Germantown Charity Horse Show Features Horsemanship and Hospitality
In partnership with: Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Tennessee has always had a heart for horses, and one town exemplifies that love. For almost 75 years, Germantown has been home to an early summer tradition that brings together equine enthusiasts from across the country to enjoy the beauty of horseback riding and competition. The Germantown Charity Horse Show, held the first week of June each year, is one of the oldest and largest all-breed shows in the country. With beautiful horses, skillful riders and unsurpassed Tennessee hospitality, this annual event earns the praise of attendees.
So Much to See
“The show has something for everyone,” says Ross Herrin, a lifelong area resident who has volunteered with the show for more than 30 years, serving in many roles with the Germantown Charity Horse Show Association’s Board of Directors. His affiliation with the event spans generations with his grandmother, mother and brother all competing over the years.
“Exhibitors and spectators enjoy watching the beauty of the western pleasure Saddlebreds with their brilliant riding attire, the tap dance of the Paso Finos, and the long flowing mane, tail and feathered feet of the Gypsy Vanners,” he says. “Also, not to be missed is the tremendous poise and athleticism of the hunters and jumpers, the four-count beat of the speed rackers as they fly around the arena and the fearless carriage scurry racing.”
See more: Tennessee Mule Skinners Share Their Agricultural Tradition
Outside of a typical show, the event offers many other attractions.
“With 600 to 700 horses participating, spectators can see a wide variety of riding styles and enjoy it all in a family-friendly, festival-like atmosphere,” says Mary Livesay, board president.
“There is a costume class, food and merchandise vendors, special contests for spectators like the Big Hat & Bow Tie contest, and the not-to-be-missed stick horse race for kids. Different classes for all the different breeds take place each of the five show days, culminating the last night with the jumping Grand Prix, which has a $25,000 purse.”
The Germantown Charity Horse Show is a U.S. Equestrian Federation Heritage Competition, giving it national recognition for its contribution to the community and to the sport. That distinction aligns with Tennessee’s reputation as a leader in the horse industry.
Showing Off
During show week, Tennessee agriculture meets Tennessee hospitality in a big way. “We pride ourselves on extending a warm welcome to everyone who attends,” Livesay says. “Hospitality is at the heart of our show. All our volunteers work tirelessly and are great ambassadors making sure exhibitors and visitors enjoy their experience at the show.”
That hospitality also pays big dividends to many who never attend the show. For the past 15 years, the main beneficiary of the Germantown Charity Horse Show has been Kindred Place, a counseling and parenting education center for adults and children. Last year, the show was so successful that the organization presented Kindred Place with a $35,000 donation.
See more: Tennessee Equines Range From Walking Horses to Mules
Livesay says the work of the volunteers, the support of the exhibitors and the unique nature of the show are all responsible for the event’s success.
“The show still has the ‘old-school’ feel of horse shows of long ago, a feeling that you just don’t find anywhere else,” she says. “Being a multibreed show is unique in a way that generates a diverse field of sportsmanship and camaraderie among exhibitors of different disciplines. The atmosphere felt by all cheering for one another is what cultivates a distinctive experience that makes everyone want to come back year after year.”
If You Go…
Germantown Charity Horse Show
June 6-10, 2023
Show Grounds, 7745 Old Poplar Pike, Germantown
For information on arena schedule and tickets, visit gchs.org.