While the World Equestrian Games, which are only a few weeks away now, will obviously be a highlight for equestrian competition this year it is not the only big event that should be on your radar. All over the country, riders of all ages are preparing for a variety of other shows or year-end finals that they have worked so hard to qualify for throughout the year. With some help from the team at Draper Therapies, we have rounded up a list of all the shows slated for the final four months of 2018 that you won’t want to lose track of.
McLain Ward and HH Callas competing in last year’s American Gold Cup, one of the many shows you wont want to miss out on this fall. Photo courtesy of the American Gold Cup, captured by Phelps Media Group.
The Sonoma International CSI2*: September 5-9th
The ever-popular Split Rock Jumping Tour continues to expand its show circuit with the newest addition for 2018 being the Sonoma Horse Park in Sonoma California. No detail is overlooked on the SRJT circuit and every rider goes home feeling like they just participated in a world-class event. Classes are offered from .85m to 1.45m, with the highlight being the $100,000 CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix held on Sunday.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals: September 12-16th
Founded in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League is one of the newest organizations dedicated to providing competition for children and adult hunter, jumper and equitation riders. Hosted by HITS Horse Shows, riders have one year to qualify for the National Finals of the M&S Insurance League held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. The unique thing about this organization is its variety in class offerings, making this a finals option that riders of all backgrounds can aim for.
Take a look at the variety of divisions offered in regards to the M&S Finals!
American Gold Cup: September 26-30th
Known for its immaculate grass Grand Prix field, Old Salem Farm in Old Salem, New York is the official venue of the American Gold Cup. Now in its 47th year, the AGC offers over a half-million dollars in prize money throughout the competition. From young jumper classes to CSI4*-W competition, the AGC is a magnet for top US talent.
Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals: West, September 20-22nd and East, October 5-7th
The goal of the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals is to seek out and develop top young riders in hopes of procuring the next crop of international superstars! Qualifying classes are held across the country with two separate finals being offered: one in San Juan Capistrano, California and the other in Gladstone, New Jersey. There are multiple phases of competition during the finale, leading to a head-to-head battle between the top competitors.
Capital Challenge: October 1-7th
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year is the Capital Challenge horse show held in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Capital Challenge is the host of the Ariat Adult Medal Finals, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Children’s Medal Finals and the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals. Hundreds of riders will gather from all over the country to vie for the top spot in one of these year-end championships, making it a must-see every year.
Pennsylvania National: October 11-20th
For over 70 years the Pennsylvania National has been held at The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This iconic piece of horse show history has an estimated economic impact on the surrounding communities of over $44 million each year and we can see why! Countless riders flock to Harrisburg each fall for a chance to come out on top in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Medal Finals. Founded in 1937, this two-phase equitation showdown is set on a 3’6″ course and is a coveted award in the equestrian community.
New England Equitation Championships
Created by Mason Phelps in 1978, the New England Equitation Championships was developed with the hopes of strengthening the division in New England. Over the years the NEEC, held in Springfield, Massachusetts, has grown immensely and offers five days of competition for the approximately 500 riders who attend, with the highlight class being the New England Horseman’s Council Hunt Seat Medal Finals.
Washington International Horse Show: October 23-28th
Held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, WIHS is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show! This historic institution has regularly been frequented by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business leaders and more, making it one of the most heavily attended horse shows to date. In addition to several exciting classes such as the $135,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Washington, the Puissance class and the $50,000 Speed Final, WIHS also plays host to a long list of year-end finals including the WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, the WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, the WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship, the WIHS Adult Jumper Championship and the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals.
Alltech National Horse Show: October 27- November 4th
Host to easily the most well-known equitation championship in the country, the ASPCA Maclay Final, the Alltech National Horse Show has been a staple in horse show history for 135 years. Originally held in Madison Square Garden, the prestigious show relocated to its new home at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2011. The National Horse Show is host to several equitation championships such as the National Horse Show KHJA Equitation Championship, the THIS National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship, the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3″ Championship and the notorious ASPCA Maclay National Championships. And that’s not all! You can also snag a seat to watch the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Lexington, the National Horse Show $50,000 Hunter Classic and the $50,000 Hollow Brook Wealth Management Show Jumping Hall of Fame Grand Prix.
Go Jumping!