For Immediate Release: November 9, 2023

Gulfport, Mississippi

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are delighted to announce that Marshall & Sterling Insurance will be the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at the upcoming Gulf Coast Winter Classic and at all Classic Company produced shows through 2025.

The $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies including Non-Pro Rider Bonuses are the most popular derbies at all Classic Company shows. Beginning with the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, all ribbon winners may compete in the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby which also include Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, week two of the Aiken Summer Classics for no entry fee, thanks to the generosity of Marshall & Sterling Insurance.

The 'hunt and go' format is very popular and offers young horses and up and coming hunter riders experience in the hunter derbies, awarding the non-professional riders with cash bonuses.  

According to well-known professional hunter rider Sarah Young, “I think the Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby with the Non-Pro Rider Bonus really encourages the juniors and amateurs to come out and compete, which in turns grows the whole sport,” she said.

Non pro rider Brooke Parkinson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma competed at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic last year for the first time and showed in the Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby. Parkinson said that she enjoyed showing in the Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby and it was great to get a Non-Pro Rider Bonus. “Competing against these well-known successful professionals made me ride better. I ride better under a little pressure.”

In addition to their title sponsorship, Marshall & Sterling will also be title sponsor of the Marshall & Sterling Riders Lounge available for all at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. The lounge is the perfect place to relax, catch up on work, school or socialize with friends. The Marshall & Sterling Riders Lounge also offers workspace, comfortable lounge furniture, restrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi and is adjacent to the horse show office.

“We are excited to partner with Bob Bell and the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic shows,” said Don Graves, Sr. Vice President of Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division. “They produce excellent events and set the bar for customer service in the horse show industry. Marshall & Sterling also prides itself on customer service and support. The partnership is in alignment with our company values and we’re looking forward to welcoming all horsemen and women at the shows.”

Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Company said, “We are thankful for Marshall & Sterling’s continued support and are delighted to continue our partnership with them. Don Graves and Marshall & Sterling are committed to the equestrian sport and align with our companies’ dedication to the development of top hunter derby horses and riders. Marshall & Sterling is a well-known name in the equine industry and their service is second to none." 

Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs and those who just plain love horses.

Their client service and claims team is dedicated exclusively to support their horse insurance clients. One quick call to their office will provide instant answers to your questions. Claims are handled quickly and efficiently. They work to exceed every customer’s expectation for quality and service.

Marshall & Sterling's Equisport Division specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive equine, farm, and ranch insurance coverage options. Each uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs. They are your true advocates when it matters most—when you apply for insurance, and when your horse has an accident, becomes sick, or injured. 

Their Equine Mortality Coverage, offered through partnerships with leading insurance carriers, offers:

Mortality

Major Medical/Veterinary Services

Loss of Use

Colic & Surgical Coverage

While owning a horse has one set of risks, equestrian facilities represent risks that require specific liability coverages: 

General Liability

Equine Liability

Single Day Events

Care Custody & Control

Workers Compensation…and more!

Bell added, "When looking for insurance for your horse or farm, we recommend you reach out to Marshall & Sterling and support the companies who support our sport.” 

Join us for our 26th Anniversary on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Gulf Coast National February 15-18

Gulf Coast Magnolia Classic February 21-25

Gulf Coast Mid-Winter February 28-March 3

Gulf Coast Sunshine Classic March 6-March 10

Gulf Coast Winter Finale March 13-17

Gulf Coast Spring Classic March 20-24

The facility is fantastic and its claim to fame is the beautiful grass grand prix field that rivals Spruce Meadows. All weather footing is installed in the schooling and competition rings. With more than 400 permanent stalls, plenty of camper parking with hook ups, turn outs for your horses and classes for your entire barn, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics should be on your show calendar this year. The prize list is online and stall reservations are open!

We are accepting vendor applications! Please email lisa@classiccompany.com to inquire about availability.

Exciting sponsorship opportunities are available for our upcoming 2024 Gulf Coast and Classic Company show season. Contact Lisa Davis Engel at 908-310-6248 for more information or a customized sponsorship package.  

Join us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Located a few miles away from the pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches and waterfront towns, the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit situated at the Harrison County Fairgrounds just minutes off of I 10 and just a 10-minute drive from the Biloxi/Gulfport Airport. Neighboring New Orleans is an hour and a half away and it is recommended to sneak away on a Sunday night to enjoy the Big Easy and the fun in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras!

Hotels and beach front rentals can be found everywhere! Our Official Lodging Partners provide discounts to all those competing at the Gulf! Do you enjoy gaming and the big shows offered at the casinos? Biloxi is a twenty-minute drive and features elaborate waterfront casinos and resorts.  

The facility is fantastic and its claim to fame is the beautiful grass grand prix field that rivals Spruce Meadows. The Gulf Coast Classic offers ample stabling, complimentary Riders Lounges, plenty of RV spots and just minutes from the Biloxi Gulfport Airport, the beach and hotels.

The town of Gulfport is situated along the pristine beaches of the Gulf of Mexico with fun waterfront towns, fine dining and shopping. If you re craving entertainment, take the short drive to neighboring Biloxi or head to New Orleans. 

Exciting sponsorship and vending opportunities are still available for our upcoming 2024 Gulf Coast and Classic Company show season. Email or call Lisa Davis Engel at 908-310-6248 for more information.