Page 53 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2025

Equestrian Excellence Meets Southern Hospitality
story by Joey Lee
photos by Eye Was Here Photography and courtesy of the Classic Company
You’ve probably seen equestrian events on TV, but have you seen them in person? Did you know you can experience the thundering of hooves and the graceful arc of horse and rider clearing obstacles of some of the best competitors in the country right here at the Harrison County Fairgrounds?
The Gulf Coast Winter Classic, running from February 13 through March 23, is one of the country’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, drawing participants and spectators from across the nation.
The Classic has been around for 27 years. What started
with just three rings and 80 stalls has grown into a nationally respected competition featuring 700 permanent stalls and 10 rings.
“This is the biggest event that happens on the Gulf Coast,” explained Bob Bell, president of the Gulf Coast Classic Company, about the economic impact. “We bring in about $50 million to the greater Gulfport area with hotel rooms, dining, gambling, shopping, airlines, dry cleaners and the like during our six-week stay.”
Each competition week runs from Tuesday through Sunday, with the highlight being the Sunday Grand Prix classes that draw the largest crowds. These jumping competitions offer prize purses ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.
What sets this event apart from other winter equestrian events is its crown jewel: the country’s only grass Grand Prix field among major winter shows. While other prestigious venues like Palm Beach, Ocala, and Palm Springs offer their own allure, the Gulf Coast Classic’s natural turf arena provides a unique and challenging environment for the sport’s highest level of competition.
“The grass Grand Prix field is truly what makes our show stand apart from the rest,” says Bell. “It’s where our largest prize money show jumping competitions take place, and it creates an exceptional experience for both riders and spectators.”
The event attracts competitors from across the United States and Canada. Riders travel from as far as California, Vermont, Indiana, and Oregon to participate. Some competitors stay for the entire six-week series, while others rotate through.
Behind the scenes, the event’s success stems from year-round planning and strong local partnerships. The Harrison County Fairgrounds consistently invests in facility improvements to maintain competitiveness with other national venues. Local businesses, including Harrah’s Gulf Coast and Allen Beverages, provide crucial sponsorship support, while area restaurants partner with the event to welcome the influx of visitors.
“Truly the best thing about running this event is watching the magnificent horses,” Bell reflects. “Especially when you’ve watched a young horse, or novice rider, progress and get better every year.”
As the Gulf Coast Winter Classic continues its tradition of excellence, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of equestrian sport and the warm hospitality of the Mississippi Coast.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong horse enthusiast or just looking for something unique to do, you should head to the Harrison County Fairgrounds to experience the magic. Even
if you don’t know the difference between a combination and a coffin jump, you’ll be captivated by the grace and power of these athletes in action.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
February 2025 | 53
GULF COAST WINTER CLASSIC