Classic Company’s president Bob Bell announced the first ever Musical Freestyle Hunt Seat Equitation Championship will premiere at the upcoming Atlanta Summer Classics, June 16-27.

The idea came to Bell while standing outside a schooling ring on an off day of his show, when the sound of a nearby stereo drifted over causing his attention to shift towards the horse and rider working over fences to the beat of the music. “I saw the look of pure enjoyment on the rider’s face. Both horse and rider were having a great time with the music as a backdrop to their workout, so it started me on a quest to recreate that fun in our class offerings.” Bell mused.

This championship class is open to all adult and junior riders and will be held on Saturday evening during the second week of shows in the Grand Prix arena. The ground rules are simple: Each participant’s selected music cannot exceed 3:30. The course will be the rider’s choice, but 12 jumps at 3’3’’are required. Upon completion of their 12-fence course, riders will give a flat demonstration.

“I’m looking at this as a creative mix, somewhat like hunter derby meets musical dressage freestyle. I think riders want something unique and entertaining, a new challenge of sorts. This class will provide an outlet to express a more personal side of the horse and rider bond.” Bell said.

The class will have a panel of judges scoring competitors numerically not only on a pair’s equitation, but also on overall performance and bonus points awarded for musical interpretation.