Marshall + Sterling Equisport
Continuing to Encourage and Grow the Hunter Divisions
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For Immediate Release: October 10, 2024
Gulfport, Mississippi
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Marshall + Sterling Returns as title sponsor of the Classic Hunter Derbies 3’ and 3’3” including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are delighted to announce that Marshall + Sterling will be the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at the upcoming Gulf Coast Winter Classic and all Classic Company-produced shows in 2025.
The $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Hunter Derbies 3’ and 3’3”, including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses are the most popular derbies at all Classic Company shows. Beginning with the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, all ribbon winners will be invited to compete in the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Hunter Derby, which also includes Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, week two of the Aiken Summer Classic [June 18-22, 2025] for no entry fee, thanks to the generosity of Marshall + Sterling Insurance.
The Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies are ONLY offered at Classic and Gulf Coast Classic events. This unique division is not connected to the League, presented by Marshall + Sterling. To earn a free entry in the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, you must compete and place at any of these derbies offered only at Gulf and Classic Company events in 2025. The $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies are offered EVERY WEEK at all Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company events, leading up to Week 2 of the Aiken Summer Classic.
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According to well-known professional hunter rider Liza Boyd, winner of last year’s $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, “We competed to get the exposure and so we could practice the handy turns. This class is great for up-and-coming derby horses looking to get that experience. It creates a great pipeline for bringing horses up to get them to the international level.” | |
Liza Boyd, winner of last year’s $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby | |
The hunt-and-go format is very popular, offering young horses and up-and-coming hunter riders experience in the hunter derbies, awarding the non-professional riders with cash bonuses. | |
Whitney Boyce-Petrey of Covington, Louisiana won the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby opening week of the 2024 Gulf Coast Winter Classics and said, “ We love the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby. We went to Aiken a couple of years ago to compete in the finale and had a great time. The girls in my barn love the Non-Pro Rider bonus and they all want to ride in the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby.” | |
Whitney Boyce-Petrey of Covington, Louisiana won the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby opening week of the 2024 Gulf Coast Winter Classics. | |
In addition to their title sponsorship, Marshall + Sterling will also be the sponsor of the Marshall + Sterling Riders Lounge, which is available for all at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. The lounge is the perfect place to relax, catch up on work or school, or socialize with friends. It offers workspace, comfortable lounge furniture, restrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi and is adjacent to the horse show office.
“We are excited to partner with Bob Bell and the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic shows,” said Don Graves, President of Marshall + Sterling Equisport Division. “They produce excellent events and set the bar for customer service in the horse show industry. Marshall + Sterling also prides itself on customer service and support. The partnership aligns with our company values and we’re looking forward to welcoming all horsemen and women at the shows.”
Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies said, “It’s so rewarding to see how many people compete in this class and traveled from as far as Texas to participate in the $25,000 class in Aiken. Many of those riders earned a free entry after placing in one of the Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies at our shows in Gulfport. Marshall + Sterling’s support of this important class has helped so many horses and riders develop the confidence and skills to be competitive in the derbies and hunter rings around the country. I know all of us here at the Gulf Coast and Classic Company, and the competitors, appreciate how Marshall + Sterling's support is helping advance the sport.”
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About Marshall + Sterling's Equisport Division | |
Marshall + Sterling's Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs, and those who just plain love horses.
Their client service and claims team is dedicated exclusively to supporting their horse insurance clients. One quick call to their office will provide instant answers to your questions. Claims are handled quickly and efficiently. They work to exceed every customer’s expectations for quality and service.
Marshall + Sterling’s Equisport Division specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive equine, farm, and ranch insurance coverage options. Each is uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs. They are your true advocates when it matters most—when you apply for insurance, and when your horse has an accident, becomes sick, or injured.
Their Equine Mortality Coverage offered through partnerships with leading insurance carriers, offers:
Mortality
Major Medical/Veterinary Services
Loss of Use
Colic & Surgical Coverage
While owning a horse has one set of risks, equestrian facilities represent risks that require specific liability coverages:
General Liability
Equine Liability
Single Day Events
Care Custody & Control
Workers Compensation…and more!
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10 Opportunities to Earn a FREE Entry
for the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3' and 3'3", including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses!
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GULF COAST WINTER CLASSICS
Gulf Coast National
February 13-16, 2025
Gulf Coast Magnolia Classic
February 19-23, 2025
Gulf Coast Mid-Winter
February 26-March 2, 2025
Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic
March 5-March 9, 2025
Gulf Coast Winter Finale
March 12-16, 2025
Gulf Coast Spring Classic
March 19-23, 2025
OCALA SPRING CLASSICS
March 27-April 13, 2025
AIKEN SUMMER CLASSICS
June 11-June 15, 2025
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THE NO ENTRY FEE GRAND PRIX CONTINUES
AT THE GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC
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The Grand Prix is held each week on our incredible grass field. Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 6 will offer a $25,000 Grand Prix. Week 4 will offer a $35,000 Grand Prix. Pay for the Welcome and enter these Grand Prix for zero dollars!
Week 5 will offer a $50,000 Grand Prix! Horses that compete in two (2) or more Grand Prix classes offered during weeks 1 - 4 will receive an e-credit from each Grand Prix class participation if you have done two or more Grand Prix classes weeks 1 through 4. These credits, along with entering the Welcome Class on week 5, will be used towards the entry fee for the $50,000 Grand Prix. Therefore, if you compete in two or more Grand Prix classes prior to the $50,000 Grand Prix, your entry fee will be FREE. The $750 entry fee will be charged if you have shown in only one (1) Grand Prix Class or have not shown in any of the other Grand Prix Classes offered, prior to the $50,000 Grand Prix.
- $7,500 Welcome Stake each week
- $5,000 1.25m Open Jumper Classic each week
- JR/AM Jumper Classics each week
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HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES | |
- $10,000 Open Hunter Classic 3'3" - 3'9" Including Non-Pro Bonus Cash Awards Week 5
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$1,500 USHJA Pony Derby, presented by Kickapoo Ponies Week 4
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$5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3' & 3'3" each week with Non-Pro Bonus Cash Awards. *All ribbon winners will earn a free entry to the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby in Aiken!
- $1,000 Green 3'6"/3'9" Incentive Classic
- $1,000 Green 3'/3'3" Incentive and Challenge Classic
- WCHR - Week 4 (pending USHJA approval)
- Hunter Breeding and Pony Hunter Breeding Divisions each week [pending USEF approval]
- Multiple Division Classics each week
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JOIN US ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST | |
The facility is fantastic and its claim to fame is the beautiful grass grand prix field that rivals Spruce Meadows. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic offers ample stabling, complimentary Riders Lounges, and plenty of RV spots and is located just minutes from the Biloxi-Gulfport Airport, the beach, and hotels.
The town of Gulfport is situated along the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast with fun waterfront towns, fine dining, and shopping. If you're craving live entertainment, take a short drive to neighboring Biloxi or head to New Orleans.
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Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities | |
THE CLASSIC AND GULF COAST CLASSIC COMPANIES |
The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies' philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first-time horse show experience, the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies offer competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities, and courses, quality competition, and the best customer service in the industry.
Service sets the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies apart from other horse shows. The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition, with an emphasis on southern hospitality, is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at the Gulf Coast and Classic Company-produced events each year.
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As a thank you to everyone who is participating in the Gulf Coast Classics, enjoy a year subscription to Sidelines magazine for half price, just $7.48! That’s less than the cost of a bag of carrots and a coffee, so treat yourself and get the magazine delivered to your mailbox every month.
Click on the link and use the promo code Show50
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