Celebrating Almost a Century of Horse Shows in the High Country

Come out and help Vincent Properties support the annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. 2018 marks the Blowing Rock Horse Show Foundation’s 94th year of active horse shows. The mission of the foundation is to “support education and worthy charities through encouraging and preserving the traditions of horse sports in Blowing Rock.” The annual horse show is the leading fundraiser for these activities and offers a wide variety of activities for friends and families around the high country.

History

The show began in 1923 with the first show being held just up the road from the Green Park Hotel in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, which was owned by the Broyhill family. The show was then moved to a small golf course nearby the Mayview Manor Hotel. However, in 1934, the family sold the grounds to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Association. Over the years, the horse show has become more formal, turning the outing into an official sporting event; however, it has always remained a fun event with many activities, vendors and concessions.  

  

Saddlebred Division

To kick off the event in June, the Saddlebred division is three full days of glitz and glam. Saddlebred horses are American bred horses and are considered a gaited bree. These shows are very exciting with encouragement from the crowds, rooting for their favorites from the stands, creating an electric feel.

Hunter and Jumper Division

Fast forward to July and August, the horse show is giving the community two full weeks of excitement with the hunter/jumper division competitions. With it being the 94th annual show, they have decided to introduce some new events including Pre Green Incentive Classics both weeks and Classics for Children, Adults, Ponies and Juniors. They have also increased prize money for the Jumper Division. With this anniversary, their hope is to make this the most successful show in their history.

TICKETS

Each event will take place at the LM Tate Horse Show Grounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve. Tickets will be $10 per day and children under 12 get in for free. A day ticket allows you to come and go as you please. They do offer box seats and many of these are filled with their sponsors and long time supporters. However, on rare occasions they have some that become available. Each box cost $300 for the entire week of the Saddlebred show and $500 for both weeks of the Hunter & Jumper shows. They do maintain that sponsors and previous box holders have first priority. 

LODGING

Looking for a place to stay?? There are a wide variety of places you can stay while attending the horse show that include:

• The Inn at Crestwood
• Westglow 
• The Green Park Inn
• Meadowbrook 
• The Villages of Blowing Rock and many more 

RESTAURANTS

Looking for places to dine while in town? Blowing Rock offers many fine, local dining experiences for all your cravings. Check out these amazing hot spots in and around the Blowing Rock area that support the horse show foundation.

• Best Celler
• Bistro Roca
• Casa Rustica
• Daniel Boone Inn
• Mellow Mushroom
• The Village Cafe
• The New Public House
• Town Tavern and many more

The horse show is a guaranteed fun time. Nothing beats the tradition and historical magnitude of events like these. The faces of many who have traveled near and far to participate in the festivities is important to the local community. The sponsors and supporters are what keep the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show running after all these years. Such a milestone for an amazing foundation close to the High Country’s heart. Here’s to the next 94 years!

Other sources: https://brchs.org/