Gulfport, Mississippi

Shannon Hicks of St. Louis, Missouri is on a roll at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. After winning both the $7,500 Welcome and $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix Week II, Hicks went on to sweep the jumpers Week III as well, winning the $7,500 Welcome with Helen Gilbert's Al Pachini and the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix with Helen Gilbert's Emir D. She also came in third with Helen Gilbert's Al Pachini.

The first round was set with a time allowed of 92 seconds. Hicks and Emir D and Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and Victoria Press' Quesada D'Elle were the only two horse and rider teams to turn in clear first rounds.

"The weather was not so great this morning but it cleared up in the afternoon; the sun even peeked out a bit. You needed to be a little careful, but truthfully, no more careful if you were in a ring. The grand prix field is so big and the traction was fine," she said.

The jump off round time allowed was set at 54 second and Hicks and

Emir D turned in a clear jump off round in a time of 39.987 seconds which set the time to beat. Boggio and Quesa D'Elle, the only

                                                           other clear first round ride, earned four jump faults in their jump off round in a time of 45.798 seconds and won the second place ribbon.

Hicks and Helen Gilbert's Al Pachini finished their first round with four jump faults and went clear in the jump off phase in a time of 38.053 seconds winning the third. "He was the fastest of the four faulters and if it wasn't for that rail, he may have won it," commented Hicks.

Hicks' student, Isabella Bleu Baxter of Wright City, Missouri and her own

Caroquados T, winner of the Week I $25,000 Domino's Grand Prix followed Hicks and Emir D in the first round order and entered the jump off phase with four jump faults. Although they had no jump faults in their jump off round, which they did in a time of 39.840 seconds, they finished in fourth place overall. "Isabella is having a great time here showing in the grand prix each week," said Hicks.

Heather Hooker of Wellington, Florida and Meredith Darst's

Quester De Virton earned four jump faults in their first round and with four jump faults in their jump off round in a time of 43.818 seconds, would see them finish in fifth place.

Meghan Hurst of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and her own Biskit placed sixth and Boggio returned for seventh place in the irons of his own Co Pilot. Eighth place was awarded to Catogi, owned and ridden by Grant Seger of Corpus Christi, Texas and Liz Atkins of Hampshire, Illinois, and Benchmark Stables, LLC's

Undine wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

Hicks kicked off another winning week when she took the first place ribbon with Helen Gilbert's Al Pachini on Friday in the $7,500 Welcome, besting a field of sixteen horse and rider teams. Their second round in a time of 38.854 seconds, well within the 52 seconds time allowed, would set the time to beat.

Heather Hooker and Meredith Darst's Quester De Virton earned a second place ribbon after their double clear rounds and second round time of 40.601 seconds.

Isabella Bleu Baxter and her own Jahil placed third with double clear rounds and second round time of 40.663 seconds.

Chase Boggio and Victoria Press' Quesada D'Elle earned a fourth place finish with double clear rounds and Kelley Buringa of Northlake, Texas and her own

Ladybird took a fifth place ribbon after posting double clear rounds. Boggio returned for a sixth place ribbon with his own Co Pilot. For complete results, click here.

CWD, makers of world class saddles and tack, is a long-time sponsor of the Classic Company horse shows. CWD, makers of the world renowned 2G saddles also makes a complete line of tack that will help you and your horse meet and exceed your competition expectations. CWD combines 21st century materials with completely new technology. The most innovative saddle craftsmen are proud to say that many of the world's greatest equestrians ride in CWD.

Champions like McClain Ward ride in CWD, shouldn't you? So, stop by the CWD booth or check out their website to see their latest advancements and innovations. And, while you're there, be sure to thank them for their support.

The Gulf Coast Classic is pleased to announce that The Clothes Horse, makers of fine horse wear and drapes, is the Official Sponsor of all Grand Prix Champion Coolers at this year's Gulf Coast Winter Classic.

Customization is what they are about and they provide excellent service and fast turnaround time as well as complete attention to detail! Visit them online at The Clothes Horse

The AA six week circuit kicked off in Gulfport, Mississippi on February 7th and has plenty to offer for your entire barn. The $5 3' and 3'3" Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions are back and that's right...only $5 for the entire division! What a great way to earn mileage for your up and coming hunters and riders! The offering has been extended to the Young Hunter Division too! Only $5 for the Young Hunter Division. All 3' and 3'3" Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions will be qualifiers for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic slated for the Atlanta Fall Classic.  Start earning your points now!  The prize list is online so enter now and enjoy the savings all winter long!

The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby is scheduled for Week V, March 9

$1,000 USHJA Zone 4 Children/Adult Handy Hunter Week IV NO ENTRY FEE

$25,000 Grand Prix

$7,500 Open Welcome

$5,000 1.25 M Gulf Coast Jumper Classic

$2,500 1.20 m Jr/AO Jumper Classic

$3,000 1.30 m Jr/AO Jumper Classic

$5,000 1.40 m Jr/AO Jumper Classic

$3,000-$5,000 KCR Classic Hunter Derby PLUS Non-Pro Rider Bonus Awarded Each Week-Week V takes place on the world-class grass grand prix field

$1,000 Sidelines Green Hunter Divisions 3' and 3'3" $5 Division Entry Fee

Young Hunter Divisions, 3', 3'3" and 3'6" $5 Division Entry Fee

Come discover why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is the smart choice and the preferred destination show location for winter circuits. Join us in the winner's circle this winter!

875 Beach Boulevard

Biloxi, MS 39530

Luxury is what it's all about! Beau Rivage is a 32 story, 1740 room AAA Four Diamond resort. With two gourmet restaurants, BR Prime and Jia, new Casino lounge, Tom Fazio designed Fallen Oak golf course, 85,000 square foot casino, spa, salon and lots of shopping, this is the ultimate destination on the Gulf Coast.  Visit the website for a complete tour of the resort.

9475 US 49

Gulfport, MS 39503

The Best Western Plus Seaway Inn is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $59 per night.
Just off Highway 49, this airy hotel is a short distance from the Equestrian Center.
Featuring free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels, the contemporary rooms offer desks, coffeemakers, minifridges and microwaves. Suites have in-room whirpool tubs and/or sitting areas. Exterior corridors leading to the rooms surround a courtyard. Amenities include free hot breakfast & parking, an airport shuttle, a pool in a courtyard, and a cocktail lounge. There's also a business center and a fitness facilities.
Pet Friendly.

9445 US 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-868-3300

Horse Show Rate of $64 per night.
Off Interstate 10, this casual hotel is short distance from the Equestrian Center.

The traditional-style rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers; some have seating areas with pull-out sofas and/or in-room whirlpool tubs. Freebies include hot buffet breakfast, an airport shuttle and parking. There's also an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a furnished terrace, in addition to a business center and meeting space. Pet Friendly.

Call 228-868-3300 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.

9515 US 49
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-679-1700

The award winning Holiday Inn Hotel Gulfport - Airport is offering a special Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate of $89 per night.
You can enjoy a relaxing stay at our Gulfport accommodations, ideally located off I-10 and Highway 49, just a short distance from the Equestrian Center. Also, be sure to enjoy the complimentary airport shuttle provided by our hotel to the nearby Gulfport Airport. While lodging in Gulfport, take advantage of our heated, indoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center and on-site restaurant, which offers a casual dining atmosphere where kids can eat for free.

Book Online or Call 228-679-1700 and ask for the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show Rate.