Stage Set for Equestrian Competition

An area of Central Park usually known for the whirring of Frisbees will hear the thunder of hooves and clinking of wineglasses Wednesday, when the GTE Summer Classic equestrian competition begins.

Summer Classic VIII will feature 400 horse-and-rider teams competing for more than $70,000 in prizes. Among the events will be a high jump, in which riders will try to break the 7-foot-2-inch record for a $5,000 bonus, and a Gambler’s Choice, in which a rider has 50 seconds to negotiate 10 to 12 obstacles of varying difficulty.

The annual event, which began in Central Park Equestrian Center, outgrew that site five years ago and moved next door to the park’s disc golf course. Organizers said they expect about 15,000 people to attend this year.

The five-day event benefits the Huntington Beach Art Center, for which it raised about $100,000 last year.

The Art Center, at 538 Main St., offers programs in contemporary art including exhibitions, lectures, films and performance art. The center also sponsors outdoor art festivals and a summer art camp for children.

The Summer Classic VIII finals Saturday and Sunday will be televised on Time Warner cable and Fox Sports West.

Saturday will feature a Family Fun Day from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with pony rides, a petting zoo and children’s games. Admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults.

The same hours on Sunday will feature a VIP gourmet luncheon, with seating in the tent starting at $85 and increasing to $125 for the front row.

Information: (714) 536-5258.