Home of North America’s First Grand Prix
The Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Shows, Inc. (dba Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID # 23-72753170). Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Chagrin Valley Professional Horseman’s Association (CVPHA) is the organizer of the annual hunter jumper horse show held in July, now known as the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic (CHJC). The show has been operating since 1949 and in 1965 introduced the nation’s first show jumping grand prix, the Cleveland Grand Prix. Designated an official heritage horse show, it has been a top attraction for visitors (exhibitors and spectators) to the Chagrin Valley area. In recent years the volunteer-run event has been faced with sky-rocketing costs and weather issues, and in 2021 it relocated from its Polo Field home to Chagrin Valley Farms horse show complex in Bainbridge Twp.
A Brief Look at the History of Our Horse Show…
The Beginning of Our Story
Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club starts a clubhouse fundraiser at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, a two-day All-Breed horse show Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club horse show.
Our First Hunter-Jumper Show
Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club horse show evolves to a Hunter-Jumper horse show.
Attracts Nationwide Riders
15th Annual Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club Show hosts top hunter/jumper competitors from around the nation; benefits the United States Equestrian Team (USET).
The CVPHA Takes Over the Show
Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club transfers the horse show/management to the Chagrin Valley Professional Horsemen’s Association Chagrin Valley PHA (CVPHA) Horse Show continues at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field; benefits USET.
The Very First Grand Prix in NA
The very first grand prix held in North America – Cleveland Grand Prix, $3,000 purse sponsored by J. Basil Ward; Winner is Mary Mairs Chapot and Tomboy
Addition of The Water Jump
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show adds new obstacles to Cleveland Grand Prix (Water jump, Osborne Bank, Pulvermann’s Grob)
Despite Flood, Grand Prix Continues
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show is flooded by Chagrin River but show and grand prix go on!
Adds The American Gold Cup
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show continues to host Cleveland Grand Prix and adds new jumper event concept – $15,000 American Gold Cup.
Becomes Chagrin Valley PHA Show
American Gold Cup moves to Florida-evolves into American Invitational; Cleveland Grand Prix continues at Chagrin Valley PHA show.
Adds Chagrin Valley Hunter Classic
Chagrin Valley PHA show adds the Chagrin Valley Hunter Classic.
Attracts World-Wide Competitors
Chagrin Valley PHA show continues to grow; Cleveland Grand Prix competitors attend from U.S, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia.
ESPN Television Coverage
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show teams up with Gene Mische and Stadium Jumping, Inc. show management; $10,000 Cleveland Grand Prix added to new national American Grand Prix series with year-end awards and ESPN television coverage sponsored by Anheuser-Busch.
Adds 2nd Show to CVPHA
Stadium Jumping adds second show prior to CVPHA, the Cleveland Metro Classic. The Chagrin Valley PHA show is managed by Stadium Jumping, Inc. with first title sponsor – Prescott, Ball & Turben and $25,000 Grand Prix.
Title Sponsorship Continues
Prescott, Ball & Turben Jumper Classic and $30,000 Prescott Grand Prix are
managed by Stadium Jumping, Inc. with CVPHA Board as Committee.
Featuring $50,000 Grand Prix
Prescott Hunter/Jumper Classic horse show continues at Polo Field -features Prescott Grand Prix (Grand Prix offers $50,000 purse 1987-89).
CVPHA Moves to Lake Erie College
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show separates from Stadium Jumping and runs at Lake Erie College George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center in Concord Twp.
CVPHA Moves to Ridgewood Facility
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show relocates to Ridgewood Horse Show Facility in Medina; Offers Medina Mini-Prix.
Benefits USET/Therapeutic Riding
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show relocates to Chagrin Valley Farms in Bainbridge Twp. with CVPHA Jumper Classic; benefits USET and the Therapeutic Riding Center; hosts riding events for riders with disabilities. Stadium Jumping Inc. presents the Cleveland Hunter & Jumper Classic at the Polo Field with $35,000 Cleveland Grand Prix presented by Johnnie Walker Scotch.
