Summer Competition Heats Up at Gold Coast 4

Markel Insurance Is Series Champion Sponsor

Burbank, CA:   The Gold Coast 4 hunter jumper show (June 13-15) marks the half-way point in Langer Equestrian Group’s Gold Coast Series which consists of seven USEF "B" rated shows at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Markel Insurance is the sponsor the 2008 series awards.

The Gold Coast Shows offer a three day, six ring format with a wide variety of classes suitable for many levels of horses and riders from green horses and short stirrup riders to 1.40 jumpers, and all the major and regional medal classes. "The divisions are great. There is something for everyone," explained trainer, Rebecca Bruce, who, with assistant Sara Estel, regularly brings 15-20 clients down from her Sunnybrook Farm in Santa Barbara. "The schedule works so well, especially for the babies [young horses]. They show Friday, and then Sunday for the LAHJA "B" division and have Saturday to rest."

This is a schedule that obviously suites Bruce to a tee. Riding Polly Coleman’s five-year-old gelding, Cirque Du Soleil her multiple victories and high placings at this last show positioned the gelding first in the Low Pre-Green, Baby Green and Pre-Green mid-year series standings. Bruce also piloted Brittany Martindale’s Illux and Sofie Melograno’s Donatello for second place points to date in Pre-Green and Baby Green respectively. Martindale (Illux) is also leading both the "A" and "B" 12-14 Equitation sections, while Melograno (Donatello) is showing successfully in Green Rider and Rusty Stirrup. "Showing at Gold Coast is stepping beyond just a county level show," Bruce said. "It’s more challenging, but there are enough divisions for many riders to be successful."

Additional riders from her barn enjoying some of this success include Gigi Hadid who is leading in the 17-Under Children’s Hunters on Satori, her sister Bella, showing in Large Ponies, Jay Melograno in Long Stirrup, and Haylie Robinson who is leading the Children's Jumper division on her flashy gray, Porsche.

The Gold Coast Shows also attract a number of regular USEF "A" circuit riders, like Gina Groth. Groth, an amateur, who lives in Burbank and trains with Philip Klipa sees the shows as "...a useful and affordable way to compete while balancing work and personal commitments." She uses the shows to stay in show-shape both mentally and physically while qualifying for year-end medal finals.

This year’s goals include riding her 9-year-old gelding, Just George in the CPHA and USEF adult medals. The pair is leading in the Gold Coast series 18-Over Equitation division. In addition, Groth is enjoying bringing along her young horse, Neverland at the Gold Coast Shows. Groth rides the flashy chestnut in the Adult Amateur and Klipa’s assistant, Ali Leopold, takes the ride in the Pre-Green . "At Gold Coast 4, we wanted to see how Vin would do in the modified hunters," Groth said with a smile, noting a first and second in two classes. entered.

Exhibitors are not the only ones pleased with the Gold Coast Series. "We at Markel Insurance Company are delighted to be associated with Langer Equestrian Group as sponsors of the 2008 Gold Coast Series," stated  John Seger, Markel’s director of sponsorship development. "Markel was attracted to the Gold Coast Series because of LEG's reputation, LAEC as a show venue, and because the series allows riders to compete for championship awards while they balance their riding with work, family, and other personal pursuits." Seger elaborated, "My wife, Lisa is an amateur rider, and as her sometime groom, it has helped me to appreciate the passion and effort given by riders, their horses and their trainers during the show season. To sponsor the Gold Coast Series championship awards is Markel's sincere pleasure". 

Gold Coast 5 runs July 18-20, 2008 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Series standings are available online at: http://www.langershows.com/laec_show_details.php?show_id=82