Lexington, Ky. – The Split Rock Jumping Tour, a new international show jumping series that is revolutionizing the horse show experience for riders, sponsors and spectators, is ready to host some of the world’s top riders and horses for its second international event which is just two weeks away. The Bourbon International CSI3*, the second leg of the 2015 Split Rock Jumping Tour, will take place October 9-11 at Split Rock Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.
Created by international show jumper Derek Braun, who owns Split Rock Farm, the shows offer a world-class venue with a boutique-style flair. As an FEI recognized 3* event, the Split Rock Jumping Tour allows riders to earn FEI points without having to travel to Europe. Split Rock’s inaugural May event, the Lexington International CSI3*, received rave reviews from competitors, sponsors and spectators, and the up-coming Bourbon International CSI3* is set to be even better.
Braun spares no detail and made big improvements for the October show including new top of the line footing created especially for Split Rock Farm by Equestrian Services International (ESI). ESI has installed footing at some of the nation’s leading horse shows including the Devon Horse Show, Lake Placid Horse Shows and the Winter Equestrian Festival.
The Split Rock experience is five-star all the way for riders, horses, sponsors, grooms and spectators. It’s all about the details at Split Rock such as all-inclusive entry packages, extravagant awards, trophies by LV Harkness & Co., numerous first-class amenities, and five-star VIP treatment. There is even a concierge service to assist grooms with the unloading process of horses and equipment upon arrival.
“We hosted some of the world’s top competitors representing 14 countries at our first show and the feedback has been amazing,” said Braun. “We truly are revolutionizing the sport of show jumping in this country which has been our mission. Over 3,000 spectators came to enjoy our first world-class competition, and we promise that the Bourbon International is going to be even better!”
Braun has chosen a roster of top officials to oversee the competition. The Ground Jury President is Jonathan Taylor (CAN), while Ground Jury Members include Jenny Ross-Koning (USA), Bobby Murphy (USA) and Leslie Brown (USA). Jose Gamarra (BOL) is the Foreign Judge, while Eric Straus (USA) is the FEI Chief Steward. Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) is the official Course Designer and he will be using beautifully created jumps by Stephens Equestrian Designs.
USEF President Chrystine Tauber praised Split Rock’s first event and the foresight it took to bring it to fruition. “It was a great experience. We’re really thrilled to have an event of this caliber on the calendar, and we’re looking forward to having more events like this. We’re very grateful to Derek Braun and Split Rock for doing this and for having the vision to create something this unique and special.”
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Olympic veteran Kevin Babington of Ireland, winner of Split Rock’s Lexington International $100,000 CSI3* Grand Prix, was very impressed with their inaugural spring event. “The whole experience – for me, the grooms, and my customers – was outstanding. They’ve set the bar here, and the other shows are going to have to follow.”
New classes have been added for the Bourbon International. These include the $9,500 Kingsland Equestrian Children’s/Adult 1.10m Jumper Section and the $10,000 Split Rock Youngster Bowl for 7 and 8-year old horses sponsored by Blue Gate Farm.
Hospitality sponsor Crowinshield Consulting, is the official sponsor of the Crowinshield VIP lounge. The Split Rock “Hospitality Experience” includes private ringside tables, gourmet catered meals, Gala tickets, lounge seating, music, dancing, access to the VIP Spa Indulge Zone, and exclusive boutique shopping.
In addition to the chance to see many of the sport’s top horses and riders competing in world-class show jumping competition, spectators will also have the chance to enjoy a variety of boutique shops and food vendors, a Children & Family Festival, a Beer and Wine Garden with live music, as well as free raffles.
The Split Rock Jumping Tour has partnered with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation in which a portion of proceeds from all sales of Split Rock Jumping Tour Hospitality packages will go directly to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation to support their programs. Split Rock will also provide staff and patients of the Center with free tickets to attend. For more information please visit: https://ukmarkey.org.
Further information on the Split Rock Jumping Tour, including a detailed schedule and how to order tickets, is available on line at the Tour’s website at www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com or by emailing info@SplitRockJumpingTour.com.
