Lexington, KY -
Eric L. Straus. (Photo courtesy Eric L. Straus)
Straus brings a wealth of talent and experience to the National Horse Show Board of Directors.
Straus is a recognized USEF judge, steward and FEI show jumping steward. Recently, at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Straus served as the FEI Honorary Chief Steward General for Reining and previously officiated at the World Equestrian Games in 2002 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and again in 2006 in Aachen Germany. He was Chief Judge for Modern Pentathlon at the 1996 Olympic Games and the 1987 Pan American Games.
Straus is a Trustee and Executive Committee member of the American Horse Council in Washington, D.C., and is Secretary and Executive Committee member of the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation. He also served as Executive Director of the United States Equestrian Federation in 1996-1997.
His business acumen is unquestioned as well, having served as Senior Vice President for The Clark Estates, Inc., New York, NY, whose clients include the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers' Museum, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and The Otesaga Hotel and Resort among other properties.
Straus joins the National Horse Show Association Board of Directors after recently leaving his post as the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington International Horse Show.
"I am honored to be asked to serve on the Board of the National Horse Show, which has been a significant part of equestrian sport in the United States for over a hundred years," Straus stated. "I hope that I can help build upon that tradition as we move forward and look to the next one hundred years."
"Eric Straus is a fabulous addition to the Board of Directors," said National Horse Show President Mason Phelps, Jr. "He brings with him so much great experience and knowledge of the industry. Eric will be a vital part of our efforts as The National Horse Show makes its debut in Lexington, Kentucky."
As far as filling the seat of the legendary equestrian Eugene R. Mische, Straus said, "I stand in awe of Gene's numerous contributions and accomplishments in horse sports, I will try my best to honor his legacy through my service on the Board."
The National Horse Show Association of America, Limited (NHSAA) announced recently its move to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The 128TH National Horse Show will host the prestigious ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals as well as a full slate of hunters and jumpers, including a major indoor grand prix event.
The 128th National Horse Show will be held November 2- 6, 2011, at the new Alltech Indoor Arena.
"The Kentucky Horse Park is honored to be the new site of the National Horse Show," said Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director John Nicholson. "I am personally elated and we are committed to do all that we can to make the show worthy of its grand history."
Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America's oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association's primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aide to many worthwhile charities.
For more information on the National Horse Show Association of America, Limited, please visit www.nhs.org.