DATE:     4/3/01
CONTACT:  Charles Williams, arena director, (864) 646-2717
WRITER:   Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

J.D. Massey Classic Horse Show
coming to Garrison Arena April 18-21

     CLEMSON -- Horses, horses and more horses from all over 
the eastern United States will be stepping high at Clemson University's
T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena for the 68th J.D. Massey Classic Horse
Show. The show will run April 18-21.
     "This year's Massey show will mark 10 years of service to South
Carolina and the livestock industry as this was the inaugural show at
the arena in April 1991," said Charles Williams, Clemson Extension
associate and arena director.
     American saddlebreds, roadhorses, hackney ponies and harness
horses will compete for over $15,000 in cash awards, trophies and
prizes. 
     "We're expecting more than 400 horses for this year's show," 
said Ray Cloninger, the show's manager.
     Some of the main attractions at the show include the five-gaited,
three-gaited and fine harness championships, as well as hackney pony
and roadster horse competition. Professional, amateur and junior
riders will compete.
     This is one of the top American saddlebred shows in the United
States, according to Williams.
     This show will benefit from the new Bishop horse barn, with 
its restroom and shower facilities. This will attract new exhibitors 
to the show, according to Williams. It will allow the show to
discontinue the use of tents, which have been a necessity to house
horses in temporary stalls. 
     "The arena still needs one more barn for this show to reach 
its full potential," said Williams.
     The enclosed main arena provides spacious exhibit space and
seating for more than 3,000 spectators.
     The covered warm-up arena, which is connected to the main arena,
has 45,000 square feet under roof. Two additional warm-up rings 
provide ample areas for schooling horses.
     An additional covered arena, part of the expanded cattle complex,
provides indoor space for more than 150 temporary stalls, and is
equipped with bathroom and shower facilities.
     Shows start at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and also at 
10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults for the
evening shows. The morning shows are free, however, donations are
welcome. Ages 17 and under are admitted free to all shows.
     Each year the J.D. Massey Horse Show Inc., a non-profit
organization, raises funds to benefit local charity. This year's 
event will benefit the Clemson-Calhoun Rotary Club.
     Rotary works with and financially supports various community
service organizations such as Helping Hands, Clemson Community Care,
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
     For more information, contact Charles Williams at (864) 646-2717
or Ray Cloninger at (704) 483-5000.
                              END