Source:  News Release

World Famous Equine Artist Fred Stone Joins the Memorial Day Classic

Attendees at the $10,000 Memorial Day USHJA International Hunter Derby will have the opportunity to purchase this stunning new print from Fred Stone.

Fred Stone, one of the best known equine artists in the world, will be at the Memorial Day Classic for the $10,000 Memorial Day USHJA International Hunter Derby, a benefit for After the Finish Line, a charity providing funds to Thoroughbred rescue organizations. This is the second year in a row After the Finish Line has partnered with the Memorial Day Classic. “This is a wonderful opportunity to work with the horse show people to raise awareness of transitioning off-the-track Thoroughbreds into second careers as hunters and jumpers,” said Dawn Mellen, President of After the Finish Line.

On Sunday afternoon (May 27), there will be a silent auction that opens at 2:00 p.m. on the show grounds at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. At 5:00 p.m., Fred Stone will be on hand to sign his newest commissioned work, a poster of Eric Lamaze and Hickstead. "This is the official poster of Equine Canada, created to raise funds to send the Canadian Equestrian Team to the 2012 London Olympics," said Fred Stone. "Those attending the Memorial Day Classic will be the first in all of North America to purchase this poster of Hickstead and Eric Lamaze.” The poster bears the signature of both Fred Stone and Eric Lamaze, and Fred will personally sign posters purchased at the Memorial Day Classic.

The exclusive offering is limited to 200 prints at a special price of $30 per print, half of which will be donated to After the Finish Line. Show jumping superstars Hickstead and Eric Lamaze are well known in the hunter/jumper world, and the ability to be among the first 200 people to own a signed copy of the print is a unique opportunity. Fred Stone’s works are displayed in the White House and Buckingham Palace and can also hang in your home, office, or tack room.

LA Saddlery is also supporting After the Finish Line’s efforts with their Show Apparel Challenge, a fun contest to match your wits with the Hunter Judges at the Memorial Day Classic. For a $5.00 contest donation, you can vote on your favorite outfits, the proceeds benefit After the Finish Line, and the contest grand prize will be a pair of Sergio Grasso Boots or an Animo Coat. Stop by LA Saddlery during the show.

The VIP Derby Dinner begins at 5:30. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased from After the Finish Line. General admission bleacher seating is free.

And if all of this is not exciting enough, be sure to get your tickets for the $30,000 Memorial Day Grand Prix (May 28) from Center Box Office. Show jumping action starts at 2:30 and the gates open at 1:30. VIP tables come with a picnic platter, and a cash bar is available. There are lots of activities for kids and adults alike, including an autograph session with the top grand prix riders, an opportunity to get up and close and personal with the flag horse Phantom’s Music of the Knight, and some fun kid jumping.

For more information on the daily horse show schedule, results, and a list of competitors, visit the Langer Equestrian Group website. Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook for fun contests, news, photos, helmet cam videos, and more!