And we're off! The Rocky Mountain Show Jumping Classic Series kicked off to a great start this season with hot sunny days and busy barns. The first week of the three weeks composing the Classic Series looks to offer a bit of everything for everyone. Ranging from classes for the Young Horse Series to the CSI 2** Grand Prixs, along with classes in the low to high jumpers, this show encourages everyone to come out for some friendly competition.
Wednesday proved to be a great warm up day, setting everyone up for the rest of the week. The courses were friendly for both horses and riders, serving as confidence builders and allowing riders to deal with any 'first day spookiness'.
The next day of the RMSJ Classic I proved to be slightly more challenging as the course designers put on the pressure with more technical courses. Thursday was also the first day hosting the first $33,500 CSI 2** Grand Prix of the Series. Out of 23 competitors, only two managed to clear the course and advance to the seven obstacle jump off. First to ride in the jump off was Kayleigh Ross aboard her mare Polar Ice. They laid down a solid 0 fault round timing out at 42.73 seconds. RMSJ's own John Anderson and his horse Terrific were next to challenge the track posting a faultless round but, unfortunately came short at a time of 43.87 seconds. Third place was awarded to Kyle King riding SIG White Chocolate who had the fastest four fault round. Fourth came Germany's Marion Ostmeyer aboard Roulette followed by Claire Doty and her mount Constant Surprise who were awarded fifth place.
