2010 Lexington Junior League Horse Show Committee Chairs
photo: melaniemauer.com
Overview & History
The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show is a week long competition, held each year in mid July. The Horse Show is a family event that offers something for everyone.
Each year, nearly 1,000 exhibitors from across the world, stay in the Lexington area for 7 to 10 days. Their visit to the Bluegrass generates over $10.4 million in revenue for the city of Lexington. Paid attendance at the show averages 30,000 spectators. Children six and under are admitted free, making this both a family and community event. Class competitions include Saddlebred and Roadster Horses as well as Hackney and Harness Ponies.
History
The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show began in 1937 and serves as the Junior League of Lexington's primary fundraiser. The show has generated over $3.75 million dollars for the benefit of the local community. The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show has become a prestigious event in the Saddlebred industry and is the first leg of the Saddlebred Triple Crown. The Horse Show runs for a week every year in mid-July, attracting exhibitors from the across the world.
The 1988 Show received the United Professional Horseman Associations Show of the Year Award. Approximately 1,000 exhibitors compete each year for $70,000 dollars in prize money and the prestige of "Winning at Lexington".
Proceeds generated have made it possible to support many regional charities. In 2004 to honor the Leagues 80 years of service, the Junior League of Lexington awarded a $20,000 grant to the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Incorporated. This grant assisted in the implementation of a new training program addressing the prevention and detection of sexual assault in nursing homes. The first training program of this kind in the nation is conducted at each of the 64 facilities served by the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass. In 1999 the Junior League of Lexington presented a $75,000 donation to God's Pantry Food Bank for the renovation and construction of a nutrition education kitchen. The League has assisted in founding the following agencies: 1938-Baby Health, 1939- Children's Guidance Theater, 1939-Lexington's Children's Theater, 1961-Opportunity Workshop of Lexington, 1968-Living Arts and Science Center, 1978-Chrysalis House, and 1999-Hope Center Recovery Program for Women.
Since 1937 more than $3.75 million has been raised through the Horse Show to benefit regional charitable organizations. On average our members donate over 28,000 hours of volunteer service annually to the community worth an estimated $541,400. The Junior League of Lexington is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
About Saddlebred Horses
What is an American Saddlebred Horse?
A horse full of personality that possesses refinement and intelligence, American Saddlebred Horses are known for their easy gaits, beauty, size and strength.
The breed type was established when Naragansetts were crossed with imported Thoroughbreds in the mid 1700's.
A utility horse originally called "Kentucky Saddlers" was a mainstay in the Confederate Calvary.
As motorized vehicles replaced the work horse, the Saddlebred made the transition to a show horse.
American Saddlebreds compete in four primary divisions: Five Gaited, Three Gaited, Fine Harness and Pleasure.
Five Gaited, Fine Harness and Show Pleasure horses are exhibited with full manes and tails; compared to the Three Gaited Horses that are shown with their manes clipped to accentuate their long, fine necks.
Judging of a Saddlebred Horse in the show ring is based on brilliance, ring presence, endurance, athleticism, manners and training.
While in the show ring, Saddlebred Horses should exhibit alertness, head up and ears forward with an arched neck, and an attitude of "Look at me! I'm showing off for you!"
