Highlighting the two weeks of world-class competition are the $75,000 Mirror Lake Inn Grand Prix of Lake Placid, presented by Intercat, Inc., which returns on Sunday, July 3, and the $75,000 Woodlea Farms Grand Prix, presented by Intercat, Inc., which returns on Saturday, July 9. These Grand Prix events at the Lake Placid Horse Shows regularly attract many of the nation's top riders such as Olympic veterans Margie Engle, Joe Fargis, Nona Garson, Lisa Jacquin, Anne Kursinski, Peter Leone and Chris Kappler. Following the $75,000 Woodlea Farms Grand Prix, the Richard and Diana Feldman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for Excellence is awarded to the rider who has won the most combined prize money in Lake Placid’s two Grand Prix.
Also returning is the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Eastern Hay and Purina Mills, on Sunday, July 10, in the Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Field. The Derby, which was an instant favorite when it made its debut at last year's horse show, adds a fun and unique spin on traditional hunter classes as Derby participants compete over a course of jumps designed to simulate natural obstacles set in the horse show's large grass Grand Prix field.
"This was just such a beautiful class," said Scott Stewart, winner of last year's USHJA International Hunter Derby. "I haven't ridden on a grass field like this for any of the Derbies so far. It was a very special experience."
In addition to its pristine Grand Prix Field, there are many aspects of the Lake Placid Horse Shows that make them a rider's dream come true. With its first-class horse show facilities, internationally respected management, nearly half a million dollars in prize money and long-standing horse show traditions, the Intercat, Inc. Lake Placid Horse Shows remain among of the nation's most beloved equestrian events.
“The Lake Placid Horse Shows have thrived because we never stop working to give our exhibitors the best experience possible both in and out of the show ring,” said Richard M. Feldman, Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Association. "We have found a balance of adding new and exciting events while maintaining traditions that both newer and older generations of riders are able to enjoy. Whether this will be your first year at Lake Placid, or you have been attending our shows since they began in 1970, we know this will be your favorite horse show of the season!"
In addition to the non-stop equestrian action, the Intercat, Inc. Lake Placid Horse Shows also offer a full schedule of family activities, many of which have become popular horse show traditions. Whether you're a family full of horse lovers, or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer afternoon, you are certain to find something you'll love that will keep you and your family coming back year after year.
One such tradition is the 19th annual Horse Club Junior Day sponsored by Animal Planet on Friday, July 8 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. This day is open to all Pony Clubs, 4H Groups and Riding Clubs and focuses on learning about and having fun with horses in a safe environment. The cost is $5.00 per participant, chaperones excluded. Lunch is provided for each participant. If chaperones would like to eat lunch as well, please include an extra $4.00 to cover the cost. Space is limited to 100 participants, so have your group’s leader sign up today!
The horse show's top dogs will strut their stuff in a special ring set up near the Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Field during the 19th annual Doggie Costume Contest, sponsored by The Brown Dog Café & Wine Bar and A Placid Life/Jake Placid Doghouse on Saturday, July 9 at 12:00 noon. Awards, including the Lulu Perpetual Trophy for the funniest costume, are presented to the “top dogs.” All people with leashed dogs in costume are admitted to the horse show free of charge on this day.
Local shops are sure to get into the horse show spirit with the 24th annual Equestrian Window Decorating Contest, which returns to Lake Placid starting on Tuesday, June 21. Each summer, Lake Placid village businesses show off their equine inspired storefront window displays that exhibit artistic and creative talent for the contest occurring concurrently with the horse shows. The equestrian theme window displays are immensely popular with horse show participants, spectators, and shoppers as local businesses welcome members of the horse show community to town.
For guests who are interested in what goes on behind the scenes at the Lake Placid Horse Shows, guided walking tours are available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week starting at 11:30 am. The cost of the tour is $1.00 per person. Tours depart from the Lake Placid Horse Show Retail Booth.
The schedule for the 2011 Intercat, Inc. Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows is full of exciting equestrian action and great family activities. Don’t miss your chance to visit the North Elba Showgrounds and be part of these action-packed events!
The 2011 Intercat, Inc. Lake Placid Horse Show and I Love New York Horse Show sponsors include: A Placid Life, Adirondack Flying Service, Adirondack Life, Adirondack Store, Alessandro Albanese, Animal Planet, Anonymous, Beacon Hill Horse Transportation, Inc., Brandy Parfums, Ltd., C.M. Hadfield's Saddlery, Inc., Callan Solem Show Stables, Carr-Hughes Productions, Casella Waste Management, Champlain Valley Equipment, Jane Forbes Clark, Clifton Park Rental Center, Crowne Plaza Resort & Golf Club, David R. Fowler Custom Tack Trunks, Deeridge Farms, Der Dau Custom Made Boots, Eastern Hay, Equifit, Inc., FarmVet, Inc., Fox Run, Ltd., Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, James Harpel, High Peaks Resort, Horse Watch, Intercat, Inc., J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Jamaica Tent Company, Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC, Juliam Farm, Kistler Buildings, Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid Summit Resort Hotel & Suites, Meadow Grove Farm, Mirror Lake Inn, Mountain Horse, Bobby & Melissa Murphy, On A Fence Designs, ORDA - Whiteface Mountain, Paradysz Farm, Pepsi Beverages Company, Price Chopper, Purina Mills, Quiet Hill Farm, ROOST - LP-Essex County Visitors Bureau, Ruthie's Run, Sam Edelman Shoes, Lora & Michael Schultz, Sidelines, Smart Pak, Stretton Enterprises, Inc., The Brown Dog Deli & Wine Bar, The Cottage Café, The Hooker Family, The Levy Family, The Spa @ The Mirror Lake Inn, The Tack Shelter, Time Warner Cable, Woodlea Farms, WPTZ News Channel 5 and Y-106.3
Admission to the Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows is $2.00 on weekdays and $5.00 on weekends. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free and discounts are offered to groups of 20 or more. Tickets are available at the gate. Show your Price Chopper AdvantEdge Card, and your admission fee is 50% off.
For more information, please call the Lake Placid Horse Show Association at (518) 523-9625 or visit www.lakeplacidhorseshow.com.
ENDS