Some Serious Horseplaying : GTE Summer Classic Competition Is Growing by Leaps and Bounds

HUNTINGTON BEACH — It is a bit of England in Southern California. Ornate obstacle courses contrasting against neatly manicured lawns. White tents dotting the emerald fields. Fragrant eucalyptus trees intermingled with the damp, earthy smell of horses.

GTE’s Everything Pages Summer Classic VII has come a long way since 1990, its first year, when events were held in the dirt and guests ate from paper plates.

Expansion caused the event to be relocated four years ago from the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center into part of the disc golf course of Huntington Central Park. The effect was more than just an aesthetic improvement.

The Summer Classic has seen an increase not only in participants and spectators but in sponsorship and contributions as well. Although the bulk of entrants are from the Southwest, several are from Mexico and Canada. The event, which began Tuesday and runs through Sunday, is expected to draw about 15,000 spectators.

About 500 horses and riders will compete for more than $70,000 in prizes. Although the winning purse is tantalizing, riders find the challenge of the sport just as tempting.

“I never seem to get bored with it,” said Lauren Chase, 48, who has been riding since she was 8. “The challenge of doing well and getting the horse to do its best never ends. You’re watching two athletes work together.”

Each animal is different and the rider has to be attuned to the personality of the horse, said Chase, who will compete in the Low and High Adult/Amateur Jumping, in which fence heights range from 3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches. The advanced course fences are 4 feet 3 inches.

The three arenas have about a dozen obstacle courses in various layouts. Jumps are spaced about 36 feet apart, or about three strides. The shorter distance makes control of the horse imperative because it may balk at a jump. Additionally, the horse has less maneuvering room before the next jump.

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Chase watched other riders in the less advanced arena to pick up on techniques and strategies. The direction and when to jump is signaled to the horse by hands, mouth and legs. Chase said she uses a clucking sound to encourage her horse to go faster. But even as she scales one fence, Chase said, she is already thinking of the next jump.

The fences in the hunter competitions average 2 feet to 2 1/2 feet. They are meant for the less experienced riders. Judging in hunter rounds also are based on appearance of the horse and rider.

“You have to be very confident--neat and orderly--because the judges are looking at your appearance,” said Fawn Behlmer, 14. She was dressed in full riding apparel--stir pants, a fitted jacket, boots and matching hat. Her horse, Bright Future, was brushed until her mahogany coat shone and her mane and tail were braided for show.

Sunday’s highlight is the high-jump competition, which begins at 4 feet, 6 inches and increases at 6-inch intervals. A $5,000 bonus will be awarded if the winner tops the California record of 7 feet, 2 inches. Other events range from horse-and-rider choreographed sets to music to obstacle course jumping.

In the Kaiser Permanente Gamblers Choice, teams are challenged to choose a dozen obstacles with various levels of difficulty. Points are assigned to each obstacle and the team that scores the most points under 50 seconds without any faults wins.

The Fountain Valley Regional Hospital Music Derby features horse and rider teams in costumes choreographed to music. They are judged on technical execution and aesthetic impression.

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The Summer Classic is the primary fund-raiser for the Huntington Beach Art Center, which is currently displaying works by New York artist Fred Tomaselli and an anthology on the Grateful Dead. Last year, $100,000 was raised.

“We value their sponsorship,” said Michael Mudd, cultural services manager of Huntington Beach and co-chairman of the event. “It’s a huge profile for the program. They’ve created a tradition that other corporations follow.”

The corporations buy titles of the competition and VIP seating for the event. Seats are $75 to $125, depending on location. General admission is free to the public. Competition is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: (714) 536-5258.