Jumping
Merrill Lynch Hunter Jumper Classic Celebrates 40th Anniversary of the Cleveland Grand Prix
By Betty Weibel
Mar 22, 2005, 10:56

Are you searching for the perfect summer family activity? Then check out the Merrill Lynch Hunter Jumper Classic, July 10th-17th, at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field located at the corner of Route 87 and Chagrin River Road in Moreland Hills. Whether you prefer spending the day watching exciting horse show jumping or dog agility performances, strolling through the lush Cleveland Metroparks and shopping at antique and gift boutiques, or seeing the sparkle in your child's eyes when they take their first pony ride or compete in a horseless horse show - the Merrill Lynch Hunter Jumper has something for everyone, all for one ticket!

The Week At The Classic

The 2005 Merrill Lynch Hunter Jumper Classic will begin with opening day competition on Sunday, July 10th. Schneider Saddlery Opening Day is free to the public and visitors can enjoy two rings of equestrian competition from 8a.m. to 5p.m.

On Monday, July 11th, a special Riders with Disabilities competition will be held from 10a.m. to 3p.m. National horse show jumping competition will begin on Tuesday, July 12th and three rings of competition will run simultaneously throughout the show until about 5pm each day.

On Thursday, July 14th, the Classic will host a benefit dinner for the Geauga Humane Society - Top Dogs Cool Cats. Guests will enjoy dinner and a fashion show. For more information on the benefit or benefit tickets call 440-338-4819.

Visitors can also enjoy nearly 50 unique boutiques from as far away as New Mexico and Florida, which have set up shop during the week. The shopper's paradise displays jewelers, artists, antique shops, a masseuse and spa, clothing and hats, furniture, gifts, horse and dog equipment and a selection of eateries. The beautiful South Chagrin Reservation, accented by floral arrangements and horticulture creations, will also display the talents of many local landscapers and nurseries.

The Classic plays host to special evening events on Friday, July 15th, and shops will be open until 7:30pm. Friday evening at the Classic kicks off with the $5,000 Open Jumper Speed Stake at 5:30p.m. and continues with live musical entertainment. The final event for the evening is the Dog and Horse Relay Race. The Relay will pair horses and dogs in a race over obstacles against the clock! The event is the only one of its kind in the United States.

An elegant ringside cocktail party, Summer Fling, which benefits the Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center will also take place Friday evening. A separate ticket is required for Summer Fling - for more information phone 440-708-0013.

On Saturday, July 16th continuing through Sunday, July 17th Operation PetFix will host the third annual Paws at the Horse Show Adoptathon sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society. From 10a.m. to 2p.m. adoptable dogs and cats will be waiting at the Route 87 entrance to the polo field to greet potential new owners. More than 25 shelters and foster groups from Northeast Ohio will showcase wonderful dogs and cats waiting for adoption. For more information contact the Geauga Humane Society at 440-338-4819.

The Benefit Brunch for the Babies of Providence House, Inc. of Cleveland, crisis nursery, will be held on Sunday, July 17th in the Grand Prix chalet. Guests will enjoy brunch and a fashion show. For ticket information call 216-651-5982.

Family Fun

In addition to the daily horse show and shopping, activities will include the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) Dog Agility Trials presented by Medina Swarm. Beginning Friday, July 15th from 10a.m. to 5p.m. the dog agility trials will continue on Saturday, July 16th from 8a.m. to 3p.m. and on Sunday, July 17th from 8a.m. to 1p.m. The area's top canines will compete against the clock over jumps, ramps, tunnels and more!

Saturday, July 16th offers even more family entertainment with Family Day. Special family activities, from 9a.m. until 3p.m., will include pony rides, crafts, bouncy horse races, Mark Wood Fun Show, costume character appearances and a very special horseless horse show for kids 10 and under, where everyone is a winner! Saturday's show jumping action will include the Young Jumper Championships. Children 12 and under are admitted free for Family Day.

The final day of the Classic, Sunday, July 17th, will open with championship hunter and jumper classics at 8a.m. Grand Prix festivities will begin at 1:30p.m. with exhibitions and demonstrations celebrating the 40th anniversary of the nation's first show jumping event. The highlight of the Classic, the $40,000 Cleveland Grand Prix begins at 2:30p.m. and features the nation's top horses and riders competing over jumps of five-foot heights and widths. In honor of the 40th anniversary riders will compete over the original course layout which was used for the first grand prix in 1965.

Historic Significance

On Sunday, July 17th, the $40,000 Cleveland Grandprix will mark the 40th anniversary of the first show jumping event in North America, held here in Ohio! A historical marker was dedicated to honor this significant event and it reads:

On July 25th, 1965, early 10,000 spectators traveled to the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field to witness the first-ever North American show jumping grand prix - the Cleveland Grand Prix - held on the Polo Field. It was an event that made history and gave birth to the multi-million-dollar sport of grand prix show jumping in the United States.

Held on the final day of the Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show, the Cleveland Grand Prix was defined by the 844-yard course of 16 obstacles designed by Laddie Andahazy and D. Jerry Baker. Twenty riders from six countries competed over the course. Mary Mairs Chapot won the event with Tomboy and her husband, Frank, an Olympic veteran, finished second aboard Manon.

The first grand prix made history and the nearly 10,000 people were on hand to witness the first grand prix caught a glimpse of a multi-million dollar sport in the making. Flags from six countries flew at the first Cleveland Grand Prix - The United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Great Britain, and Germany. Today this important show jumping event remains a favorite among equestrians who appreciate its historic significance.

Don't miss the most entertaining and unique event of the summer - the Merrill Lynch Hunter Jumper Classic! The Classic raises money for many local charities including the Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Bainbridge, Ohio, which provides therapy and education-based equine facilitated programs for children and adults with disabilities.

VIP Seating: Box seats are available in advance by calling 440-564-7187. Location: Ringside seats with access to hospitality tent for entire week: $700/box of six seats, Reserved table of six seats $700, Single ringside box seats Sunday, July 17th (with access to hospitality tent): $75, Single ringside box seats Sunday, July 17th (without access to hospitality tent): $25.

Tickets are available at the show's gate during the event, or in advance at Schneider's Saddlery in Bainbridge, or by mail. There is no admission charge Sunday, July 10th through Wednesday, July 13th. Admission Thursday through Saturday is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors; and Sunday, July 17th is $10 and $5, respectively. Limited box seats are available in advance by phoning 440-564-7187. For general horse show information phone 440-708-0013. Full information is available on the web site at www.ClevelandHorseShow.com.


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