What
The Charlotte Jumper Classic, Carolinas premier equestrian competition, is a three-day Grand Prix competition featuring 10 classes of intense competition where some of the best riders in the world compete for $700,000 in prize money.
Charlotte Jumper Classic riders jump an obstacle course of between 15-20 fences set on a twisting, turning course with the goal of not dropping a rail or falling off the horse. Timing is also critical in order to qualify for the jump-off round, the sport's version of sudden death overtime. In the jump off, speed and accuracy are of the essence. The rider with the fastest time and the fewest jumping faults is declared the winner.
Where
Time Warner Cable Arena
333 East Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
When
April 10-12, 2009
How
The starting order, or line-up for each event, is determined in a drawing before the class so that each rider has an equal chance of attaining a favorable position. Riders near the end of the starting order have the advantage of seeing how the first riders complete the course.
Rider's preview their upcoming rides in advance by walking the line they intend to ride. This is the only time the riders get to look at the course. The horse sees the course only when they enter the ring to compete.
Each rider knows the length of his horse's stride, and walks the course accordingly (roughly 12 to 14 human paces equals one canter stride of a horse). The riders pace off the distance between fences and determine how best to adjust this to their own horse's strides. Riders also take note of the different types of fences offered, their relationship to one another, the course footing and any other potential problem areas and regulate the horses stride accordingly. Furthermore, they try to find where a tighter line can save vital time when jumping against the clock. The rider's job is to guide his horse to each fence in a controlled and balanced manner, so that the horse may jump easily and land galloping onto the next fence without having to regain balance or break stride.
Why
The Charlotte Jumper Classic, April 10-12, 2009, is the perfect opportunity to spotlight your business, target your consumers and help children in the Charlotte community. This signature fundraising event for the Bobcats Youth Foundation focuses on improving the lives of children and youth in the community. The upcoming 2009 Charlotte Jumper Classic will benefit the Bobcats Youth Foundation’s three signature initiatives – building reading and technology centers, resurfacing outdoor basketball courts and supporting the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser, a mobile health clinic providing needed healthcare to disadvantaged children.
Parking
There are more than 30,000 available parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. Additional parking details can be obtained by by visiting timewarnercablearena.com.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Time Warner Cable Arena
333 East Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone Number:
704-688-8814
E-mail:
Click here to e-mail Director of Fund Development Michelle Hunt for more information.
Other
For more information, please visit timewarnercablearena.com.