Graphic courtesy of Reichert Celebration
A brand new location and date change aren’t the only new things in store for the 2011 Reichert Celebration. For the first time ever, the Equine Chronicle Color Classic will be held in two separate divisions; one for open exhibitors and one for limited exhibitors.
The Equine Chronicle Color Classic Limited Division is a class specifically designed for those riders who are not in the Top 15 of the Equine Chronicle Top 20 riders from the previous year. This Top 20 ranking is determined by all-time earnings in the Equine Chronicle Color Classic and will change each year as winnings increase and decrease. Once a rider has exceeded Equine Chronicle Color Classic earnings of $75,000, they are no longer eligible to compete in the Limited Division class.
A few exciting details to note about this brand new class are that the Limited Division class will be held prior to the Open Division Equine Chronicle Color Classic, entry into the Limited Division Color Classic allows participation in both the Limited and Open Division classes, and Limited Color Classic entry includes dual horse nomination.
However, it is also important to note that in order for a Limited Entry to be eligible for the Sale Horse Bonus Program, they must purchase an Open entry.
Another new change to the class format this year is that anyone can purchase an entry into either the Equine Chronicle Color Classic Open or Limited Division classes. Also, there are unlimited entries allowed in both of the classes, so come one come all!
There is also a unique new “First Time Exhibitor Money” bonus program reserved specifically for the Limited Color Classic Division. The highest placing limited rider with this designation will receive $1,500, with the second highest placing limited rider receiving $1,000. The highest placing non-pro rider will also receive $1,000.
One thing that hasn’t changed in regards to class format is that the trainer and rider of the horse must meet the definition of a “color breed trainer or rider,” as set forth by the Color Classic Committee. Also, the trainer and rider must be nominated, and the horse must be in training with the nominated trainer by May 1, 2011.
This requirement applies to both the Limited and Open divisions. Any failure to follow this rule will result in a three year suspension from all activities at the Reichert Celebration.
In order to classify as a “color breed trainer or rider,” 60% of your barn must be registered with an NSBA recognized color breed association. Also, trainers and riders must attend at least six color breed association shows. The Reichert Celebration would like to emphasize that each color breed association show means one total horse show, and has nothing to do with the total number of days or judges at the show.
In addition, the trainer and rider must show in a sanctioned color breed association point earning class with the qualifying numbers to earn at least 1/2 a point. However, a point need not be earned, but the class must still be point earning. In addition, all NSBA and other Futurity classes do not count towards the six color breed association show total.
If for any reason, a nominated horse should be removed from the nominated trainer’s barn, both the former trainer, horse owner and slot owner must fill out a Color Classic Trainer Change Notification form within five days of the horse leaving the original trainer.
While many of the requirements are the same for both the Limited and Open Equine Chronicle Color Classics, the format for selecting the judges will be different. As usual, the Equine Chronicle Color Classic Open will be judged by four judges, two of which will be selected prior to the show based on entry owner nominations. The second two judges will be randomly selected at the show, based on a second set of nominations.
Judges for the Equine Chronicle Color Classic Limited division will show to four NSBA judges, who have already been selected for the Reichert Celebration pool of judges. Since the Limited division will show prior to the Open division, Limited division judges cannot be nominated to judge the Open.
For more information about entry into the Equine Chronicle Color Classic Open or Limited divisions, please contact Terri Green, Premiere Signature Slot Class Secretary, at 14575 S. Florence Ave, Bixby, OK 74008, or (918) 605-6990, Fax- (918) 970-6653 or SignatureFuturity@ReichertCelebration.com.
For more information about this new class and other events at the Reichert Celebration, please visit their website.
Payments are due by April 1, 2011
- Limited Division Entry- $2,000
- Open Division Entry- $3,000
- Open Entry Dual Nomination- $3,500
Equine Chronicle Color Classic Top 20 Riders
1. Mike Hachtel- $170,500
2. Sara Simons- $104,500
3. Scott Suggs- $92,000
4. Jennifer Sonne- $85,500
5. Tim Zuidema- $42,250
6. Jana Simons- $37,500
7. Courtney Menke- $32,500
8. Jeffrey Gibbs- $24,100
9. Mark Shaffer- $23,500
10. Alan Inks- $20,000
11. Johnny Yarnelle- $19,300
12. Patrick Heeley- $18,500
13. Wade Spell- $18,000
14. Julie Suggs- $17,500
15. Mark Baus- $15,000
* The Top 15 are not eligible to show in the Limited Division
16. Tim Gillespie- $13,250
17. Garth Gooding- $11,000
18. Colt Andrews- $9,500
19. Tim Snapp- $8,250
20. Jenna Wall- $7,500
For more news about other exciting changes in store for the upcoming 2011 Reichert Celebration, September 2-11 in Fort Worth, Texas, please stay tuned to EquineChronicle.com.
