Opening Weekend at the 2019 National Horse Show to feature Equitation Championships

Lexington, Ky. – Feb. 6, 2019 – Celebrating its 135th anniversary in 2018 with another stand-out event, the iconic National Horse Show attracted some of the finest talent in the hunter, jumper and equitation scenes and with it brought an expanded roster of classes, including the second annual Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship and the inaugural Taylor Harris Insurance Services NHS 3′ Adult Equitation Championships. With the immense success and popularity of these events, both classes will once again have a spot on the schedule in the 2019 prize list.

The Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services NHS 3’ Adult Equitation Championships will take place on the weekend of October 25-27, 2019, which will kick off the 2019 event. The KHJA NHS Equitation Championship will also return to opening weekend at the National Horse Show.

Dominic Gibbs and Limitless won the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship at the 2018 National Horse Show.

The Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship is similar to the historic ASPCA Maclay National Championship where fences are set at 3’6”, but the class allows younger, less experienced junior riders to gain valuable experience in the Alltech Arena and prepare for their future competing in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. This exciting new championship allows up-and-coming equitation riders to practice and learn at a renowned venue over challenging courses and a fence height at which they are most comfortable.

The National Horse Show is thrilled to have the Hamel Family Foundation on board as the generous sponsor and supporter of the NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship. Thanks to their valued support, the championship has grown to have qualifying criterion, with the addition of Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Medal classes held throughout the year at participating horse shows nationwide.

Riders interested in participating in the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” National Championship Class will have the opportunity to prepare using two different warm up classes and to compete on the flat and over fences in equitation classes split by age category.

Mr. Michael Taylor (far left) of Taylor Harris Insurance Services presents Hannah Brown and Dimacho with the 2018 Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship.

The Taylor Harris Insurance Services NHS 3′ Adult Equitation Championship also returns for opening weekend, allowing adult equitation riders to showcase their talents in the Alltech Arena. This final is open to riders over the age of 18 who have qualified by gaining points throughout the year and will allow exhibitors to compete in a national final amidst an atmosphere filled with history and tradition for which the National Horse Show is known. New in 2019, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services NHS 3′ Adult Medal qualifying classes will be offered at participating competitions where riders can gain valuable points to qualify for the championship.

For qualifying information, click here.

The equitation classes at the 2019 National Horse Show will undoubtedly be the ideal way to kick off another top-notch event and provide attendees of all ages with fun, valuable experience and intense competition. These new equitation championships give even more riders from across the country the chance to experience what has been and continues to be so special about the renowned National Horse Show.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.org.