Valentine’s weekend was one of the biggest weekends of the year for the Grand Oaks Equestrian Resort as they held their Grand Oaks Classic & Super Derby.
“This event is one of the premier riding competitions in the country. Among the competitors are some World Class Grand Champions, a status on par with the Olympic level performance,” said Grand Oaks CFO Laureen Oliver.
She said their event is different from all the others because they offer two different shows going on at the same time. Pleasure Driving competitions and Combined Trials & Super Derby.
George and Ellen Trojan from the Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and equine exhibitions Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve come here a few times it’s amazing how well kept they are, the horses and the carriages and even the people, the way they attire themselves,” George said.
Indeed, the the competitors visual presentation does play a big role in how the drivers are judged. Men are required to wear a jacket, and women are advised to dress conservatively. While the drivers stick to the rules to compete fairly, some who came out to watch found the drivers’ fashions almost as interesting as the performances.
Husband and wife Paul and Glenda Van Sickle spent Valentines weekend together throughout the show with Glenda playing groom to her rider husband Peter. Villagers Tom and Donna Beam of the Village of Del Mar said they were most impressed by the large carriages.
All who enjoyed the Grand Oaks Classic this year can thank the one who holds it all together, Grand OaksEquine Manager Kacy Tipton-Fashik.
The native Texan has been at Grand Oaks since 2011 and seen a lot of changes. She says she’s looking forward to the property’s transitions into an unparalleled equine destination and show facility. It’s a safe bet local and distant equestrians are, too.
