proud sponsor of this event. Tad has been constructing saddles since 1976 and is passionate about the quality and design of his products. Touted by such successful riders as Louise Serio and Candace King, this is a coveted piece of equipment for the serious equestrian and will be hand crafted to the specifications of our winning horse and rider.
Bridgewater College will host an opening dinner reception ringside prior to and during the competition. All class exhibitors, families and their friends are invited to attend the party and root for their favorites. The school, located in Bridgewater, Va. is well known not only for their academic excellence, but also for their successful IHSA show team. Their elegant equestrian center is second to none in the central Virginia area and is the home base for a thriving equestrian program. Head coach Sarah Irvine and her staff will be on hand to answer any inquiries regarding their school and riding opportunities.
The main event should start near 6:30 pm when the first of approximately 35 eager contestants will attack a challenging course set in the H.I.T.S. Grand Prix arena. The riders have had to qualify through the last year by winning a national or state medal class in Zone 3 at either the 3’ or 3’6” division. The 3’ section will compete first followed by those showing at the 3’6” height. Riders will be scored under the watchful eye of veteran horse show judge Christina Schlusemeyer of Ocala, Fl. Ms. Schlusemeyer has produced a number of national equitation champions over the years and is sure to test the mettle of our highest scoring finishers.
All riders will receive goodie bags from the USHJA. Among the additional awards will be custom half chaps from Pinnell Custom Leather, a bridle from Ginny Edwards and Hidden Hollow Farm, engraved memento boxes from the Preppy Pink Pony, and gift certificates from Champion Saddlery. There are also cash awards which will be presented to the leading trainers.
You won’t want to miss this exciting evening of equestrian competition in Culpeper and cheer on the best young riders that our area has to offer. The public is invited and there is no admission charge for this event. For further information contact H.I.T.S. at 845-246-8833, Pam Freeley at 540-272-4144 or email allstarpro112@yahoo.com.
By Ellen Shevella
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