Cedar Run Announces Inaugural Hunter Jumper Classic

TOWN OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON, May 15, 2011 (Press-News.org) Cedar Run Horse Park is grabbing the attention of both competitors and spectators with the launch of its inaugural Cedar Run Hunter Jumper Classic, a prestigious Equine Canada Gold-sanctioned "A" level event, held July 6th through 10th.

"Hosting the first Gold level equestrian competition is consistent with our goal of not only providing a wide range of lifestyle events for everyone to enjoy, but also attracting the key equestrian community to our distinctive sporting events," said Cedar Run President Peter Lush, whose ongoing commitment as the Park's original investor continues to propel the multi-disciplinary equestrian venue forward.

"We're filling a very recent gap in the Ontario horse show schedule and we look forward to building an expanded event next year," said Lush, acknowledging the tremendous effort from the Cedar Run team who only received confirmation of the sanctioned dates in March.

Cedar Run is ready to host an event of this calibre, with seven professionally designed and engineered competition rings, new stabling area and locations for camper hook-ups provided on-site, he added.

"The Cedar Run Classic marks the beginning of a longer term vision that includes a year-round indoor arena with spectator seating, permanent stabling for 300 horses and a country villa resort community," Lush continued. "And we are fortunate to be joined by a dedicated group of venue sponsors, including John Deere, Albion Club Cars, Black Angus Fine Meats & Game and the Alpine Equestrian Centre to name a few."

Designed as a true "resort destination horse show," the Cedar Run Hunter Jumper Classic offers the best of both worlds: an opportunity for seasoned riders to earn points towards qualification at the renowned Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Horse Show and a great chance for riders to enjoy a professional, new sporting venue with the added benefit of renowned resort country hospitality.

Set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment on one side, with spectacular views of Georgian Bay on the other, Cedar Run offers miles of manicured trails for competitors to use during the show. At the same time, they can take advantage of everything the prestigious Blue Mountains resort community offers, including nearby Blue Mountain Village and Wasaga Beach, superior accommodation, great shopping and fine dining, plus award-winning golf courses.

"Of the 30 plus shows held across Ontario, this is one of the very few to offer a fantastic vacation experience as well," said Show Manager Roy Fish, who will be co-coordinating the five-day event. With more than 15 years of horse show experience, Fish recognizes the successful combination of a great competition venue in a highly desirable lifestyle community. "Our goal is to make this an annual destination event for the equestrian community across Canada and the U.S.," he said, noting that Cedar Run plans to extend the Hunter Jumper Classic to two weeks next season.

Judging for the competition will be provided by Equine Canada certified officials and the show will feature horses and riders competing at all levels, from Novice divisions to a Modified Grand Prix. As many as 400 horses are expected to participate, with 1,200 owners, riders and trainers in attendance. The event also boasts a large outdoor vendor area, providing a great direct sales and marketing opportunity for local businesses, craftsmen and artisans, as well as equestrian-related companies.

The Cedar Run Classic kicks off with professional competitions on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by family-friendly, children's competitions on Friday, and Junior and Amateur events on Saturday. Rounding out the competition schedule is the Modified Grand Prix on Sunday. From Friday through Sunday the Blue Mountains Chili Ribfest will also be taking place at Cedar Run, adding to the festive atmosphere.

EVENT DETAILS

Competitors are invited to sign up for the Cedar Run Hunter Jumper Classic online at http://www.showmate.net. More information about the inaugural event, including the complete event schedule, is available on the Cedar Run website at http://www.cedarrun.ca.

ABOUT CEDAR RUN

Cedar Run is a world-class multi-disciplinary equestrian facility catering to the needs and interests of a broad base of key stakeholders, from equestrian enthusiasts to the general public. Other events at Cedar Run this season are: the Blue Mountains Horse Show, two Georgian Bay Trillium Shows, Horse Trials, Schooling Shows, a Rodeo Weekend and the 4th Annual Hunter Pace. Development plans include permanent and temporary stabling, the Cedar Run Club - a private club for horse lovers - and a residential community consisting of English and French Country inspired homes. For a complete listing of summer events, visit http://www.cedarrun.ca or join Cedar Run on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cedar-Run-Horse-Park.

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Media Contact: Mark Wessel Bullpen PR (705) 445-2733 mwessel@bullpenpr.com
Event Contact: Nicole Paara Cedar Run (705) 446-5546 nicole@cedarrun.ca