The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious horse competitions, has officially launched its 65th season. This year’s show will be held, once again, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX, starting on March 17, 2010, and will run through March 28, 2010. It was announced that BBVA Wealth Solutions would be returning as the lead sponsor of the show. “We are thrilled that BBVA Wealth Solutions has agreed to be our lead sponsor again this year. Their generous support and that of all our sponsors and show participants will allow us to continue our tradition of raising millions of dollars for our charities, Texas Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Houston,” said Pin Oak Charity Horse Show President Lynn Walsh.

Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife Lillie, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show got its start as a fundraiser for the first hospital in Houston dedicated to children, and the proceeds of the 1947 show provided a considerable portion of the initial backing that established Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. To date, the show has raised close to $4 million for Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

With a recent commitment of $300,000, Pin Oak is now helping build Texas Children’s first hospital outside the Medical Center and one of the largest suburban pediatric hospitals in the country, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. The gift will support the hematology/oncology services at the new hospital.

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will be held over a two-week period and will feature a wide array of equestrian talent featuring hunters and jumpers, American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Welsh ponies, dressage and the United Mountain Horse breed. The crown jewels of the event take place throughout the two weeks. Saturday evening of Week One features the $30,000 Nordic Lights Farm Grand Prix and Championship Finals. Week Two features the $15,000 Chronicle of the Horse/United States Hunter Jumper Association International Hunter Derby hosted by Valobra Jewelry and Antiques on Friday and the $30,000 Grand Prix presented by the Houston Area Audi Dealers on Saturday. All of these events have ringside galas and special entertainment. This year, they are also adding a USEF “AA” and THJA “A” hunter show week one that will feature all junior and amateur owners, juniors, equitation and classics.

Official sponsors include BBVA Wealth Solutions, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Valobra Jewelry and Antiques, Houston Area Audi Dealers, Nordic Lights Farm, KTRK TV/Channel 13-ABC Affiliate, Par Avion Ltd., Neiman Marcus, Farm & Ranch Magazine, Bisso Marine, Moet Hennessey/USA, Two Forks Catering, McDonald’s Corporation, Prime Living Magazine, Dawn Services, StarElite, and Energy XXI. New sponsors this year are Purina Mills and Executive AirShare, along with the new media sponsors Horse Connection and Sidelines Magazine.

“We are also very thrilled,” Walsh enthused, “to announce that the renown Otto Sport would be the official footing provider for the facility in 2010. Their reputation for excellence is well established throughout the world. They are the official footing provider for the Kentucky Horse Park and the World Equestrian Games.”

No tickets are required Tuesdays through Fridays. Tickets are required for both Saturday, March 20, and Saturday, March 27, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. The prices are as follows: General admission tickets are $10 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Sponsorship Opportunities are available for the Gala dining experience.

For a complete show schedule, visit the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show website at www.pinoak.org or call (713) 621-6290.