The chill in the air didn't keep spirits down as over 130 competitors took to the rings at the December Classic 'A' Hunter/Jumper Show at The Carolina Horse Park on Dec. 4-7. The December Classic 'A' is the first of four Hunter/Jumper events to be held during the Park show season.

The show attracted both seasoned competitors as well as young horses in need of show mileage. The Carolina Horse Park facility offers prime hunter rings with all-weather footing as well as a turf derby field for the jumpers. The permanent stabling has received rave reviews from competitors, as it offers a much safer and more comfortable alternative to temporary tent stabling for their equines.

The second-year Green and Working Hunter combined division Champion was awarded to a local horse/rider combination of Camelot, an 8-year-old imported Brandenburg gelding, owned by Blair Garnett and ridden by Joy Janouskovec of Carthage.

Camelot's trainer, Merilee Ventura, also of Carthage, said, "The trips were great. Camelot likes the facility and is comfortable in the ring. I have to hide from the in-gate because he looks for me. He's very smart, always looking for treats and affection. He is a horse who makes you proud to walk to the in-gate. He's a fabulous athlete." Camelot was also 2008 Zone Champion in second-year Greens respectively.

Trainer Harold Chopping of Southern Pines had a number of horses competing in both the hunter and jumper rings. The promising young jumper Corland, an imported 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by John Wagstaff of Roxboro, jumped beautifully in a number of jumper classes up to Level 4. "This was his first show in the U.S.," stated Harold's partner, Jennifer Johnston. "He has such a great attitude." Another jumper, Oscar G, owned by Lindsey Gates and ridden by Harold, won Friday's Level 3 class. Hunters Katerina, owned by Alexis Stevenson of Southern Pines, and Astor, owned by Durham resident Jennifer Roberts, were both Reserve Champions in their respective divisions: Green Conformation and High Pre-Greens.

Mike Rosser of Southern Pines rode two hunters to Reserve Championships. Rosser rode Nickleback, a 7-year-old Warmblood, in the first-year Green Divison and Metro North, owned by Barnes Brooks, in the Low Pre-Greens. Kathy Bennett of Southern Pines, who rides with Rosser, took home the Championship in the Amateur Owner Hunters on board Winning My Way.

Don Sheehan of Southern Pines rode a long string of hunters to numerous top ribbons. James and Amy Hassinger of Aberdeen also had success on their horses, Cirobantos and Rakus respectively.

The show also attracted some local event riders who took to the jumper ring to test their horses' skills. Kaily Meeks of Southern Pines, riding her little chestnut Tempo, won her Level 2 class on top of earning other ribbons in the Childrens/AA jumpers and Level 1.

You can find full CHP December Classic Show results at www.ryegate.com. Mark your calendars for the CHP Spring 'C' Show on March 7-8. For more information on these and other equine competitions, go to: www.carolinahorsepark.com.

Holly Rocherolle has been involved in the Hunter / Jumper scene for most of her life. She and her family have lived in Southern Pines for two years where she enjoys training children's ponies.