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The annual Lake Placid Horse Show events say "Summer has arrived!" to the people who live in and around Lake Placid. The dates for the 42nd annual 2008 horse shows are:
For almost 2 straight weeks, Lake Placid eats, sleeps and breathes horses. These shows are famous on the circuit and always attract some of the best equestrians in the world.
What makes these Lake Placid events such an attraction to riders and non-riders alike is the combination of small-town charms and Olympic caliber riding. These horse shows include amateur events, too. You can see competitions at all levels, from children on ponies to members of the U.S. Equestrian Team riding some of the world's best horses.
You can stop by for an hour or you can stay for a whole day or more. The equestrian action begins at 8:00 AM on each show day. You'll find 4 different show rings with classes running simultaneously up until 5:00 PM. Watch as riders compete for over $475,000 in prizes and awards.
What Kind of Events Will I See?
For the professional classes, you'll be treated to world-class hunter/jumper competition.
Hunter competition got its start from the traditional fox-hunting in England. In the show ring, the horses and ponies are judged for their manners and grooming as well as their jumping style. Fences here are made to simulate the kind of fences horses would be jumping in the hunt field.
This is a marked contrast to the Jumper arena, where these beautiful equine athletes jump obstacles as high as 5'6" and up to 4 feet wide. This sport has been described as a combination of Thoroughbred racing and the speed of downhill racing! This is an Olympic sport and is awe-inspiring to watch live.
Both the Hunter and Jumper classes have amateur adult and children's competitions as well. It's exciting to watch "regular folks" out there in the ring, strutting their stuff and showing off their beautiful horses. And the kids on their ponies are so proud! It's really a fun time.
There's lots to see outside the show ring as well at the Lake Placid Horse Show. There are food and snacks offered all days of the shows. If you're going with a group of people and would like a group breakfast or lunch, you can arrange that by calling the show office. There are lots of equine vendors, too, offering everything from equine apparel to home furnishings, fine jewelry and horse care products. You can also purchase a commemorative Horse Show T-shirt and other sportswear.
For a quick look at last year's show, check out this video! And notice the gray skies and how bundled-up people are - even in summer here the weather can sometimes be unpredictable.
If you'd like more information from the horse's mouth (I know, I know - I couldn't help it!) I've provided contact information below.
For a schedule of events, visit the official Horse Show website.
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