American Gold Cup Weekend Offers Entertainment and Fun for a Cause

In addition to exciting world-class show jumping competition, the American Gold Cup weekend will offer visitors a host of entertainment options. The weekend of September 18 and 19, at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, will feature music, exhibitions, and a popular horseless horse show for children and adults.

Competing for a Cause

The American Gold Cup benefits JustWorld International, who will be on-site to host a Horseless Horse Show at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 18. The Horseless Horse Show is an exciting event featuring children and adults competing over courses of human-sized obstacles. The JustWorld events have been held at shows around the country and typical classes include Children's Jumpers, High Jump (split by age), Pair Relay, and even a Grand Prix. American Gold Cup riders will participate in classes and serve as judges.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that acts as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by working with local partner organizations to provide basic education, nutrition, health, hygiene, and vocational programs for children in impoverished communities in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala, Brazil, and Senegal. Founded by equestrian Jessica Newman, JustWorld programs raise awareness and funds in the international equestrian community.  For more information on JustWorld International, visit www.justworldinternational.org.

American Gold Cup Entertainment

Throughout the American Gold Cup weekend, there will be a number of musical appearances beginning the afternoon of Friday, September 17, with Cleveland's popular folk singer Alex Bevan, performing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The $35,000 American Gold Cup Welcome Stake will be held on Friday afternoon and all riders who hope to compete in Sunday's $75,000 FEI World Cup qualifying American Gold Cup class must first compete in the Welcome Stake. Fans will have a chance to see Norman Dello Joio, McClain Ward, Beezie Madden, Joe Fargis, Margie Engle, and Candice King, among the expected entries.

On Saturday, September 18, singer/songwriter and conservationist Steve Madewell will perform from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by the JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show at 4 p.m.

Sunday, September 19, the trio from Apollo's Fire: Tina Bergmann (hammered dulcimer), Bryan Thomas (stand up bass), and flutist Kathie Stewart, members of the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The Geauga Historical Society will also be hosting old-fashioned toys, crafts and games from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as providing samples of their Amish Apple Butter.

American Gold Cup Opening Ceremonies start at 1 p.m. and will include appearances by dressage star Kate Poulin and her horse Brilliant Too! performing an upbeat exhibition, Rick LeMaster of Lake FarmPark with the horse-drawn wagon, the Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Rangers Color/Honor Guard, and a driving demonstration by the Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. Maureen Hamill will sing the National Anthem a cappella. Hamill has directed and performed in a number of popular musicals. The $75,000 American Gold Cup FEI World Cup Qualifier will get underway on Sunday, September 19, at 2 p.m.

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