Ilan Bluman and Ladriano. Ph. ©Natalie Hewitt
Taking the next step in its evolution, the Split Rock Jumping Tour will move the fall portion of its FEI show jumping series from Lexington, Kentucky to a spectacular new horse show facility in Columbus, Ohio.
Adding to the excitement, a second week will be added to the fall schedule with a new CSI2* running at the new facility, September 27 – October 1, followed by the established CSI3*, October 4-8. The spring CSI3* will run as always at its traditional home at Split Rock Farm in Lexington, KY, May 24-28.
Now in its third year, the Split Rock Jumping Tour is revolutionizing the sport of show jumping in the United States. Creating an “unparalleled show jumping experience” for competitors, sponsors and spectators, the Tour has hosted some of the world’s top competitors and provides each with amenities typically not found at any other horse show. Working with Matt Harris, developer and owner of the new Columbus facility, Split Rock’s founder, Derek Braun, will take the Tour on the road to a new facility that is ideal for showcasing all the Tour has to offer.
“We set out to change the way show jumping is presented in the U.S.,” said Braun. “and by catering to each of our constituencies and giving personal attention to every detail, I believe we have taken the sport to a new level.
“Our intent has always been to bring our unique show jumping experience to other locations and we have constantly been on the lookout for venues that would be the right fit to expand the tour. I am thrilled to say that we have found a partner who shares our values and our vision of how our sport should be presented.”
Located in the northeast quadrant of Columbus, the new facility is easily accessed from I-270 and is located just minutes from The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix. The showgrounds features a meticulously planned layout with 250 permanent stalls measuring 12’x12′ with 16′ aisle ways and a 20′ high ceiling. The expansive property includes multiple rings and riding areas and the Grand Prix Ring, one of two to be used for competition, is 250′ x 350′. All rings have state-of-the-art-footing and the Grand Prix ring features in-ground irrigation. The showgrounds also takes advantage of the picturesque Ohio countryside, with expansive tree-lined vistas and water features throughout the grounds.
“This location provides for every single need of our exhibitors,” Braun said. “The area features great hotels, great restaurants and couldn’t be any more convenient for those coming from The New Albany Classic. The facility checks every box and I can state unequivocally that this will be the absolute best show jumping event in America!”
“We are thrilled to be working with Derek Braun and the Split Rock Jumping Tour,” Harris said. “Derek has created a very dynamic experience for competitors, spectators and sponsors. We share the same customer-focused approach and have developed our facility and hired personnel with very high standards in order to deliver the best possible experience. This is an exciting partnership for our facility and we are looking forward to what the future holds.”
More details about the facility and schedules for all three of the Split Rock Jumping Tour shows will be available soon. Additional information is also available at the Split Rock Jumping Tour website at www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com or by calling 859-252-3247.