For 20 years the Colorado Summer Circuit at the Colorado Horse Park has hosted the continent’s best hunter and jumper riders. With Linda Allen-designed rings, impressive prize money and the world’s most proficient course designers, the Colorado Summer Circuit changed the face of the sport horse industry in the West. Now in an effort to outdo itself, the Colorado Horse Park plans to give the circuit a makeover, complete with additional dates, exciting new classes, more exhibitor-friendly amenities and new show management.
To ensure that the circuit will truly be brand-new, the Colorado Horse Park has enlisted Pat Boyle and Showplace Productions to bring their flair and fun to the expanded six-week summer event. After purchasing dates from Carole O’Brien, the Colorado Summer Circuit will feature unprecedented opportunities for riders to earn prize money and points while enjoying the tourist attractions of scenic Colorado for six weeks. The new show series will run from June 9 through July 24, 2011 and will include a wide range of Grand Prix, junior/amateur jumper classics and hunter derbies, along with many exhibitor activities.
“This is an exciting new chapter in the Colorado Horse Park’s history,” explains Helen Krieble, founder and owner of the Park. “Our goal is to take the exhibitor experience to a new level.” These are heady words considering that the Colorado Horse Park has been home to the successful Colorado Summer Circuit and its AGA Grand Prix, as well as the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships, USEF National Combined Driving Championships, ASPCA Medal Qualifiers and many more international and national events.
“We look forward to bringing our high production values and management style to an exciting and worthy venue,” said Pat Boyle, President of Showplace Productions. “Exhibitors can count on new and exciting offerings to the prizelist.” While details will be revealed in the coming weeks, exhibitors can be assured that this won’t be the same old summer circuit. Plans call for changes to scheduling, rings and classes. In addition, facility improvements are also on the agenda.
To help focus the goals, the Colorado Horse Park conducted a historic survey of hunter/jumper, dressage, western and eventing riders over the summer and fall. Ms. Krieble continued, “We wanted to hear what people really wanted. The survey results are still being completed, but we are anxious to understand what our customers really want and need.”
Complementing the work done by the Colorado Horse Park are Boyle’s site visits and investigations. “While there is a lot of work ahead there is also a lot of excitement. Everyone is committed to delivering quality horse shows,” said Boyle. His Showplace Productions puts on popular shows at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL and Sporting Horses in Roscoe, IL.
Ms. Krieble continued, “Pat and his team are recognized for creating shows that are fun for the exhibitors. We want our customers to come to Colorado and enjoy showing at the Park.” Ms. Krieble sited the many family activities within a short drive of the Park, including whitewater rafting, hiking, shopping, dining and various cultural activities such as the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado Museum of Natural History. And, of course, the town of Parker has changed tremendously over the last twenty years. Now the southeast suburb of Denver has its own amenities to offer, such as quality restaurants, movie theaters and a nice range of hotel options within a ten-minute drive of the horse shows.
“We think Colorado is a great place to spend the summer,” said Ms. Krieble. More information will be available in the coming weeks. Keep up at www.coloradohorsepark.com.