Becomes 2-Week Festival
The shows team up again as the two-week National Equestrian Festival held at Chagrin Valley Farms and two AGA grand prix; Week 1 – Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show with $25,000 Cleveland Grand Prix, the only time in history the Cleveland Grand Prix was not held at the Polo Field; Week 2 – Cleveland Hunter/ Jumper Classic, presented by Stadium Jumping, Inc. and $35,000 U.S. Open Jumping Championship at the Polo Field.
Grand Prix Returns to Polo Fields
Chagrin Valley PHA horse show remains at Chagrin Valley Farms, but the $30,000 Cleveland Grand Prix is held at Polo Field; Stadium Jumping runs a separate show at the Polo Field and $50,000 U.S. Open Jumping Championship.
International Schedule Conflict
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show is held at Chagrin Valley Farms; Cleveland Grand Prix is canceled due to international schedule conflicts for riders.
Hunter Rings Installed at Polo Field
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show and Cleveland Grand Prix are canceled. All-weather hunter rings are installed at Polo Field during this off-year.
KeyBank Title Sponsorship
KeyBank Hunter/Jumper Classic Presented by the Chagrin Valley PHA is held at Polo Field with $30,000 KeyBank Cleveland Grand Prix; benefits USET and local Therapeutic Riding Center.
Dog Agility Event Added
USDAA Grand Prix of Dog Agility hosted on grounds during horse show.
Attains 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status
Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show, Inc. attains 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status; expands educational programming (Youth Day at the Horse Show) and focuses on fundraising for local charities.
Merrill Lynch Title Sponsor
Chagrin Valley PHA welcomes new title sponsor, Merrill Lynch Hunter/Jumper Classic presented by the and continues as title until 2006.
Reading and Riding Program
Chagrin Valley PHA designs and installs new ringside grand prix pavilion, introduces new mascot, Hunter the Horse and “Reading and Riding” program.
Historical Marker for Grand Prix
Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field grounds restored by Chagrin Valley PHA; Ohio Bicentennial Historical Marker dedicated for Cleveland Grand Prix.
New Show Jumping Arena
Chagrin Valley PHA installs permanent state-of-art international show jumping arena at Cleveland Mertoparks Polo Field.
Creates Endowment Fund
Chagrin Valley PHA establishes CVPHA Endowment Fund.
Private & Local Sponsorships
Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic presented by the Chagrin Valley PHA continues without title sponsor, but with many private and local supporters.
International Hunter Derby Added
Chagrin Valley Hunter/Jumper Classic hosts International Hunter Derby.
Board Reorganizes
No horse show held for a year off to restructure; CVPHA Board reorganizes.
50th Anniversary of Grand Prix
The Chagrin Valley PHA Horse Show returns and celebrates the 50th anniversary (2015) of the Cleveland Grand Prix; horse show continues with private and local supporters.
Pandemic Shuts Down Horse Shows
Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic is canceled due to COVID Pandemic impact on horse world and venue shut downs.
Relocates to Chagrin Valley Farms
Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic relocates to Chagrin Valley Farms when costs to maintain footing and run the show are prohibitive to remain at the Polo Fields. CVF offers many amenities on-site to meet the more modern requirements for a premier horse show.
CHJC Continues to Grow at New Home
Horse show continues at Chagrin Valley Farms as owners invest in facility and state-of-art footing to retain CHJC in Northeast Ohio. Goal is to build back horse show and horse industry, attract exhibitors to the area, and build financial support to continue hosting Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic for the future.
Most Successful Show in Years
The move to Chagrin Valley Farms as our new host facility brings many praises and returning competitors, along with increased corporate and private sponsors. This year was a sold-out horse show for exhibitors, an exciting look at the returning growth of this historic horse show!
The CHJC Plans 4th Year at CVF
The CHJC will run in July for the 4th year in a row at new host facility, Chagrin Valley Farms.
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