The Sarasota Winter Classic is just two months away from its highly-anticipated return to the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, FL for two weeks of exciting premiere hunter/jumper competition. The event was formerly known as the AIR Show Jumping Winter Classic prior to the previous year where it transitioned from its home at the Florida Horse Park to the new, state-of-the-art facility. The venue at TerraNova Equestrian Center has elevated the boutique, exhibitor-focused feel that the show has strived to achieve each year and offers elite accommodations not commonly seen in most competition venues.
Throughout the years that the show has grown, the focus has consistently shifted to emphasize the importance of the junior and amateur athletes that make up a vast majority of the sport. Although the event will still host its grand prix and open jumper classes, the biggest change this year will come with the featured junior/amateur prix taking center stage during the previously scheduled grand prix time.
“This year we are really honing our efforts to focus on highlighting our young and amateur riders,” explained event manager Bill Worthington. “They are the backbone of this entire horse show and we are looking forward to putting them in a bigger spotlight this season.”
The 2024 Sarasota Winter Classic will once again host a variety of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes and promises increased prize money throughout many of the children, junior, and amateur jumper divisions. Each week’s grand prix will be held on Friday afternoon to leave room for the featured Junior/Amateur Prix on Saturday morning. VIP accommodations will also be available on Saturday so family and friends can watch the competition in style! Hunter riders can look forward to a large offering of classics, Green hunter incentives and challenges, a weekly 2’6” outreach derby, and of course a weekly USHJA National Hunter Derby that features a Jr/Am bonus for additional prize money.
Stall reservations and entry forms are now available and stabling will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. The TerraNova Equestrian Center features two immaculate, recently complete barns offering a total of 250 stalls, and an additional 250 tent stalls will be available for accommodations once the barns have filled. Potential Exhibitors should book stabling early to secure a spot in the facility’s state-of-the-art accommodations. For additional information or inquiries, please visit www.sarasotawinterclassic.com.
