The Classic Company to Present the Biltmore Estate Summer Classic

Ashville, NC - The horse-show management firm The Classic Company is pleased to announce it will again present the Biltmore Estate Summer Classic, to be held July 18-22 and July 25-29 at the equestrian center of the illustrious Vanderbilt mansion in Ashville, N.C.

The only nationally ranked, sanctioned, Hunter-Jumper equestrian event held on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, this year’s classic, part of the Mountain Air Circuit of Shows, will feature more than 300 competitive classes in six show rings from short stirrup to Grand Prix. “I have had the pleasure of being at Biltmore with this show since 1999,” said Classic Company President Bob Bell. “When I was looking for a place to move the Charleston Summer Classic, which had outgrown the venue on Seabrook Island, a friend of the owners of Biltmore and I were sailing. She said she would mention it to them. The rest is history.”

Highlights of the two-week event include:

• The Supreme Grand Kahuna Pony Extravaganza week one, awarding a Supreme Grand Pony Champion and Most Supreme Grand Pony,
• The “Horseless” Horse Show, on Thursday of week one, where trainers and students compete over jumps…sans equine partners,
• And a $25,000 Grand Prix each Saturday, beginning at 6 pm. Past years have featured such international competitors as Aaron Vale, Ivan Zamora, and last year’s winner Michael Tokaruk.
• The popular Unbridled Affair, the themed exhibitor party held on the Monday between shows at the Biltmore Estate. This year celebrates “An Evening at the Derby” spotlighting unique “Derby Hats” of yesteryear and present. (Exhibitors only)

Spectators are welcome at all horse-show events. For more information contact the Classic Company at 843 768 5503

The Biltmore House is a French Renaissance-inspired chateau built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1888 and 1895. At 175,000 square feet, it is the largest privately owned home in theU.S. Still owned by Vanderbilt’s descendants, it stands today as one of the finest examples of the Gilded Age. Tickets to the Biltmore grounds (featuring a house tour, access to the gardens, winery, restaurants, and shops, as well as parking) include admission to the horse-show events and can be purchased at the gate or online at www.biltmoreestate.com. For pricing information contact the estate at 800-624-1575 or 828-225-1333.

Managed by horseman Bob Bell, The Classic Company tours the country with USEF AA-rated shows. Venues include the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA, the Biltmore Estates in Asheville, N.C., and the Gulf Coast Winter series in Gulfport, MS. In addition, each winter The Classic Company manages a prestigious international competition in Jacksonville, FL. for the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association.

Photo Credit: Jack Hardin Towell, Jr. and Eventual ©Flashpoint Photography