Saratoga Springs, NY - Health, history and horses is what Saratoga Springs, NY, was built upon. The Skidmore College Saratoga Classic Horse Show (SCHS), June 14-19 and 21-26, 2011, not only highlights the early summer season in Saratoga but also gives visitors a chance to experience the magic of the oldest Thoroughbred race track in the country. The horses are stabled in the same stalls that such greats as Secretariat once occupied, and while horse show exhibitors are competing, this year’s Thoroughbred hopefuls have their morning gallop on the practice track.

Dating back originally to 1927, the show has escalated in stature and is now a USEF, “AA” top-level competition. Additionally, the two-week event is host to the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) series, a USHJA High Performance Hunter Derby, and a Rolex/USEF computer list Grand Prix. Most importantly, all proceeds from this show directly fund scholarship awards for students who otherwise would not have the resources needed to attend.

Skidmore’s tagline, “Creative Thought Matters,” has been forefront in the planning and organizing of the Saratoga Classic show. The goal is to ensure that exhibitors feel welcome, have an enjoyable time, and most importantly, know how much they are appreciated. With limited entries, a thoughtful time schedule, and a smaller venue participants are able to enjoy Saratoga Springs while horse showing. Last year the show implemented a random prize give-away program and it was very successful. It was based on the thought that “You don’t have to win in the ring to be winner at the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic.” Give-away prizes were donated from business such as SmartPak, Dover, Equifit, Essex Classics, Oughton, Ltd., Ralph Lauren and many more.

SCHS welcomes Patrick Rodes of Southbound Show Management, from Argyle, TX, as 2011 show manager. Rodes, a prominent judge and course designer manages approximately 20 USEF shows each year. He has worked such shows as the Pennsylvania National, Washington International, and the Winter Equestrian Festival, and was last year’s course designer for USHJA Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, KY. Please visit www.skidmore.edu/skidmoreclassic for more information including a prize list and entry blank.