Posted June 9, 2006

Popular Horse Power Series Star Nikko Ritter to be Auctioned for Horses Helping Horses

Conyers, Georgia – 17 year-old Geneva, Florida resident and recent star of Animal Planet’s Horse Power~Road to the Maclay, Nikko Ritter will not only be competing at the Atlanta Summer Classics this month but will actually be auctioned off during the event’s charity weekend for the Horses Helping Horses program benefiting Old Friends Equine Rescue.

Ritter is one of the handful of male riders to compete at the elite Junior Equitation level and is one of the top ranked junior riders in the country presently. From a family of riders, mother Wendy who even competed while pregnant with Nikko and stepfather Ezequiel, a professional rider-trainer as well, both have coached his talents, so it seemed only natural that he was selected to participate in the Animal Planet reality series Road to the Maclay which detailed the trials and tribulations of just what is entailed in making it to the national championships. When at home in Florida, Nikko is a typical teenage boy who thrives on good food and of course video games, however he does attend a computer magnet school with plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science. After conquering college, most likely somewhere on the west coast, he will return to Florida to take up the reins of the family business, Seabreeze Farm, Inc, a nationally known training and sales facility. Team Seabreeze attends and competes at most all the major North American events from WEF to WIHS throughout the show season and is consistently in the top placings. “It is a great experience to be able to show all over the country and something that makes you very pleased to be working with horses.” Nikko said of the family’s busy schedule.

On Friday, June 23rd, the silent auction benefiting Old Friends will take place offering up many wonderful items from art pieces to jewelry to unique collector’s horse memorabilia and now a special package that includes a DVD of the series Road to the Maclay, an autographed/personalized photograph of the popular star and lunch with Nikko himself. “Nikko has been a part of our extended family for years and his support of this event is so appreciated! Given his popularity I think the charity will benefit greatly but part of me believes he’s being brave as well as generous!” Co-chair of Horses Helping Horses Robbi Meisel said with a giggle of Ritter’s participation. The lucky winner will have a chance to spend some time getting to know the talented rider as well as ask questions about what it was like appearing on the hit reality series. When asked why he volunteered for a venture that might terrify most young males Nikko said with a blush, “It should be a fun time and it’s for a good cause.”

Following the silent auction and the special dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse to benefit Old Friends Equine Rescue, EMO Insurance will present the $25,000 Horses Helping Horses Hunter Classic, spotlighting some of the country’s top rated hunter horses and riders including the 2005 USEF National Grand Champion Regular Hunter Horse of the Year, Sequel with local resident Terry Brown of Canton, GA. in the irons. These national champions have pledged to donate 50% of Sequel’s winnings to Old Friends and are challenging others to consider doing the same. “It’s just a simple way for riders to show their support of this wonderful event, help it continue to grow, and best of all honor our equine partners through helping others.” Brown spoke of their commitment.

On Saturday evening the highlighted feature event will be the 2nd Annual $25,000 Horses Helping Horses Grand Prix presented by the Classic Company and Flashpoint Photography along with a “Southern Nights” dinner catered by Proof of the Pudding. Last year’s debut of this Grand Prix played host to 26 talented competitors from across the country and this year’s field looks to be even stronger, including the return of the defending champion Pablo Barrios of Wellington, Florida. Competitors this year will be taking on highly respected course designer Buddy Brown, known for his exceptionally challenging layouts, he promises it will a thrilling class for spectators to watch. Classic Company president Bob Bell is continuing his commitment to this special event by once again donating the Grand Prix entry fees to the horses.

The Atlanta Summer Classics begin on June 14th through the 25th at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. Additional highlights will include:

*Pony Equitation – The Atlanta Cup

All ponies that participate in the USEF Pony Medal, National Pony Equitation Classic, or Washington Pony Equitation can enter into the Atlanta Cup. Taking place during the second week of Atlanta will allow ponies both weeks to qualify. The winner will get a very special silver cup.

*Annual Trainers Medal

All trainers should get legged up for this class. Each year, Rolling Acres Farm along with Classic Company presents the $2,500 Trainers Medal. Once again the class will be held in the covered ring and this year will include a BBQ dinner with dessert bar sponsored by Merial, Limited.

* Wide Open Hunter Class (Preview to the big Classic)

We will be offering a class to be held on Wednesday afternoon – evening during week two called Wide Open Hunter. The class is open to all horses or ponies that would like to experience riding a course of 12 jumps in the Grand Prix field. This will be an excellent opportunity for competitors considering the big $25,000 Hunter Classic later in the week.

Silent Auction donations are still being welcomed for more information please contact Robbi Meisel at 859-734-3713 or email her at info@flashpointphotography.com. Tickets for the benefit dinners will be available at the show grounds and sold by the table — $500 for both nights or $300 for one night with all proceeds going to the charities. Each table includes dinner for eight along with a cash bar.

For more information on the 2006 Atlanta Summer Classics please visit www.classiccompany.com or call 843.768.5503.

Photo Credit: Nikko Ritter and Modoc courtesy of Flashpoint Photography