The Hunter Jumper Classic is about more than just hunting and jumping. The weekend event features equestrian competitions, dog agility trials, horse and dog relay races, and a fashion show -- with people, not horses, modeling upscale women's clothing.
But the crowning event of the show is the Grand Prix set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. It features dozens of the best riders from across the globe competing in a series of jumps, with a $40,000 purse earmarked for the winner. "It's Olympic-caliber show jumping, with fences ranging to five-foot heights," says spokesperson Betty Weibel.
Saturday is Family Day, with a full slate of crafts and activities, including pony rides and a stick-horse competition. There's also the "horseless horse show," in which kids participate in their own hunting and jumping classic, without the horse. The Hunter Jumper Classic takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field (Route 78 and Chagrin River Road, at South Chagrin Reservation in Moreland Hills). Admission ranges from $3 to $10. Call 440-247-7075 for more information. -- Sarah Coleman
Belles & Strikes
The Cleveland Comets have a soft spot for hardball.
7/12-7/13
The best women's softball hurlers can turn major-league sluggers into hacking lumps of linguine, so imagine what they'd do with hardballs. The Cleveland Comets women's baseball team provides a glimpse. Created last winter, the Comets are playing catch-up with more established teams from the region -- though they went undefeated in two games against the Detroit Danger, bolstered by pitcher Kathrine Gurley. "She's a young'un, and she can zip it," says left fielder Tammy Johnson. The Comets take on the Manitoba Taffy in a double-header at 11 a.m. Saturday and a single game Sunday at 10. The free games take place at Southview High School (2270 East 42nd Street in Lorain). Spectators and players are welcome; call 877-299-3232. -- Erich Burnett
