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KICKAPOO PONIES

SPONSORS PONY BREEDING DIVISION

and

THE $1,500 USHJA PONY HUNTER DERBY

For Immediate Release: January 4, 2025

Gulfport, Mississippi

Gulf Coast Classic Company

Media Contact: Lisa Davis Engel

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is pleased to announce that Kickapoo Ponies will continue its sponsorship of the weekly Pony Breeding Division and the Week 4 $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby at the upcoming Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit February 13 through March 23 in Gulfport, Mississippi.


"We're excited and thankful for Kickapoo Ponies' support of the pony breeding division. As an added plus, we are also offering hunter breeding this year and hope all breeders join us on the Gulf Coast. These critical divisions provide our up-and-coming young ponies and horses the show experience they need and an opportunity for the owners and trainers to not go for long periods apart from their young ones," said Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Classic Company.“


Kickapoo Ponies, located in Lipan, Texas, breeds and develops top-quality, hunter ponies. weanlings, children’s ponies, and also offers rated circuit ponies for sale or lease. Kickapoo Ponies is big on giving back to the community and each year, hosts an auction of one of their ponies for a worthy cause. Ponies from their past benefit auctions can be seen at Kickapooponies.com or on Facebook.


Kickapoo Ponies strives to raise gentle, well-minded ponies. In 2024, young KP ponies were shown in hand in Texas, Virginia, and Devon where they placed in the ribbons and more importantly, behaved themselves! All about kids, Kickapoo Ponies is grateful for the riders, the owners, and the trainers who make their ponies fun and safe to ride at home and in the show ring. 


The Kickapoo Ponies Pony Hunter Breeding Division will include classes for yearlings, two-year-olds, and three-year-olds. The Hunter Breeding Division follows the same format and both divisions will be offered each week on Friday. These classes provide a wonderful opportunity for the young ponies and horses to earn valuable handling mileage.


Kickapoo Ponies' owner, Fantasia Archer said, "We are happy to support the Gulf Coast Classic and wish everyone the best of luck at this year's show!"


Bob Bell added, “We look forward to seeing the young ponies and horses in Gulfport this year!"


Contact Kickapoo Ponies for your next well-bred champion!

KP First Impressions

KP Captain America

KP Dippin Dots

Special 6-Week Circuit Stall Offer Closes January 6th!


Entries are now open online for the upcoming 2025 Gulf Coast Winter Classic!


We get started on February 13th and run through March 23rd on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast!



Enter online and reserve your stalls today! Purchase a six-week circuit stall and get your sixth week free!


Reserve your camper space, since they fill up quickly. Don’t forget to contact our Official RV Rental Company, Dad's Camper Rentals, to reserve your home away from home! Special rates for Gulf Coast Winter Classic competitors!


Special hotel discounts for all competitors!

February 13-16, 2025

February 19-23, 2025

February 25-March 2, 2025

March 5-9, 2025

March 12-16, 2025

March 19-23, 2025

The No Entry Fee Grand Prix

Deal Continues!

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 and 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 of the $50,000 Grand Prix. Therefore, if you compete in two or more Grand Prix classes prior to the $50,000 Harrah's 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 before the $50,000 Harrah's Grand Prix.  



$7,500 Welcome Stake each week 


$5,000 1.25m Open Jumper Classic each week 


JR/AM Jumper Classics each week 

HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES

EVERY WEEK:


$5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3' & 3'3" each week with Non-Pro Bonus Cash Awards and all ribbon winners will earn a free entry to the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, including non-pro rider bonus, in Aiken Week 2.

$1,000 Green 3'6"/3'9" Incentive Classics each week 

$1,000 Green 3'/3'3" Incentive Classics each week

Pony Hunter Breeding Divisions, presented by Kickapoo Ponies each week

Hunter Breeding

Multiple Division Classics each week


WEEK 4: WCHR

$1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, presented by Kickapoo Ponies


WEEK 5: 

$10,000 Open Hunter Classic 3'3" - 3'9" & Non-Pro Bonus Cash Awards

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!

Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Ocala Spring Classics

Aiken Summer Classics

Subscribe for all prize list emails

Subscribe for Classic and Gulf Coast News and Results

NEW FOOTING FOR THE HUNTERS


You asked and we did it! We have new footing in the main hunter arena and the hunter warm-up!


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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. 

Marshall + Sterling is the title sponsor of all $5,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies 3' and 3'3", including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, at all Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company events in 2025.

Allen Beverages is the Official Non-Alcoholic Beverage Provider at the 2025 Gulf Coast Winter Classic.

Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities

Exciting sponsorship and vending opportunities are available for our upcoming 2025 Gulf Coast and Classic Company show season. Email or call Lisa Davis Engel at 908-310-6248 for more information.

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Feb 13- March 23, 2025

March 27- April 13, 2025

June 11-June 23, 2025

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.

Gulf Coast Winter Classic

Official Lodging Partners

Support the Hotels that Support the Show

Harrah's Gulf Coast


Surrounded by white-sand beaches, Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers genuine Southern hospitality in the heart of Biloxi, Mississippi. Stay in one of their 499 luxe rooms and suites, chase thrills on the casino floor, make time for rejuvenation at their spa and salon, or kick back by the resort-style pool.


When you book your room, make sure to mention the special Gulf Coast Winter Classic discount using the code HORSE SHOW DISCOUNT.Text L

The Hilton Garden Inn


The Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport is conveniently located in close proximity to all the Gulf Coast offers!


DISCOUNT INFORMATION: Get 10,000 Bonus Hilton Honors points and Free Breakfast with this rate!


Click here to receive your discounted Gulf Coast Winter Classic rate click on SPECIAL RATES and ENTER CORPORATE ACCOUNT code: 3302632.

The Residence Inn


The Residence Inn offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes and is pet-friendly.


DISCOUNT BOOKING INFORMATION:


Click here to book online and receive the Discounted Gulf Coast Winter Classic rate or use GQF. With this special rate, receive 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points.


If you call the Residence Inn to make your reservation, use these codes when booking to receive your discount:


Studio Suite – GQFI

One-Bedroom Suite – GQFO

Two-Bedroom Suite – GQFPT

The Holiday Inn


The award-winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport - Airport is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $89.99 per night. 


Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate at 15% off.

Dad's Camper Rentals


Want to stay onsite? Dad’s Camper Rentals will deliver a camper to the showgrounds for you! They are offering special rates and have campers available for all party sizes. You will need to reserve your camper spot as well, so act now! Click here for the camper reservation form and be sure to contact Dad’s Camper Rentals.

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Additional Lodging

Special Rates!

Special rates!


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