The third annual Boston Equestrian Classic will host some of the top equestrians on the beautiful Myopia Hunt Club show grounds in historic Hamilton, Sept. 6-7.
The World Class show jumping competition begins on Thursday, Sept. 6, with competitors vying for more than $83,000 in prize money culminating on Sunday, Sept. 9, with the Donald V. Little $35,000 Grand Prix.
Coming on the heels of the exciting equestrian events at the 2012 Olympics, the Boston Equestrian Classic will feature some of the world’s best athletes including Leslie Burr Howard, winner of Olympic Silver and Gold medals; Charlie Jacobs, principal of the Boston Bruins and a top U.S. equestrian; Peter Wylde, Olympic Gold medalist and a native Bostonian; and Georgina Bloomberg, a professional equestrian and daughter of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
With the colorful, traditional attire and the combination of horse and rider working together in competition, Show Jumping was among the most popular sports at the 2012 London Olympics. The equestrian events also provide a rare opportunity for men and women compete equally and against each other. The Boston Equestrian Classic was named by the North American Riders Group as one of the top 25 show events of 2011.
The Classic was created by the late Donald V. Little, a successful wealth manager at UBS and consummate horseman with a long and successful tradition in equestrian events. He was a competitive show jumper himself, and was owner and founder of Centennial Farms, a racing syndicate, which won the 1993 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) with Colonial Affair. Little was also captain of Myopia Hunt Club Polo for 18 years, past president of the U.S. Polo Association, and master of the foxhounds of the Myopia Hunt Club. He died on Feb. 29, 2012 in Florida.
“This event is so much more than a horse show,” said Tony Corey, Boston Equestrian Classic event co-producer and the show’s Master of Ceremonies. “Don Little did everything in a big way, and the Boston Equestrian Classic is no exception. With Sunday’s Grand Prix attracting Olympic-caliber riders, the Champagne Luncheon, and a variety of exciting events that day, it has become one of the major social events in the Greater Boston area.”
Spectator favorites include shopping at more than 50 unique vendor shops in the Boutique Bizarre, pony rides, sky divers, medieval jousters, a horse and hound fox hunting demonstration, and the spectacular athletic feats of Olympic-caliber riders competing in the Speed Stake and the Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 9.
General admission is $20 per car. For a memorable ringside experience on Sunday, Sept. 9, a lavish champagne luncheon is offered for $135 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10 beneath the VIP tents. Don your best garden party attire! Ladies are encouraged to wear their favorite hat and be a part of the “Ladies’ Hat Contest.”
For tickets or more information, please call 978-491-9456 or visit www.bostonequestrianclassic.com.