The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show has been a staple in the Midwestern equestrian community since 1856. Featuring hunter jumper and Saddlebred competitions, this iconic event draws hundreds of riders from all over the country each year. In honor of this year’s competition, which kicked off on Wednesday, September the 12th, we’ve rounded up ten interesting facts about the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show that you need to know!
Less than 2 weeks ago, we hosted some of the finest equestrians and horses alike for one of the St. Louis National…
Posted by St. Louis National Charity Horse Show on Tuesday, October 10, 2017
1) The first St. Louis National Charity Horse Show was originally held at Fairgrounds Park as part of the St. Louis fair. Unfortunately, the fair was canceled in 1861 when the fairgrounds were converted to a campground for Union troops. In 1903 the St. Louis Fair came to a devastating end when a fire destroyed the horse barns and livestock pavilion. After a 25-year hiatus, the St. Louis National Horse Show was revived at a new location in 1978: Queeny Park. The show officially moved to its current home, the National Equestrian Center, in 1999.
2) Many famous names have graced the grounds of the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show throughout the years including Albert, the Prince of Wales, President Ulysses S. Grant, President Grover Cleveland, August A. Busch Jr and William Shatner.
3) The St. Louis National National Charity Horse Show supports two non-profit organizations: the Stray Rescue of St. Lous and TREE House of Greater St. Louis. The show has raised $115,000 in funds for these awesome charities in the past five years alone.
4) Upon entering the main ring at the National Equestrian Center, you will see gorgeous medallions decorating the walls. These first medallions were created in 1978 and were hand-painted as a tribute to the show’s history. Each medallion features famous show horses from the St. Louis area such as the American Saddlebreds Good Night Irene and Glory Town and the famous hunter horse, Zanzibar.
The medallions are on the wall and the rest of the decorating is well underway, thanks to our many board members who…
Posted by St. Louis National Charity Horse Show on Sunday, September 9, 2018
5) Hunter/Jumper week is host to an exceptional class lineup including the Regional Maclay Finals for Region 5, the $5000 Waterway 3’0 Hunter Derby and the $50,000 Grand Prix.
6) This year the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show is featuring a new class in the Saddlebred divisions titled Folds of Honor. This class will take place on Thursday evening and will feature “veteran” three gaited show pleasure American Saddlebred horses who are 11 years and older. The idea behind this class is to promote the longevity of the competitiveness the American Saddlebred has to offer while showing appreciation for our military veterans. You can find out more HERE.
7) You can attend every day of this spectacular event FOR FREE!
8) Do you have a pony-loving child? Free horse rides are being offered on the showgrounds on Saturday, September 22nd from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for children ages 3-14.
9) Saturday, September 15th at 5:00 PM top trainer Don Stewart and Maclay Champion Hunter Holloway-Schuknect will be presenting “The Ins and Outs of the Big Eq,” for all interested parties. This is a great opportunity to learn from the best of the best, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Attend "The Ins and Outs of the Big Eq" presented by top trainer Don Stewart and Maclay Champion Hunter Holloway-Schuknecht at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show Saturday, Sept. 15th at 5 pm.
Posted by Chicago Equestrian/Marketing 4 Equestrians on Saturday, September 1, 2018
10) And for the first time ever, Jumper Nation will be on-site this year covering the Regional Maclay Finals and the $50,000 Grand Prix!
Go Jumping!