For Immediate Release: June 7, 2024

Aiken, South Carolina

The Classic Company is pleased to announce that Kickapoo Ponies has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship East, scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at the Aiken Summer Classic. They will also be sponsoring the complimentary ringside breakfast held in conjunction with the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship East, presented by Kickapoo Ponies.

Kickapoo Ponies breeds and develops Welsh and Welsh-cross, top quality hunter ponies. They offer weanlings, children’s ponies and rated circuit ponies! Small, medium and large ponies are available for sale or lease. All about kids, Kickapoo Ponies is grateful for the riders, the owners and the trainers who make their ponies fun and safe to ride at home and in the show ring. 

Kickapoo Ponies recently celebrated a huge success at the 2024 Devon Horse Show when Kickapoo Ponies’ KP Captain America placed second in the two-year-old hunter pony gelding class. At the 2023 Kym K. Smith USHJA Young Pony Championship held in Tyler, Texas, Kickapoo Ponies was awarded Leading Breeder and Leading Owner. KP Cindy Lou Who, ridden by Sydney Loftland, took home the 4–5-year-old 2' High Point Welsh award. Farnley Forever and Always, owned by Kickapoo Ponies and ridden by Olive Oden, took home Overall High Point Welsh. Kickapoo Ponies' newly acquired, Coldplay, resident stallions, Kickapoo Sharp Dressed Man, Kobur Naiche and Arnaby Marador, are available for breeding in 2025. 

Legend Has It, Right On Target, Caramel Macchiato and Rosmel's Durango are some of the Kickapoo Ponies being leased in 2024. Kickapoo Ponies wishes Without Further Ado and his new owner best of luck in the larges this year and beyond! 

Kickapoo Ponies would like to acknowledge the support of the following associations as their ponies continue their amazing journeys: USEF, USHJA and WPCSA. Kickapoo Ponies is big on giving back to their community and those in need. You can find information on their auctions and everything pony at kickapooponies.com or on Facebook. Contact them for your next well-bred champion!

Classic Company President Bob Bell said, “We’re thankful for Kickapoo Ponies’ support of the Aiken Summer Classic and the ponies!”

Wednesday, Week 1 in the jumper arena, anyone who goes clear over the designated Kevin Babington Foundation jump, Classic Company will donate $20 for each rider who clears the fence to the Kevin Babington Foundation.

“We are happy to support such a worthy organization,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company. “The donation goes on all day, so I encourage everyone to enter at least one jumper class to help us support the Kevin Babington Foundation.”

HIGHLIGHTED JUMPER FEATURES WEEKS 1 and 2: 

$7,500 Aiken Saddlery Welcome Stake, presented by Purina each week 

$25,000 Grand Prix each week 

Jumper classes all heights!

HIGHLIGHTED HUNTER FEATURES: 

Week 1: WCHR 

$10,000 Open Hunter Classic, sponsored by Windsor Stables and Michael Britt-Leon

$5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3’ and 3’3”, including Non-Pro Rider Bonus

Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Classics

Multiple Division Classics 

Week 2:

$25,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby

$5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship East, presented by Kickapoo Ponies

$2,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby

Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Classics

Multiple Division Classics 

We are sold out for the Aiken Summer Classic. There are several tent and booth spaces available, and applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please complete your application and email to lisa@classiccompany.com.

Mark your calendar February 13- March 23, 2025!

Exciting sponsorship opportunities are available for our upcoming 2025 Gulf Coast and Classic Company show season. Call or email Lisa Davis Engel at 908-310-6248.

If you’re interested in vending at the shows, please email Lisa.

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies’ philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From lead line to Olympic level grand prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first-time horse show experience, the Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry. 

Service is what sets the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies apart from other horse shows. The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies provide champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark, and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Gulf Coast and Classic Company produced events each year. 

Sidelines Magazine is the Official Equestrian Lifestyle Magazine of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies.

As a thank you to everyone who is participating in the Aiken Summer Classic, enjoy a year subscription to Sidelines magazine for half price, just $7.48!

That’s less than the cost of a bag of carrots and a coffee, so treat yourself and get the magazine delivered to your mailbox every month. Click here to subscribe.