Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Announces USHJA International Hunter Derby

March 28, 2008  Great Southwest Equestrian Center

Presented by Valobra Jewelers

HOUSTON – Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will host a “$10,000 International Hunter Derby” March 28 as part of the two-week Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.  Celebrating its 63rd year of support for Houston children, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will take place March 19 through March 30, 2008 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road in Katy.  

Presented by Valobra Jewelers, the Derby series was created to bring hunters to the forefront of the international circuit, showcasing their rich heritage and increasing awareness of this long-standing tradition to both spectators and other equestrians.  Among the championship riders will be Peter Pletcher, 2007 World Champion Hunter Rider. The March 28th festivities will include an elegant ringside cocktail party from 3 to 6 pm, featuring cuisine by Le Mistral and Moet & Chandon champagne, along with a display of Ferrari and Maserati race cars. For reservations or more information, please call the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show office at 713-621-6290.

According to the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), the greatest difference between the hunter classes seen at a regular hunter competition and the classes that will take place at Pin Oak are the courses and specifically the construction of the fences along the course.  The courses will be built to encourage and reward brilliance and daring from the rider and true athletic ability from the horses.

The class will consist of two rounds – a classic hunter round and a handy hunter round. Fences will be set at 3’6” to 3’9” with four 4’ option fences. Obstacles must simulate those reminiscent of the hunt field and the course should offer a variety of jumps with different appearances such as natural post and rail, stone wall, white board fence or gate, coop, hedge, brush, logs, and natural foliage. Natural obstacles such as banks and ditches are encouraged. 

Pin Oak President Lynn Walsh said the Hunter Derby will be welcome addition to the two-week Pin Oak Show.

“We are delighted to welcome the Derby riders to Pin Oak,” said Walsh.  “Their daring and outstanding athletic ability will be an incredible addition to our Show.”  The winner of the Pin Oak series will move to the Hunter Derby finals in the fall of 2008.  

Presented by Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will take place March 19 through March 30, 2008 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 South Mason Road in Katy.  Drawing from a legacy of philanthropic support, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected horse shows, featuring international riders in a spectacular show of Olympic-qualifying equestrian competitions and Grand Prix events.  This long-standing Texas tradition is celebrated not only for its incredible equestrian sport and showmanship, but also for a past rich in financial support to Houston children’s charities.  

Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife Lillie, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has raised more than $3.5 million for local children’s charities.  First held at Abercrombie’s Pin Oak Stables, the annual show became a highlight of Houston’s social season, drawing Hollywood stars, entertainers and political leaders.  In 1948, Pin Oak began a long-term commitment to raise funds to construct, and later support, Texas Children’s Hospital, which opened in Houston in 1954. During the next three decades, “Mr. Jim” Abercrombie, Leopold Meyer, the Junior League and a group of dedicated Houstonians established Pin Oak as one of the preeminent horse shows in the nation, attracting as many as 60,000 visitors, and enabling the Association to contribute millions to worthy causes including Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald Mc Donald House of Houston.

“This is the premier equestrian event in the southwest United States,” said Walsh.   “No other show in the world features more breeds than the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.”  More than 13 breeds and over 1300 horses will compete at this year’s show including American Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies, Roadsters, Welsh Ponies, Andalusians and hunters and jumpers.  

Highlights of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show include the Pin Oak Grand Prix, the first leg of the Texas Triple Crown – a series of 3 Grand Prix Show Jumping competitions with $30,000 each week going to top riders and their steeds.  The Grand Prix is a sanctioned U.S. Equestrian Team event and an Olympic qualifying competition, which will attract riders from Mexico, Canada, South America and Europe.  For a complete show schedule, visit the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show website at www.pinoak.org.  Sponsors of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show include Presenting Sponsor Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, Academy Sports and Outdoors, BMC Software, Chamberlain Hrdlicka Law Firm, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Dillard’s, Fogarty Klein Monroe, Ft. Bend Publishing, Gulf States Four Star Trailers, KTRK ABC-TV Ch. 13, Lansdowne Moody, McDonald’s Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Nordic Lights Farm, Par Avion, LTD., RE/MAX of Texas, Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine, and Westside/Northside Lexus.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is a 501-C 3 organization, and a member of the USEF “AA” Rated Texas Hunter Jumper Association, an American Hunter/Jumper Federation World Championship Hunter Rider Event, Marshall & Sterling League, and part of the NAL and Washington International Horse Show qualifying series.

TICKETS 

Price of admission is $10 per person on Saturday, March 22 and Saturday, March 29. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge.  Admission is free at all other times. For show times or tickets, call 713-621-6290 or visit the website at www.pinoak.org.  

PHOTOS

Photos available upon request. Media contact:  Trish Morille, Morille & Associates, 713-521-2786 or 713-540-2529(c).

Photo credit for attached photos:  Jon Kral Photography, www.kralphoto.com.