The Bainbridge Classic Horse Show celebrates a silver anniversary.
After 25 years of equestrianism on Bainbridge Island, the Bainbridge Classic Horse Show is celebrating in style.
The 25th annual horse show, started by Haven Farms owner Mollie Bogardus to have a local show for people to attend, will be held June 8-10 at Battle Point Park.
The event starts at 8 a.m. all three days and will run through the afternoon when the day’s classes are completed.
The horse show is free and open to the public.
The horses will be stabled at the park and people can come through to see them.
There will be seating available to view the classes along with concession stands, Olsen’s Mobile Tack Store and other equine vendors.
Two rings will run simultaneously at the show.
One will feature the “hunters” or horse and riders performing in a variety of events where they are “judged on their appearance and their ‘way of going’ (smoothness, beauty, and precision of the performance) on the flat (where horses are judged on its performance, manners and movement without jumping,”) according to a press release.
The second ring will feature the jumpers, where the horses are judged on jumping over fences “clean” – with no rails being knocked over – and finishing a course on time.
The sizes of the jumps range from 18-inch crossrails for beginners and young horses, to more experienced riders jumping over fences nearly four feet tall.
There will be awards for the jumper of the day, along with awards for sportsmanship for junior and senior riders, a “pony jumper style” award, an award for the best child rider hunter and jumper and the best amateur jumper and hunter rider.
On Saturday, there will be a special class – the Bob Gillanders Memorial Derby – in memory of the longtime islander and rider who passed away from cancer three years ago.
According to a press release, Gillanders “earned a degree in engineering, but instead made a lifetime career of being a farrier because of his love for horses.
“He was a dear friend to many (both people and horses).”
Karen Lindsey, a volunteer with the show and who has twin daughters who have ridden for several years, said they are holding a dinner and dance party at the Wing Point Golf and Country Club on June 9.
There will be a performance by “Larry & The Flames” and Lindsey said they want people to send her, Leigh Manheim or Bogardus their pictures and recollections of past events so they can put together a presentation at the dinner.
“A lot of people who used to ride at the event in the past are now moms and dads, and many have kids who are riding,” she said.
Approximately 130 participants of all ages will arrive from all over Western Washington.
For tickets to the dinner or to send in photos and/or recollections of past events for the presentation, call Bogardus at 842-7776, Lindsey at 842-1933 or Leigh Manheim at 842-9480.
