Johns Island, SC—March 26, 2009—A new trend in horse showing? Last fall Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, looked at his budget for the 2009 show season and decided there had to be some changes made. The clarity of new regulations in the USEF rule book made the reality of managing large shows with big staff, big prize money, and giant risks in a down economy far less appealing and certainly not fun.

In May (22-24), Bell will produce his first “Boutique” horse show in Tryon, NC at the Harmon Field location, virtually in the downtown area, which only added to the new “definition” the show manager has created for these new events. Boutique (boo teek)-noun- A horse show that is fashionable and unique. Always held at wonderful venues with excellent accommodations for special horses, owners, and riders. Always includes parties, trendy classes, and fun events. Always has stylish trophies and rewards for Grand Champions. Always has Mimosas on Sunday mornings.

Bell has built a solid reputation for producing quality events that are not only well run, but also very family fun oriented. Making event location choices based upon both the facility’s appeal as well as the surrounding community is a top priority for him. “I try to ask myself what’s there to do here if I’m not showing a horse?” Bell said. However, this year the show manager finds himself asking far tougher questions, not only as a business owner but also as someone concerned for the well being of his exhibitors. He confesses to the “non horsey set”, these events could indeed sound frivolous or self-indulgent. “The economic woes have affected so many of my friends. We’re all tightening our belts a bit, but we can’t and don’t want to let go of our fun entirely. We all need a release from the daily worries of our world and for many that release is horse showing.” Bell added, “We, the trainers, farriers, veterinarians, feed stores-don’t forget the farmers who grow the corn and such for feeds, retailers of various equipment used from saddles to tractors, and even show managers are an industry too. Are we a luxury industry? Maybe to some, but the bottom line is we all contribute in a small way to the growth of our economy as a whole. Passion drives our or any industry. We too should strive to find new means to continue forward.”

As Bell struggled to find a solution that would aid all parties, one reoccurring theme from friends of  “Do you remember when…”  settled into his subconscious, simply waiting for the right moment to “click”. About this time he received approval on a new show date in May for the Tryon, NC area, but the usual facility wasn’t available. They say inspiration often comes from the oddest things, like a fond memory in Bell’s case. The “Ah Ha” moment for him was while reminiscing on a drive around downtown Tryon when he found himself parked in front of Harmon Field. “One of my first horse shows as a steward was here. The Oares [Betty and Ernest] were the judges. Tryon was a great show! All the show officials stayed in a B & B near the show grounds and after the first day we all went back and watched Mame on TV together.” He recalled the fine details of an event 25 years ago as if it were happening before him now- the smaller more intimate gatherings, polished Silver Trophies, and Champagne served ringside as spectators, riders, and show officials alike picnicked under the trees. “A Boutique show!” Bell told himself. Instead of going bigger the answer was stepping back in time to where shows were smaller, where people received a more personal touch and weren’t “just a back number.”  And what better place than a renovated Harmon Field, which hadn’t hosted an A, show in more than 20 years. As shows had grown the small facility was left behind for a newer bigger location, but Bell sees the charm and memories of Harmon Field as the perfect launching spot for a revitalized –fun horse showing experience for adults and children. “Fun is a renewable energy!” Bell says is his new motto.

A few years ago the community of Tryon and the Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association joined forces to restore Harmon Field to it’s former glory and preserve its history. It wasn’t long before fate and memories lead Bell there. The renovations included building 144 new stalls, three new rings with proper footing, a sound system, and even a measuring block. Bell envisions the Boutique shows as a win-win for everyone. “On the economic side of this, we can all contribute to a lovely town via the hotels, B & B’s, and wonderful dining options. Exhibitors will experience a more personal and affordable show. Like I said, “Fun is a renewable energy.”  Bell has created a new prize list offering the A rated sections along with limited jumpers, “with soooo many A rated divisions now, we had some tough decisions to make.”  One  easy and immediate choice was selecting the judges, who better than Mr. and Mrs. Ernest (Ernie and Betty) Oare. “They’ve been a part of my life for over 25 years and guided me down this path. No pair are more respected or loved by riders. The choice simply put, felt perfect.” Bell said. One highlight of the first Boutique show will be double judged- double points in the Hunter Breeding classes and the presentation of the Arthur Reynolds Best Young Horse Silver Trophy- Reynolds was a great National Show Hunter Hall of Fame horsemen and father of Betty Reynolds Oare.

The second show is also a rebirth of The Charleston Summer Classics, which many exhibitors fondly remember. “The original Charleston Summer Classics ended in 1999 after an eight year run on Seabrook Island in SC when the event outgrew the facility. “Even though it moved around to nice venues I’ve had this longing to return to Charleston for years…to our roots.” Bell said. This summer classic will debut July 8th for a two-week stretch at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center [River Road] on Johns Island. Bell has watched the new facility’s progress over the years, often stopping by to “visit” when he was in the neighborhood. Taking note of the three well-done rings, good footing, and 400 nice stalls Bell realized this was a perfect location for that Boutique idea to continue. “This show will be going back to the traditional hunter jumper events.” Bell said. The two-week event will be recognized by the USEF with a AA rating.  Competitors on the hunt for points will be pleased to know Charleston will have an abundance to offer. “We’ll have many of the same hunter classes exhibitors find at most Classic shows. We’ll also offer some jumper classes such as Children-Adults and Junior-Amateur Owners.” Bell explained further, “The USEF regulations made adding a 4th ring too expensive for this first year and when hosting a jumper show that offers Training One to Grand Prix levels there’s the cost of more officials plus the amount of prize money- all combined can simply bankrupt a small horse show. You need the big numbers [dollars] to support the big jumper classes and the goal here is to save money, add more value and fun.”

Staying true to his motto of “fun is a renewable energy”, Bell quipped, “As they say in real estate…location, location, location.” about the return to the Charleston area, “Some of the best beaches are barely 6 miles from the show grounds! What a great family vacation this will be.” Along with top resorts such as the five star Sanctuary on Kiawah Island there are a vast variety of condos on Seabrook Island available for a single night or a week’s vacation and countless dining experiences to be discovered. “This is a true destination spot offering something for everyone. From the rich history to world class golf to gulf stream fishing to genuine Southern Hospitality.” Bell added with a chuckle, “And we’re having a horse show too.” 

Bell said he expects like shows of the 1990’s exhibitors from all over the country will compete at these special Boutique events. His hope is to bring back the 1970 & 1980’s “Glamour” to horse showing. “I don’t think there’s anything so impressive as seeing both a rider and horse turned out beautifully and all the trappings of a classic social event. I want to recreate that fun atmosphere so both older and younger riders can cherish their showing experience.”  He’s convinced that larger doesn’t always mean better, especially in today’s economy. “People deserve to get more than their money’s worth and not feel like a mere number. Our goal with the Boutique events is to just spoil them as much as we can!” Bell concluded, “It’s just that simple.”

For more information on the Boutique events please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503. Entries for both will be limited so reserve space early.