Jumping
Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Announces Buckeye DockDogs Big Air Competition
By Gail Tobin
Apr 21, 2008, 14:30

The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic Horse Show will host the Buckeye DockDogs Big Air competition Friday July 18th, Saturday, July 19th and Sunday July 20th as part of the nine-day horse show. This competition will be held during the regular horse show event and is sure to provide great spectator appeal.

In DockDog competition, Big Air is the long jump equivalent for canine athletes. At speeds over 20 mph, Big Air dogs catapult themselves off the end of a 40-foot dock into a 38,000-gallon pool to retrieve a floatable, retrievable object, like their favorite toy. Jump distances are measured from the end of the dock to where the base of the dog’s tail breaks the water.

Co-Chairman, Karen Schneider said that the Buckeye DockDogs will be a welcome addition to the Hunter Jumper Classic. “We are delighted to be selected and welcome the DockDog competitors to this year’s Classic,” said Schneider. “In years past we’ve hosted regional dog agility trials which went over big with our exhibitors and spectators. To be able to offer a Big Air competition is a great opportunity for us.”

Buckeye DockDogs is the Ohio affiliate of DockDogs of Medina, Ohio, the independent governing and sanctioning body for regional, national and international dock jumping performance sports.

Buckeye DockDogs is open to any dog, 6 months of age or older, that likes water and fun — regardless of breed, size, shape, or ability. Fun and rewarding for both human and canine, the rules of DockDogs are simple: Only one person may compete at a time; Only one dog may compete at a time; Only one floatable object may be used to throw.

Extreme Vertical (E.V.) is scored on how high the dogs jump. E.V. runs are shorter, and speed is reduced in order to achieve maximum height about 8 feet from the dock where an object, called a bumper, is suspended from a pole over the water. Each dog is allowed two tries for a successful catch; dogs that succeed jump again, with the bumper raised two inches. The last competitor left has the highest jump, and wins the competition.

For additional details on Buckeye DockDogs events and membership, visit www.dockdogs.com, or contact Tina McLaughlin, Buckeye DockDogs President, at dockdogellie@verizon.net.

Background on the Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic

The Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected horse shows. This long-standing Cleveland tradition is celebrated not only for its incredible equestrian sport and showmanship, but also for a past rich in financial support to various local charities in the community. Over one million dollars has been put back into the local community.

“This is the premier hunter jumper event in Northeast Ohio,” said Schneider. “In 2005 our organization made the decision to install a RISO horse 2000 ring which is one reason why the American Gold Cup returned to our show grounds 2 years ago. We are always making improvements and pride ourselves in superior footing in our competition rings. Last year we provided our exhibitors with brand new stalls that were more spacious and appealing along with providing a safer and more enjoyable stabling area.

Highlights of this year’s Hunter Jumper Classic are the NEW $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the $50,000 Cleveland Grand Prix, $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame series, Young Jumper qualifying classes and the Friday evening $10,000 Welcome Stake sponsored by Craighead Farm.

The Hunter Jumper Classic is brought to you by the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show Inc., a 501(c )(3) organization, and a member of the United State Equestrian Federation and part of the NAL and Washington International Horse Show qualifying series.

For a complete details or more information, visit our website at www.clevelandhorseshow.com or phone 330-903-9915.

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