By Maggie Junkin
The Charleston Summer Classic Horse Show runs over a
two-week period in July. It’s held on Johns Island, South Carolina and is
managed by Bob Bell of the Classic Company.
In typical Classic Company fashion it is a well run, exhibitor friendly
horse show.
It’s one of my all time favorites, but what makes this horse show
different than others? It’s the horse show my entire family doesn’t want to
miss. Here are the top reasons my family loves that The Charleston Summer
Classic is on my summer show schedule.
1. It’s a Showcation!
Management coined the term “Showcation” and for good reason.
They run the show efficiently. The rings start promptly first thing in the
morning and they keep things moving quickly. As competitors, we're able to
horse show and move on by midday.
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Pastel Adirondack chairs welcome spectators to the VIP tent.
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2. Charleston
Just named the #1 city in the world by the readers of Travel and
Leisure. Explore all that this southern city has to offer: fine dining, upscale
shopping, rich cultural history, and pastel beauty.
3. Beach House Rentals and First
class Hotels
Most families rent homes or villas on nearby Kiawah or
Seabrook Island. Both Islands offer plenty of quality rental properties close
to beaches and pools. Kiawah offers several boutique hotels as well. Seabrook
is our family’s favorite, but Kiawah certainly has its fan base as it was just
voted the #2 Island in the Continental U.S. by the readers of Travel and Leisure.
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| Villas on Seabrook Island offer relaxation and down time. |
4. Restaurants
Charleston and Johns Island offer some the finest dining
experiences in the country. You could spend a month here and not hit them all.
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| Slightly North of Broad~ Nothing snobby about SNOB. Southern hospitality and great food! |
5. Fort Sumter
Take the ferry on a scenic cruise across the Charleston
Harbor for a visit to the Fort Sumter National Monument. Tour the Fort and
museum to learn more about that day--April 12th, 1861 when the
Confederates fired the first shots of the Civil War.
6. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center
Offers an exhibitor friendly and spacious venue. There is
plenty of parking. The stabling areas are well constructed and comfortable for
our horses. There are camping hook-ups and 40 acres of grass fields.
My
favorite part of the show grounds is the trail system. After an early morning schooling session I
love to cool out my horse on a trail ride. Miles of trails are available to
explore by horseback or on foot. Pass under the Live Oak trees draped in
Spanish moss and enjoy the special beauty of the South.
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| Tustin Farm setup |
8. Charleston City Market
Spend some time scoping out the vendor stalls in the
Charleston City Market. From regional
trinkets, to jewelry, to pottery, you can find a souvenir to take home. Make sure to look for the sweetgrass baskets made by local artists. This is a unique craft passed down by generations.
9. King Street and Touring the College of Charleston
Cruise King Street by foot if fashion is your thing. Meander
the boutiques and shop your favorite designers. While on King Street don’t miss
a quick tour of the College of Charleston campus. With its beautiful city
gardens, fountains and pastel colored buildings it’s not to be missed.
10. Bohicket Marina
A great place to go for a sunset dinner, the marina offers
several restaurants to choose from.
11. The South Carolina Aquarium
This aquarium is a must do if you have younger equestrians.
It’s easy to do in an hour or two.
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| Maggie Junkin with brother, Daniel, and family friend, Harrison. |
12. The Angel Oak Park
The Angel Oak Tree is thought to be the oldest living tree
in the U.S. The Angel Oak Park is free to visit and is located on Johns Island
a short drive from the horse show grounds.
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| Photo by Maggie Junkin. |
13. Fresh Fields Village
Shop, grab a bite to eat, or relax in this outdoor village
located between Kiawah and Seabrook Island.
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| Maggie getting ready to browse the Tommy Bahama store in honor of her horse “Tommy Bahama.” |
14. Beaches
Enjoy private beaches if you are staying on Kiawah or
Seabrook Islands. Folly Beach and Isle
of Palms offer public beaches, parking, shops and restaurants.
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Seabrook Island beach
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15. The Hunter Derby Night
Spend a fun night with friends and family in the VIP tent watching the Derby.
16. Charleston Carriage Rides
Tour the historical city of Charleston by carriage ride.
17. Recreation
Both Kiawah and Seabrook offer tennis, golf, biking,
kayaking, fishing and sailing. The Seabrook Equestrian Center even offers
horseback riding on the beach. This is on my
“must do” list next summer!
Maggie Junkin is a 13 year-old hunter rider. After showing in the ponies, she has moved on to horses recently and is
showing in the Children’s Hunter Horse Division on her horse, Tommy Bahama. She
is committed to animal rescue. Her favorite rescue to support is Danny and
Ron’s Rescue. Maggie trains with John Mastriano of Tustin Farm in NJ. She lives
with her family, 5 dogs, and 3 cats in Jenkintown, Pa.
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| Maggie with Tommy Bahama. Photo by Alison Hartwell. |