JULY 16, 2009 ISSUE
The Historic Hoofbeats of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
Hunter/Jumper Portion July 22 to 26, July 29 to August 2
The year was 1923 in Blowing Rock, when a horse race took place one fine day as a means to settle a bet. Riding in the steeplechase style, Lloyd Tate, a race initiator and some of his erstwhile pals, had come up with the concept while bending elbows together. As talk steered towards horses, the men began to discuss who had the fastest horse. To determine who did have the fleetest steed in the area, the friends decided to hold an age-old ritual—a horse race. The starting point was the Green Park Inn and the halfway point was in Blowing Rock proper, just more than one mile away. Though history will not divulge just who won the race that day, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, as we know it today, evolved from that one race 86 years ago.
The following year, in 1924, a committee was formed to develop the race into a horse show, an annual event that would appeal to a wide circle of people. The first show was held on Green Hill and maintained a vibrant social scene. The Boots and Saddles Ball was the premier soiree to attend on Saturday night after a day of horses, horses and more horses. The ball featured magnificent ice carvings and gastronomic delicacies. On Sunday morning, following a night of dancing and dining, competitors and spectators sat down to the Horse Show Breakfast. The weekend of the Blowing Rock Horse Show became a place to exhibit not only equines, but also clothing and dogs in an unofficial Hats and Hounds Show.
Canter on in to 2009 and the event is so big, it now has to be presented in two segments: the first portion is a Saddlebred show, which took place June 11 to 14; the second portion—held from Wednesday, July 22, to Sunday, July 26, and from Wednesday, July 29, to Sunday, August 2—exists solely for the Hunters and Jumpers.
Hunter/Jumper Portion
From Wednesday, July 22, to Sunday, July 26, and from Wednesday, July 29, to Sunday, August 2, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Foundation presents the Hunter/Jumper I and II portions at Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, located at 1500 Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock. Showtime is 9:00 a.m. each day.
The best hunt seat and show jumping riders and horses in the nation will be present at the competition. Hunter seat competitions in general are divided into three general horse show categories: hunters, equitation and jumpers. As a group, show hunters are judged on manners, way of going and conformation. Jumpers are judged by how quickly a horse can complete a course of jumps with the fewest errors, called faults. Equitation riders are judged on the appearance of the rider and the smoothness and overall look of the horse and rider as a team. Other related disciplines within the hunter or hunt seat subcategory of English riding include Eventing and Dressage. These activities are all differentiated from Saddle seat riding, which is a discipline developed for high-action show horses that are not intended to be shown over fences.
Generous, free parking is available at the grounds, vendors operate concession stands daily and shops are set up with horse-themed items and clothing. Tickets cost $5 per person. Purchase tickets at the gate as you enter. A portion of the profits is donated to local charities and organizations such as the Blowing Rock Rescue Squad and Watauga Humane Society.
For more information, call 828-295-4700 or 828-295-9869.
Want To Go?
Date: Wednesday to Sunday, July 22 to 26/Wednesday to Sunday, July 29 to August 2
Time: 9:00 a.m. all days
Location: Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve
Cost: $5
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