Classic Company

My daughter Anita and son in law Dave decided many months back that we needed to find some form of entertainment to get us out of the doldrums. Today we went to Gulfport, MS and attended our first ever equestrian event. "The Gulf Coast International Winter Series from February 14 - March 18, 2007". Budweiser and the Beau Rivage Casino are two of the many sponsors. Male and female riders of all ages, 17 to 60 plus compete in Grand Prix events.

"There are three major equestrian disciplines under saddle other than racing and western riding activity): they are Dressage, Show Jumping and Combined Training. On a worldwide basis, Show Jumping is the most popular due to its exciting format and ease of view. The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), headquartered in Berne, Switzerland is the world governing body. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is the United States sanctioning body. Show Jumping is long established as one of the most popular television spectator sports in Europe. Grand Prix Show Jumping is fast becoming an important spectator sport in the United States."

"The objective of Grand Prix Jumping is for each horse and rider to clear every obstacle on the course with the least number of faults (penalities). The rider with the fewer penalities and fastest time wins."


I took many pictures, too many to post here, but perhaps I have shown you enough. I never dreamed that I would ever be at a horse show. I have avoided horses since my parents "plopped" me on the back of a shetland pony when I was 5 yrs. old. Had they asked my permission, I would have said "No!" It's not like I don't like horses, they don't like me. No kidding! I have been chased by horses, almost lost a few fingers as I tried feeding an apple to one. A cousin who owned a horse told me that I would overcome my fear if I rode one. The animal was so big that I actually got on the hood of a car to mount the horse. I wasn't even settled in the saddle before he rared up with a whinny and tried to throw me off. I've tried sweet talking them but to no avail ... they just snort and paw the ground. I guess I will never know why they treat me as they do and actually I don't care why. We had a great time today and I made sure none of the horses knew I was there.