The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Summertime classic underway at Polo Field
Karen Schneider has a long history with the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic.
She showed at the event in the 1960s and 70s and her mother served as a board member.
Schneider followed in her mother’s footsteps, serving as a board member, wearing many hats over the years including stints as board chairwoman and co-chairwoman.
The reasoning for her longterm commitment to the event, which has roots dating back to the 1940s, is a simple one: She wants it to be successful.
“I love the horses, I love the show and the family atmosphere we have here,” she said.
Schneider said there’s a lot of
history and fond memories tied to the event, which this year runs through July 15 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills.
It brought Grand Prix jumping to North America more than 50 years ago and now there are almost 400 Grand Prix events in the continent Schneider said.
“We’re important to the horse world,” she said. “We’re an old, traditional show.”
The non-profit event also helps raise money for charitable causes. The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village hosted its third annual Bits and Leashes Bash fundraiser July 6 at the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic.
For the past 20 years, riders with disabilities have also been able to compete at the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic. This year on July 9, children and adults with special needs from the will show off their skills. The event is organized by Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Bainbridge Township, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
“Their kids get to come and show at the big horse show,” Schneider said. “It’s a big deal for them. (Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center) is such a successful organization.”
At 2 p.m. on the classic’s final day, July 15, the $50,000 Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund Cleveland Grand Prix begins. Special grand prix festivities include an appearance by the horses and hounds of the Chagrin Valley Hunt will precede the big class at 1 p.m.
Admission to the event is free on most days. General admission adult tickets are $5 and seniors $3 on July 13 and $10 and $5 respectively on July 15. A full schedule of events can be found at chagrin hunterjumperclassic.org.