Gulfport, MS – December 9, 2013 – This winter, hunter riders will have their first opportunity to vie for prestigious World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) points along the picturesque Mississippi Gulf Coast. For the first time since its inception, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, a United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Member’s Choice award-winning show, has been chosen as a distinguished WCHR host event.

The WCHR week will be held during the Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic week of March 5 – 9, 2014 during the Gulf Coast Winter Classics series at the beautiful Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center.  

A limited number of horse shows are chosen each year by USHJA for the distinction of being a WCHR event host. Events are selected on an annual basis based on the evaluation of a submitted application, votes from WCHR members and selection criteria including exhibitor hospitality, event scheduling, awards presentations and the quality of the footing, courses, stabling, staff and more.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as a WCHR event host this year,” said Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. “I think we have a great horse show and setting for it, and it’s a great program, one that we’re honored to get to be a part of.”

The USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program was founded in 1995 to recognize and celebrate the hunter rider. Since the inaugural WCHR Professional Finals in 1995, the WCHR program has expanded to include coveted year-end awards for professionals, developing professionals, amateur-owners, adult amateurs, juniors, and children and pony riders. WCHR program members qualify for national and regional awards by earning points at member events held across the country throughout the qualifying year.

In conjunction with the WCHR member event, the Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic will offer a $1,000 Pre-Green Incentive class, a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and a $3,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Gulf Coast Winter Classics will also offer $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies during weeks two, three and four of the circuit, which runs February 5 – March 16, 2014.

The Gulf Coast Classic series offers competition for every level of horse and rider, from lead line through grand prix. Reserve your stalls today. Come for the show and stay for the fun.

For more information go to: http://gulfcoastclassiccompany.com/